Hockey | 10/24/2025 10:06:00 PM

Brookings, S.D. - Golden Eagle hockey is on the road for the first time this season, and are now up to 5-0-0. In net for the Golden Eagles was Tyler Swanson (So., G, Moorhead, Minn.) who came into the game with a 2-0-0 record along with a 1.50 goals against and a .870 save percentage. In the opposing net was Trent Nelson who entered the game with a 1-1-0 record, a 4.50 goals against average, and a .870 save percentage.

The first period did not go the Golden Eagles way. After an early goal from Jack Sievert to give the Jackrabbits a 1-0 lead, the two goalies locked in for the final 12 minutes of the period. Swanson was sharp following the goal, making 13 saves on 14 shots. Nelson was strong in the first 20, saving all 18 shots he faced. The Golden Eagles were penalized once late in the opening period.

The second period went very similarly to the first period, but with the Golden Eagles being the beneficiary this time. Just four minutes in and the game was even at one. Braden Van de Kraats (So., F/D, Medicine Hat, Alberta) scored his fourth goal of the season. His goal was assisted by Mason Romfo (So., F, Langdon, N.D.) and Aidan McPhee (Sr., D, Brea, Calif.) and that was the only goal of the middle frame. Swanson stopped all 13 shots he faced, while Nelson saved 11 of the 12 put on him. 

The third period was the strongest for the Golden Eagles, as they took the lead just under seven minutes in, with Braden Van de Kraats scoring his second of the game. This goal was assisted by Anthony Foster (Jr., F, Warroad, Minn.) and Alexander Bailey (5th, D, Crosby, N.D.) and would stand as the game winning goal. Swanson continued to be a brick wall, stopping all 11 shots against. Nelson was great in the Jackrabbits net too, stopping 17 of the 18 shots he faced in the third. 

The goalies were the stars of the show tonight, with Nelson stopping 46 of 48 and Swanson saving 36 of 37 and securing the win. This is a big win for the Golden Eagles, who came into Brookings looking to remain perfect on the young season. They will look to move to 6-0-0 tomorrow, which would tie the best start in program history, which was a record set in the beginning of the 2022-23 season. 

Puck drop between the Golden Eagles and Jackrabbits is tomorrow morning back at the Jordan Arena in Brookings, South Dakota at 11 a.m.