MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia Wisconsin men's hockey team celebrated its seven-member senior class on Saturday afternoon following a hard-fought battle against Gustavus Adolphus. The Golden Gusties claimed a 4-2 victory at the Ozaukee Ice Center to move to 2-0-0 on the season, while the Falcons moved to 0-2-0.
The Blue and White honored seven seniors following Saturday's contest, recognizing their dedication, leadership and contributions to the Concordia Wisconsin men's hockey program.
The Falcons celebrated Sawyer Wirsing (Arundel, Maine), Matthew Koepke (Vernon Hills, Ill.), Riley Klugerman (Aurora, Ontario), Mi-Kwan Tallman (Edmonton, Alberta), Alex Ochitwa (Prince George, British Columbia), Blake Hazelton (Lake Orion, Mich.) and Logan Kroyman (Deerfield Beach, Fla.).
The seven seniors were joined by family and friends on the ice following the game as the program celebrated their accomplishments and the lasting impact they have made on Concordia Wisconsin hockey.
The Golden Gusties opened the scoring at the 8:30 mark of the first period when Jackson McCarthy found the back of the net.
Gustavus extended its lead in the second period with three goals in a span of 1:18 to take a 4-0 advantage.
The Falcons refused to back down and responded with a strong finish to the second period.
Sophomore Pier-Olivier Allard (Quebec, Quebec) put the Blue and White on the scoreboard at the 16:05 mark of the second period with his first goal of the season. Sophomore Matt Green (Barrie, Ontario) collected the assist on the goal.
Concordia continued to apply pressure and capitalized on a power-play opportunity in the closing minutes of the period.
Sophomore Evan Breckles fired home a power-play goal at the 18:57 mark to cut the Gustavus lead to 4-2. Junior Connor Van Weelie (Mississauga, Ontario) and junior Jack Guvenal (Georgetown, Ontario) collected assists on the goal.
The Falcons carried the momentum into the third period and continued to battle for the comeback.
The Concordia defense kept the Golden Gusties off the scoreboard in the final 20 minutes, turning away all 12 shots Gustavus put on goal.
The Blue and White pulled their goaltender late in the third period to generate additional offensive opportunities, but the Golden Gusties held on for the victory.
Breckles led the Falcons with nine shots on goal, while Ochitwa and Tallman each recorded three shots.
Frank Murphy was strong in the opening period, stopping 21 of the 22 shots he faced. Murphy finished with 24 saves in the start.
Cameron Hrdlicka provided a spark in relief, recording 22 saves on 23 shots, including a perfect third period.
The Falcons finished with 24 shots on goal and held a 34-33 advantage in faceoffs. Concordia also converted one of its four power-play opportunities.
While the result did not go in favor of the Blue and White, Saturday's celebration provided a special moment for the seven seniors and their families as the program recognized their dedication and commitment to Concordia Wisconsin.
The Falcons return to action on Friday, Nov. 13, when they travel to St. Norbert to open NCHA play against the Green Knights.
