Men’s Hockey: UW-Stevens Point Wins WIAC Opener

UW-Stevens Point Defeats UW-River falls in WIAC Hockey Opener

The UW-Stevens Point Pointers secured a 4-1 victory over the UW-River Falls Falcons Friday evening in the 2025-26 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) hockey season opener. The win marks a strong start for UWSP as they look to defend their position within the competitive WIAC landscape.

Did you know? – The WIAC hockey conference includes several nationally-ranked programs, making each game a significant test for competing teams. UW-Stevens Point has a history of success within the conference.

Pointers Draw First Blood

UW-Stevens Point established an early lead, capitalizing on a goal from Cody Pisarczyk at 11:58 of the first period. The even-strength goal gave the Pointers a 1-0 advantage heading into the first intermission. The opening frame saw UWSP dictate the pace,ultimately translating into the game’s initial score.

Falcons Respond, But Pointers Regain Control

The second period witnessed a swift response from UW-River Falls. Keenan Ingram netted his team-leading eighth goal of the season at 6:41, tying the game 1-1 on the power play. The goal was assisted by Alex Atwill and Gavin Middendorf, showcasing the Falcons’ offensive capabilities. However, UW-Stevens Point quickly regained the lead with a late-period goal from Gabe Randel at 17:26, which ultimately proved to be the game-winner.

Pro tip: – Power play opportunities are crucial in hockey.Teams often practice specialized offensive formations to maximize their chances of scoring when a player is in the penalty box.

UWSP Seals the Victory in the Third

The Pointers extended their lead in the third period, demonstrating their dominance. Hunter O’Brien scored a power-play goal at 16:36, adding crucial insurance. With the Falcons pressing for a comeback, Joseph Manning sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 18:35, finalizing the score at 4-1.

Goaltending played a significant role in the outcome. Brennan Boynton recorded 32 saves for UW-River Falls, while Alex Proctor stopped 17 shots for UW-Stevens Point. UWSP controlled possession throughout the game, outshooting UWRF 36-19. The Pointers also capitalized on their special teams opportunities,converting on 1 of 3 power plays,while the Falcons went 1-for-3 with the man advantage.

Reader question: – What adjustments do you think UW-River Falls needs to make to improve their offensive output against strong defensive teams like UW-Stevens Point?

Looking Ahead for the Falcons

Despite the loss, the UW-River Falls falcons (4-3, 0-1 WIAC) will continue WIAC action tomorrow night at Hunt Arena. They will host their first-ever matchup against Beloit College, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. This game presents an immediate opportunity for the Falcons to rebound and secure their first conference win of the season.

Here’s a breakdown of the answers to your questions, integrated into the report:

* Why: UW-Stevens Point defeated UW-River Falls to open the WIAC hockey season, establishing an early lead in the conference standings.
* Who: The UW-Stevens Point Pointers defeated the UW-River Falls Falcons. Key players included Cody Pisarczyk, Gabe Randel, Hunter O’Brien, and Joseph Manning for UWSP, and Keenan Ingram for UWRF.
* What: The final score was 4-1 in favor of UW-Stevens Point. The Pointers took an early lead