Falcons Finish Comeback Against Flyers

FOND DU LAC, Wis. - The CUW ACHA team faced some adversity on Friday night in the NCHL Conference Tournament's first round.  The first-seeded Falcons were pitted against the eighth-seeded Flyers in the quarterfinal matchup.

The Flyers struck first with a goal four minutes into the matchup.

Senior Lucas Kreuser (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) knotted things at one off an assist from fellow senior Rex Staudacher (Yorkville, Ill.) 10 minutes into the first period.

The Flyers took back the lead just over a minute later with a 2-1 lead into the second period.

The second period saw the Flyers record their third goal at the midway point to take the two-goal lead.

Little did the Flyers know that they wouldn't net another goal the entire matchup and see their season come to an end.

The Falcons headed into the final frame with a one-goal deficit after a goal from senior Sam Weiss (Glen Ellyn, Wis.) who was assisted by seniors Thomas Dyball (Papillion, Neb.) and Alex Way (Ottawa, Ont.).

The Falcons netted the next four goals of the matchup to claim the 6-3 victory and move on to the semifinals of the NCHL Tournament.

The first goal of the period was scored by sophomore Tommy Cassel (Grafton, Wis.) and was assisted by senior Jacob Palmerio (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.).  Junior Ian Malcolmson (Waukesha, Wis.) scored the game-winning goal just 22 seconds later with another assist going to Palmerio.  Senior Michael Fradette (Victoria, B.C.) snagged a pass from senior Trenton Sherman (Farmington, Minn.) for the fifth goal of the game.  Kreuser netted his second goal of the game off assists from Weiss and senior Lucas Hefty (Oregon, Wis.).

Senior Mack Willy (Tacoma, Wash.) came through with six total saves on the evening.

The Falcons will be back in action on Saturday when they face the winner of Aurora and Marquette.