RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The Northland College Men's Hockey team was defeated 7-3 by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play Thursday night in River Falls, Wis.
 
Nik Johnson had the opening shot for Northland and followed his attempt with another off the rebound. Dakota Meyer was key for the Jacks early on, making his first saves of the game. Northland had the first power play but was unable to capitalize on it. Nolan Christy opened the scoring on the following power play, with Ben Stewart earning the assist. In the final 20 seconds of the period, the Falcons tied the game, but just 10 seconds later, George Haigley put Northland back on top, ending the first period with a 2-1 lead.
 
Sam Holy had the first shot of the second period. Early in the frame, Northland was on the penalty kill for the first time, and UWRF took advantage of the extra skater to tie the game at two. The Falcons scored their third goal just past the six-minute mark to take their first lead. However, the lead was short-lived, as Logan Gallagher scored 28 seconds later to tie the game at three. UW-River Falls continued to send shots on goal and regained the lead with under 10 minutes remaining in the second period. In the final minute, UWRF scored again on the power play.
 
The Falcons continued their strong offensive play, scoring another goal before the Jacks registered their first shot of the third period. Northland had a chance soon after when they went on the power play. Gallagher and Evan Ilkos both had shots, but they were turned away. The LumberJacks continued to take shots but were unable to close the gap. On a major penalty, UWRF scored one final time to secure the 7-3 victory.
 
Higley scored his first collegiate goal for the Jacks, with Gallagher and Christy also finding the back of the net. Stewart, Gallagher, and Higley each recorded an assist, while Brock Hart assisted on two goals. Stewart, Hart, and Ilkos led the team with three shots each. Ethan Rubin stopped a game-high five shots, while Meyer made 29 saves in goal.
 
The Jacks will conclude the regular season on Saturday at UW-River Falls with a 7 p.m. puck drop.
 
Northland College is an NCAA Division III institution located in Ashland, WI. The LumberJacks and LumberJills sponsor 14 varsity sports and compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.