Peterson explodes for six goals in victory

MEQUON, Wis. -- Connor Peterson had a hat trick by halftime and ended with a career-best six goals to vault Concordia Wisconsin to an easy 17-3 non-conference victory over Northland in the season-opener on Saturday afternoon at Fitting Field.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 17, Northland 3
Location: Fitting Field (Mequon, Wis.)
Records: Concordia Wisconsin 1-0, Northland 0-1

QUOTING CONNOR PETERSON


HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Falcons had three goals on the board before Peterson (Calgary, Alberta) go into the action. He added back-to-back goals to start the second quarter and had a hat trick with 11 minutes to play before halftime. The junior didn't stop there, as he scored three goals in a row to begin the second half and ended his day with six, which was double the output by Northland.
- Concordia Wisconsin led 4-1 after the opening quarter, 8-2 by halftime and 11-3 after 45 minutes of action. They also scored six unanswered goals in the final period of play.
- Junior Ryan LeFebvre (Chicago, Ill.) recorded a hat trick of his own, to go along with five ground balls. Freshman Jack Gromosky (Danville, Ind.) had a game-high eight ground balls, while senior Nathan Oekerman (Beaverton, Ore.) had a game-best four caused turnovers. Junior Alex Loding (Mundelein, Ill.) made nine saves in three quarters of work between the pipes.
- Senior Ben Gramarossa (Smithtown, N.Y.) controlled the faceoff circle with 18-of-21 wins. The Falcons held a 53-31 advantage in ground balls, forced 24 turnovers of which 18 were caused, and outshot the Lumberjacks 45-27.
- Concordia Wisconsin is now 6-3 all-time in home openers.
- Northland was led by three different players who found the back of the net.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
- Concordia Wisconsin travels to North Central (Ill.) for a February 22 non-conference game at 1 pm.