Boben’s Five-Point Night Leads River Falls

Carl Boben led Wisconsin-River Falls with two goals and three assists in an 8-1 trouncing of visiting New England College in Game 1 of their NCAA quarterfinal series.

Falcons forward Shane Fukushima (27) tries to stuff the puck past New England’s Ryan Thomson while Chris Grotnes (25) moves him out of the way. (Photos by Erik W. L. Anderson)

The Falcons got off to a quick start, outshooting the Pilgrims 25-6 in the opening period, and scoring three first-period goals just over two minutes apart. Boben scored on a breakaway at 14:57, tipping in a rebound of Ryan Thomson’s initial save. Just 1:03 later, Tyler Sawchyn scored the eventual game-winner, and Joe Dustin followed with a slap shot goal at 17:07 for a 3-0 first-intermission lead.

River Falls scored twice in the second, at 7:36 by Even Stensrud, and by Matt Elsen at 9:49. After the fifth Falcons goal, Sumner Stetson relieved Thomson in goal for New England.

Ryan Enrico gave the Pilgrims their lone goal at 10:47 of the second.

Carl Boben (13) scores a short-handed goal in the third period for River Falls.

Boben notched his second goal of the night just 58 seconds into the third period, unassisted and shorthanded. Jamie Steinert and Jeff Bernard added goals in the final period for the Falcons.

River Falls goalie Jacque Vezina made 21 saves. Thomson stopped 26 shots, and Stetson made 20 saves for New England.

Both teams were 0-6 on the power play.

River Falls improves to 22-8-2 while the Pilgrims fall to 20-9. The teams meet again Saturday night at River Falls’ Hunt Arena, with a mini-game to follow if the Pilgrims win.