SUPERIOR, WI – In a contest defined by a frenetic second-period scoring surge and a standout individual performance, the Beloit College Buccaneers (2-11-1, 1-6-0 WIAC) displayed immense grit this evening, ultimately falling 3–2 to the UW-Superior Yellowjackets (9-5-1, 4-3-0 WIAC) at the Siinto S. Wessman Arena.
After a quiet first period that saw the Yellowjackets take a 1–0 lead via a Kade Shea goal, Beloit returned to the ice for the second frame with a completely different energy. The Buccaneers orchestrated a massive momentum shift that stunned the home crowd of 306.
At the 2:30 mark of the second period, Max Von Klinggraeff (Edina, MN) found the back of the net for his first goal of the season, assisted by Nik Johnson (Minneapolis, MN) and Trey Taylor (Abbotsford, BC), to knot the game at 1–1.
The Buccaneers weren't finished. Just 46 seconds later, while on the power play, Beloit's special teams unit executed to perfection. Von Klinggraeff struck again, burying his second goal of the night off crisp passes from Landon Adams (St. Paul, MN) and Kaden Milles (Fairbanks, AK). Within a minute, Beloit had transformed a deficit into a 2–1 lead, silencing the arena and shifting all the momentum to the visitors' bench.
UW-Superior managed to claw back, answering with two goals later in the second period to reclaim a 3–2 lead. However, Beloit refused to let the game slip away.
Goaltender Andrew Yocum (St. Louis, MO) was the backbone of the Buccaneers' defense all night. Facing a relentless barrage of 32 shots, Yocum turned aside 29, including several acrobatic saves during UWS power plays. His performance ensured that Beloit remained within a single goal for the entirety of the third period.
The Buccaneers saved their most aggressive offensive pressure for the final frame, outshooting themselves from previous periods with 9 shots on target in the third. Beloit's discipline was on display as they successfully killed off a late-game penalty, and in a final act of desperation, pulled Yocum for an extra attacker in the closing minute.
Though the equalizer remained elusive, the Bucs' ability to win the special teams battle—finishing 1-for-4 on the power play while holding the Yellowjackets scoreless on four opportunities—highlights a significant area of growth for the program.
The Buccaneers have a quick turnaround as they head to Collegeville, Minnesota for a clash with Saint John's Univeristy tomorrow evening. Puck drop from the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center is set for 7 pm.
