Lindenwood Men’s Hockey Team Faces Tough Loss Against Wisconsin
MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. – The Lindenwood men’s hockey team got off to a rough start this season, falling 7-2 to No. 20 Wisconsin on Saturday night. The game highlighted the importance of special teams, as Wisconsin scored four goals while on the power play.
In the first period, Wisconsin took control quickly. They scored three goals in just over five minutes, with two coming from Christian Fitzgerald on power plays. The Lions fought back in the second period, netting two goals of their own during power plays. Louis Philippe Fontaine scored, assisted by Ethan Elias and Charles Savoie.
Wisconsin’s Fitzgerald completed his hat trick shortly after, pushing their lead back to three. However, the Lions capitalized on a rare opportunity with a two-man advantage, as Giovanni Morneau scored, closing the gap to 4-2 by the end of the second period.
The challenges continued for Lindenwood in the third period. Wisconsin quickly scored again due to a power play. Simon Tassy added another goal for the Badgers, extending their lead. With just over a minute left, Wisconsin scored their seventh goal, taking advantage of a ninth penalty by Lindenwood during the game.
Looking ahead, the Lions will travel to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to face Lake Superior State University next weekend. Game one is set for Friday, October 10th, at 6:07 p.m. CT, followed by game two on Saturday at 5:07 p.m. CT.
The Bigger Picture: Trends in College Hockey
College hockey, much like professional leagues, often sees teams relying heavily on their special teams. A 2023 survey from the NCAA found that teams scoring on 20% or more of their power plays generally have better overall records.
Expert analysts stress the importance of special teams in gaining momentum. According to hockey analyst Sarah Thompson, “Special teams can shift the game’s energy. If you can capitalize while a player is in the penalty box, it can change everything.”
Social media reactions have been mixed following the game, with fans expressing both disappointment and hope for improvement. The Lions are young, and many believe that with time, they can develop into a competitive squad.
As they prepare for their next match, the team will look to refine their strategies and adjust their special teams play. History shows that early-season losses can strengthen a team’s resolve, as seen in many successful programs.
With focused training and dedication, the Lindenwood Lions will be aiming to bounce back and show their potential in the upcoming games.
