[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000dJg009lz2_A” g_name=”20141121-Wisconsin-ColoradoCollege” f_show_caption=”t” f_show_slidenum=”t” img_title=”casc” pho_credit=”iptc” f_link=”t” f_bbar=”t” fsvis=”f” width=”500″ height=”375″ bgcolor=”#AAAAAA” bgtrans=”t” btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” crop=”f” trans=”xfade” tbs=”4000″ f_ap=”t” linkdest=”c” f_fullscreen=”f” f_constrain=”f” twoup=”f” f_topbar=”f” f_bbarbig=”” f_htmllinks=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”f” f_show_watermark=”f” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”f” f_up=”f” target=”_self” wmds=”llQ6QNgpeC.p1Ucz7U.f2JUun_TD3pV7UTTxcVqwI710HU82iho5JUmIDpo6lkPhqV59FQ–” ]
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — In front of 7,081 fans at World Arena, the Colorado College Tigers ended their seven-game losing streak and in the process extended Wisconsin’s season-opening streak to seven with a 5-2 victory.
The Tigers came out with a lot of jump in the first, and thoroughly outplayed Wisconsin, outshooting the Badgers 11-5 and generating better scoring chances. Ultimately, special teams ruled the period, as CC killed off both Wisconsin power-play chances while the Tigers converted when Aaron Harstad let loose with a slap shot from the blue line that beat a screened Landon Peterson at 11:47.
“We worked on it all week,” said Tigers coach Mike Haviland. “We talked about playing more on the offensive side, even in the D-zone and not giving up odd-man breaks. We did a good job I thought of when we did dump it, we put it in areas where we could get it back, and we did, and then their offensive skills took over. I think getting that first one on the power play gave them some confidence.”
The Tigers made it 2-0 at just 44 seconds of the second period when Luc Gerdes deflected a shot past a screened Peterson.
However, Wisconsin quickly struck back when Morgan Zulinick one-timed Adam Rockwood’s drop pass from the left circle top corner glove side past Chase Perry at 3:57. The Badgers then looked to have a golden chance to tie it midway through the period when they went on a power play, but a few turnovers in the neutral zone and offensive zone prevented them from generating any sustained pressure.
That proved costly a few minutes later when off a mad goalmouth scramble, Scott Wamsganz picked up a rebound, took it to his right and backhanded it in under the cross bar at 12:01.
“We had a really positive week this week,” said Haviland. “You win the special teams war and you win the game. I think our kill did a really good job, and that gives you momentum. It can suck it out of you, or you can get some, and we definitely got some when we scored a goal right after.”
A few minutes later, with a tired Wisconsin group on the ice after killing a penalty, Zach Aman picked up the puck inside the blue line and sent a pass over to Jarod Hanson in the left circle, and Hanson one-timed a slap shot top corner at 15:42 to break the game open.
“It feels great to finally get that one out of the way and score a few goals and put a team down,” said Hanson. “It was one of those things where he was stepping up and I just wanted to shoot it as hard as I could, and thankfully the puck made it there. Aman got slashed on the way when he was making the pass, so it was a slow pass across.”
Though CC opened with two wins against Alabama-Huntsville, Saturday’s game marked the first time this season that CC had a lead after two periods, as in both previous wins the team had been tied going into the third.
The Tigers added another goal in the third at 9:35 when Cody Bradley got a pass in close from Hunter Fejes on a two-on-one and beat Peterson with a quick wrist shot.
During a CC power play at 13:35, CC captain Peter Stoykewych was checked hard by a Wisconsin player in front of Wisconsin’s bench and lay on the ice for a few minutes before being helped to the Tigers’ bench. He did not return to the game.
“They’re evaluating him now,” said Haviland. “Pete doesn’t stay down that often; he’s a pretty tough kid. I’m hoping he’s OK and everything’s alright for tomorrow.”
Wisconsin got one last goal at 17:28 when Jason Ford beat Perry with a quick shot from the slot off a feed from Grant Besse.
“We still haven’t gotten over that hump,” said Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves. “I walk into that room and look around and I think they are looking around for someone else to get it done. There is nobody else.”
[youtube_sc url=http://youtu.be/KtSGFM7eL3Q width=500]
[youtube_sc url=http://youtu.be/B9TVrC06s7U width=500]
