Hockey | 2/8/2025 5:41:00 PM

Blaine, Minn. - The Golden Eagles and Wisconsin Badgers took the ice for their semifinal matchup, fighting for a spot in tomorrow's WCCHA Championship. Taking the net for the Golden Eagles was Adam Goody (So., G, Airdrie. Alberta) with a 7-4-0 record, a 2.91 goals against average, and a .903 save percentage. The Badgers went with Robert Gallun, who posted a record of 8-1-0, along with a 1.95 goals against average and a .929 save percentage. 

The first period was perfectly balanced, as expected. Each team finished with six shots, each team had one powerplay, and neither team found the back of the net. Goody was on fire early, saving multiple cross-crease feeds, and kept the Badgers at bay. On the other end, the Golden Eagles had their chances, but struggled to hit on a few passes and could not bury any goals. Early on, this game was going as expected and we would enter the middle 20 tied at zero.

The second period was no different, the two goalies stole the show yet again. Adam Goody was, without a doubt, the story of the second period. The Badgers ended the period with four separate powerplay's and each time, Goody shut down chance after chance. The Golden Eagles got a late surge, getting a few strong chances, but Gallun stood tall and kept it tied. Usually, 0-0 going into the final period is right where the Golden Eagles would want the opposition, and they would get a chance to see if that held true yet again. 

The Golden Eagles would not be so lucky today. Despite an unbelievable effort for the Golden Eagles, overcoming the 6-3 penalty deficit proved to be too much. The Badgers broke the ice nine minutes and 33 seconds into the third period, and that was all it took. The Golden Eagles had a few more great opportunities, but Gallun shut it down. The Golden Eagles fell 1-0, and would be headed for the third place game against the loser of the St. Thomas versus Minnesota game.

The Golden Eagles are set for puck drop against the Tommies or Gophers tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.