MENOMONIE, Wis. – In a high-intensity matchup at the Fanetti Community Center this evening, the Beloit College Buccaneers (4-16-1, 1-10-0 WIAC) displayed remarkable resilience and defensive toughness against a formidable UW-Stout (15-5-1, 1-10-0 WIAC) squad. While the Blue Devils ultimately secured a 4-1 victory, the Buccaneers stayed competitive throughout the night, fueled by a standout performance from their goaltender and a second-period surge that briefly silenced the home crowd.
After a challenging first period where Stout took an early 1-0 lead, the Buccaneers returned to the ice for the second frame with a completely different energy. The defining moment for Beloit came at the 9:23 mark of the second period.
Seizing an opportunity during even-strength play, forward Valerii Kneib (Dmitrov, Russia) found the back of the net for his eighth goal of the season. Scoring unassisted, Kneib's goal tied the game at 1-1 and shifted the momentum squarely in Beloit's favor. For the next several minutes, the Buccaneers played with visible confidence, tightening their defensive transitions and successfully killing off a Stout power play earlier in the period.
A major factor in keeping Beloit within striking distance was the work of goaltender Andrew Yocum (St. Louis, MO). Facing a relentless Blue Devils offense that fired 41 shots on target, Yocum was spectacular, racking up 37 saves.
Yocum's most impressive work came during the first and second periods, where he stopped 30 of the 33 shots he faced, often denying Stout on high-danger chances near the crease. His ability to weather a 15-shot barrage in the opening period allowed the Buccaneers to settle into the game and find their offensive rhythm in the middle frame.
While Stout regained the lead late in the second period, the Buccaneers refused to go quietly. Beloit's offensive intensity actually peaked in the third period, where they registered a game-high 14 shots on goal.
Forward Ben Stewart (Dayton, OH) was a constant threat, leading the team with six shots on goal, while Nolan Christy (Burnsville, MN) and Jack Baird (Riverside, CA) each added three shots of their own. Despite the pressure and a late power-play opportunity, Stout's Ryan Knight managed to hold firm, and an insurance goal by Stout's Evan Luxford at 12:05 of the third period finally put the game out of reach.
The Buccaneers are back in action at the Woodman's Center next weekend to host UW-Stevens Point. Puck drop on Friday is set for 7:30 pm. Game time on Saturday is set for 7 pm.
