Falcons Edge Eagles in First Pool Matchup

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – The CUW ACHA hockey team opened ACHA Division II National pool play with a matchup against the Eagles of Florida Gulf Coast.

The Eagles netted the first goal of the matchup in the 10th minute with a pass across the front of the net.

The Blue and White tied the contest at one with a goal from senior Lucas Kreuser (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) with an assist from senior Alex Way (Ottawa, Ont.).

The teams headed into the first break all knotted at one.

The Eagles opened the second period with a goal, but the Falcons answered with a fortunate rebound that found the stick of the National Player of the Year, junior Ian Malcolmson (Waukesha, Wis.). Malcolmson was assisted by senior Lucas Hefty (Oregon, Wis.).

Kreuser took the lead with his second goal of the game just under ten minutes into the second period. He was assisted by senior Rex Staudacher (Yorkville, Ill.).

Sophomore Tommy Cassel (Grafton, Wis.) recorded his first goal of the game with assists coming from senior Jacob Palmerio (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) and Malcolmson.

The Eagles responded just over one minute later with their third goal of the matchup after multiple rebounds out in front of the net.

The Falcons led the matchup 4-3 heading into the final frame.

The Eagles netted the first goal of the third period to tie the matchup at four.

Senior Sam Weiss (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) scored the go-ahead goal with the third period winding down. 

Weiss was assisted by Way and Kreuser.

Weiss' goal ended up being the game-winner with the Blue and White taking the 5-4 victory.

The Falcons will play Massachusetts Saturday evening in their second, pool b matchup.