Switzer scores in final minute, lifts Men's Hockey to thrilling win

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin Men's Hockey fans had to wait over a month to watch the Falcons skate again. The wait was well worth it, as in their first game back from a midseason break, CUW won a thriller over Lawrence University, 4-3. Freshman Jake Switzer scored with 20 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Falcons to the NCHA win.

THE BASICS
- Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 4, Lawrence 3
- Location: Ozaukee Ice Center – Mequon, Wisconsin
- Records: Concordia Wisconsin 8-4-1, 5-3-1 NCHA; Lawrence 4-7-1, 3-3-1 NCHA

SWITZER POSTGAME

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Trailing 2-1 heading into the final stanza the Falcons were finally able to solve Lawrence goaltender Evan Cline in the third period. CUW scored three times over the final 20 minutes, highlighted by the Switzer (Swansea, Ill.) game-winner. The goal was the first of Switzer's collegiate career and was assisted by senior Tanner Bull (Brooklin, Ontario) and freshman Jim Pearson.

- The Falcons scored the first two goals of the third period, building a 3-2 lead midway through the frame. Sophomore Jon Brumwell (Calgary, Alberta) tied the game at 2-2 just 6:14 into the third, with junior Anthony Pickering (Sylvan Lake, Alberta) and sophomore Taylor Gauld (Whitby, Ontario) assisting on the play. Exactly six minutes later it was freshman Josh Adkins (Victoria, British Columbia) who scored. Adkin's power play score was assisted by Switzer and sophomore Nicholas Erb (London, Ontario).

- The Falcons lead didn't last long as Lawrence scored 34 seconds later to tie the game at 3-3. Carson Knop tallied the Vikings only goal of the third period. CUW led for just a total of 54 seconds on Friday, but that would be all they needed.

- The first period saw both teams score once, Lawrence striking 8:04 into the period, while Pearson (Ashton, Ontario) scored his eighth goal of the season 8:05 later. Bull and freshman Dante Hahn (Victoria, British Columbia) tallied assists on the play.

- Sophomore Jack Romanuik (Melfort, Saskatchewan) picked up his seventh win of the season, tying a Falcons single-season record. Romanuik made 28 saves, while Cline stopped 37 shots for the Vikings.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Coming into the game both teams ranked in the top 15 nationally in penalty minutes per game. Both teams did a fine job staying out of the box Friday, as each committed three penalties for six minutes in the box. The Falcons finished the night with an edge on the power play, scoring on 1-of-3 chances compared to 0-of-3 for the Vikings.

UP NEXT
- CUW will visit Lawrence tomorrow night to conclude the two-game NCHA set. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.