Falcons Sink Lakers in Weekend Opener

MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin ACHA hockey team extended its winning streak to six games with a 2-1 victory over Lake Superior State on Friday night at the Ozaukee Ice Center. The win improved the Falcons' record to 12-3-0 overall and 8-1-0 on home ice.

CUW wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, capitalizing on a power play just 2:14 into the game. Senior Rex Staudacher (Yorkville, Ill.) initiated the play, sliding the puck to sophomore Chuck Emme (Glenview, Ill.) at the left circle. Emme quickly found senior Andrew Malek (Milwaukee, Wis.) at the back post with a sharp pass, and Malek tapped it in for a 1-0 lead.

The rest of the first period was a defensive battle, with both teams unable to find the back of the net. The Falcons entered the first intermission with their slim one-goal advantage intact.

In the second period, CUW struck again. After receiving a long pass from Emme and taking advantage of a failed clearance by the Lakers' defense, Malek scored his second of the night, putting the Falcons up 2-0.

The Lakers fought back in the third period, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with a goal just 4:48 into the frame.

However, the Falcons' defense tightened up, preventing any further scoring even as the Lakers pulled their goalie for the extra attacker in the final minutes. CUW held firm, securing the 2-1 win.

Despite committing more penalties, the Falcons' penalty kill was stellar, as the Lakers failed to convert on all six of their power play opportunities.

CUW dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 42 draws compared to just 23 for Lake Superior State.

Individually, Malek was the standout with two goals, while Emme recorded a pair of assists and a team-high 12 shots on goal.

Junior goaltender Austin Bartell (New Berlin, Wis.) was outstanding between the pipes, stopping 33 shots for a .971 save percentage.

The Falcons will look to complete the sweep when they face Lake Superior State again tomorrow.