Hockey | 2/8/2025 10:26:00 AM
Blaine, Minn. - The Golden Eagles hockey team is preparing for to play the #1 seeded Wisconsin Badgers in the WCCHA Semifinal for the second straight year. Last year, it was the Golden Eagles that came out on top in a 2-0 win. This year, the two teams have already met during the regular season, with the Golden Eagles winning one 5-2 and losing one 6-1.
The Golden Eagles are one win away from returning back to the WCCHA Championship for the second year in a row, but the focus is solely on Wisconsin in this battle today. This will be the fourth all-time meeting between these two programs, with all three previous matchups being played within the last year. The Golden Eagles average 2.67 goals for, allowing 2.67 goals against per game in this matchup. Despite the fact that both teams have earned high scoring wins over each other, each game between these two have felt like playoff games. The intensity when these two teams play is always high, with the physicality being the main contributor.
The Golden Eagle Player to Watch today is Tyler Lorenz (Fr., D, Shakopee, Minn.) who enters the game with eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points in 25 games. Lorenz has scored an unbelievable 19 points since December 6th. Lorenz has brought a spark to the blue line, constantly jumping in on the rush when the team transitions to offense, and is never out of position on defense. Lorenz has been one of the most consistent Golden Eagles, and the freshman's style of play will be key to a victory over the Badgers.
The Golden Eagles proved it again last night, and will look to do the same again today: if the game is close in the third period, the Golden Eagles have the ability to take over any third period. The Golden Eagles also played a nearly perfect game last night, dominating time of possession, outshooting their opponent by almost 40, and scoring five third period goals. Time of possession will once again be the name of the game today, as the two teams will hope to silence each other's offensive attacks. Last year's semifinal between these two teams did not see a goal scored until 9:03 left in the third, it would not be surprising if today's game was similar.
Puck drop is set for 2 p.m. today at the National Sports Center Super Rink in Blaine, Minn.
