Falcons Open National Tournament Against No. 13 Keene State

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. - The Concordia Wisconsin ACHA Hockey team began its national tournament run on Monday afternoon, taking on the No. 13 Keene State Owls. The contest marked the program's second consecutive appearance in the national tournament, having clinched its first berth in 2023.

The Falcons took control of the game early, securing the lone goal of the first period. Freshman Chuck Emme (Glenview, Ill.) raced through the offensive zone before feeding senior Trenton Sherman (Farmington, Minn.) on the other side of the goal crease, who put the puck into an empty net.

Junior Tommy Cassel (Grafton, Wis.) doubled the Concordia lead 7:02 into the second, finding his first goal of the tournament from the slot.

Kenny Corao notched Keene State's opening goal with just under two minutes remaining in the period, but the Falcons counteracted the score with two quick goals before the buzzer. Junior Garrett Wilderman (Waukesha, Wis.) cleaned up a rebound after an Emme breakaway just 24 seconds after the Owls' goal, and Cassel picked up his second of the game with just five seconds remaining in the frame.

The Owls battled back in the third period, recording an early pair of goals to trim the lead to one before finding the equalizer with a late power play tally.

Shane Mccaffrey granted Keene State the victory in overtime, scoring the game-winner on an odd-man rush.

Senior netminder Vincent Falcone (Elgin, Ill.) recorded 37 saves for the Falcons in the contest.

The Falcons will next battle the No. 12 Montana State Bobcats on March 11.