NCHL Champions!

CHICAGO, Ill. – The CUW ACHA team headed to Chicago on Friday night for a late-night matchup with DePaul.

With their 5-3 victory, the Falcons claimed their first NCHL regular-season title in program history.

The Blue and White opened the matchup with two straight goals to take the 2-0 lead. Junior Ian Malcolmson (Waukesha, Wis.) netted the first goal on the powerplay with assists from seniors Alex Way (Ottawa, Ont.) and Jacob Palmerio (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.). The second goal was sunk by junior John Swiatek (Rochester, N.Y.) with assists from senior Scott Gregor (Ashland, Wis.) and sophomore Garrett Wilderman (Waukesha, Wis.).

The Blue Demons netted their first goal of the matchup to close the first period. They also closed the second period with a goal to tie the matchup at two.

The teams headed into the final frame all knotted up.

The Blue Demons slotted the go-ahead goal just over a minute into the third period to take the 3-2 lead.

The Blue and White weren't going to go down without a fight. They netted the game-tying goal halfway through the third period on a five-on-three powerplay. The goal was scored by sophomore Tommy Cassel (Grafton, Wis.) and was assisted by senior Rex Staudacher (Yorkville, Il.) and Garrett Wilderman. Just 19 seconds later on the same powerplay, Staudacher netted the game-winning goal with assists from Gregor and Garrett Wilderman.

Senior Thomas Dyball (Papillion, Neb.) scored the final, insurance goal to finish off the Blue Demons.

Senior Mack Willy (Tacoma, Wash.) silenced the hecklers and finished with 35 saves on the night.

The Falcons look to complete the sweep on Saturday night inside the Ozaukee Ice Center where they remain perfect on the season.