Quick start propels Men's Hockey past Lawrence for first victory

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin chalked up its first win of the season in front a full house at the Ozaukee Ice Center Friday night, taking down Midwest College Hockey Assocation foe Lawrence University, 3-2, in the first game of a home-and-home series between the two programs.

The Vikings (0-1-0, 0-1-0 MCHA) had the pressure placed on them within the first 25 seconds of the initial stanza as freshman forward Devin Stuermer (Milwaukee, Wis.) tailed his second goal of the season. As the period went on, the style of play continued at an aggressive pace when junior forward Huck Saunders tied the game at one goal apiece at 7:35 in to the first frame.

As the game progressed in to the second period, two costly tripping penalties within 45 seconds of each other by the Falcons gave a massive advantage to the Vikings on the power play. LU was unable to capitalize on the five-on-three advantage. Freshman forward Kevin Michelcavage (Sterling Heights, Mich.) broke the tie to give the Falcons a lead 2-1 and they never trailed for the remainder of the game.

It was a game of "firsts" for a few members of the Falcons (1-3-0, 1-2-0 MCHA) men's hockey team this evening as head coach Jasen Wise recorded his first career win of his CUW career, while freshman forwards Travis Payne (Gaylord, Mich.) and Michelcavage notched their first career goals. This also marks the first regular and conference victory of the young season.

The Falcons will travel to Appleton, Wis., tomorrow for a rematch against the Vikings for game two of the home-and-home series. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Appleton Family Ice Center.