Freshman defender Megan Juricko’s power-play goal contributed to the Tommies’ 2-2 tie against the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds Tuesday at Saint Thomas Ice Arena, in Mendota Heights, Minn.
Juricko’s goal was the second of the Tommie (4-4-1) offense and marked her first goal playing for St. Thomas. Juricko transferred to St. Thomas at the semester break after skating for Wisconsin-River Falls last semester. Her goal was crucial, as the Tommies converted on the only chance on the power play.
Juricko said her first Tommie goal was exciting.
“It was a really good play from the other forwards and the whole power play,” Juricko said. “It was cool because it was a close game, too.”
The Blugolds (6-6-1) are now 2-2-1 against MIAC opponents already this season.
Coach Tom Palkowski said it was a challenge returning to the ice after the long holiday break spanning four weeks.
“It’s always difficult the first game back,” Palkowski said. “You’re going to have some jitters, (and) legs probably aren’t going to be quite where you’d like them to be.”
In the first period, the Tommies showcased an opportunistic style of play, controlling the puck for a strong portion of the period. Forward Christina Rozeske scored off a rebound, driving the puck over Blugold goalie Mara Stormer. At the 17:37 of the first period, Rozeske’s goal put the Tommies in front heading into the second period. Defenseman Nuala Flood and forward Rachel Friberg assisted the Tommies’ first score.
Rozeske said it “felt great” to score early on in the game.
“It was nice to get one right away in the first period and sort of get things rolling again for the second half of the season,” Rozeske said.
Goalie Alise Riedel proved to be stalwart in goal for St. Thomas, stopping 23-of-25 Blugold shots on goal. The Tommies had 32 shots on goal.
The St. Thomas lead disappeared as Blugold forward Dani Kerr scored eight seconds into the second period, evening the score at 1-1.
The Tommies pressed forward throughout the second period and created numerous opportunities on net. Despite the intensity brought out through offensive efforts, the Tommies were short-handed with a minute remaining in the second period after committing their first and only penalty of the contest.
Rozeske said the team has things to improve on for their next game but is performing strong.
“So far we’ve been doing well on our forecheck, really cycling it down low and trying to get opportunities to the net,” Rozeske said. “We need to get back to basics in our d-zone.”
The Tommies brought back their drive in the third period. Despite Rozeske being in the penalty box, the penalty kill proved successful. At 7:55 into the period, Riedel made a crucial save in net to keep the game tied.
Juricko then slotted home for the Tommies, giving them a 2-1 lead heading into the last 10 minutes.
The Blugolds kept peppering Riedel and the junior goaltender made many saves to keep St. Thomas in front. However, Blugold forward Sam Knutson created a Tommie turnover in the neutral zone and strode her way in on net, putting the puck past Riedel with 4:46 left in the game.
Palkowski said the team failed to take advantage during its two leads.
“We had plenty of chances to finish it, and we didn’t do it,” Palkowski said. “We made a couple of mistakes and (the Blugolds) cashed in.”
After an aggressive overtime period, the Tommies settled for a 2-2 tie. Tonight’s non-conference game was the first in a back-to-back series for the Tommies. The team travels to UW-Stevens Point tomorrow.
Palkowski said the team has a few areas to clean up before heading back into the MIAC schedule Jan. 18 against St. Mary’s.
“I think we’ll be ready to go, they’re anxious to get back into games,” Palkowski said. “We’ll get one last look tomorrow and then back into conference where we need to make up some ground.
Sean Crotty can be reached at crot0230@stthomas.edu.