MILWAUKEE – A perfect performance from goaltender Kyle McClellan helped the No. 6 Wisconsin men's hockey team shut down the Air Force Falcons 3-0 on Thursday Night at the Fiserv Forum to advance to the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off championship game.
Two goals from senior forward David Silye and a tally from sophomore forward Simon Tassy propelled Wisconsin (15-4-0, 8-2-0 Big Ten) to its sixth-straight win and third-straight Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off finals appearance. Senior goaltender Kyle McClellan also made an impact, stopping all 27 of Air Force's (8-10-1, 5-4-1-1 Atlantic Hockey) shots on goal for his fourth shutout of the season.
The Badgers got on the score board first 4:45 into the opening period. Sophomore defenseman Ben Dexheimer gained possession of the puck at Air Forces's blue line before skating to the bottom of the left circle and making a cross-ice pass to find Simon Tassy in the middle of the zone. Tassy then ripped home a one-touch shot to give Wisconsin the early lead.
The second period was quiet, with neither team finding the back of the net. The Badgers received three power plays but were unable to convert on any scoring chances.
One minute into the third period,
David Silye scored his first of the evening to extend Wisconsin's lead to two. Senior defenseman
Anthony Kehrer picked up the puck after a
Cruz Lucius crossbar at the top of the Falcon's left circle and passed behind him to find Silye in the center of the zone. Silye stick-handled the puck before sinking a swift shot past Air Force goaltender Guy Blessing to make it 2-0.
With five seconds left in the game, Silye lit the lamp again with an empty-net goal to seal the deal for the Badgers. Senior
Mathieu De St. Phalle and Lucius provided the help.
Notes to know:
-
Kyle McClellan recorded his nation-leading fourth shutout of the season
- This marks the second time the Badgers have had a win streak of six this season
- Tonight's contest lowered UW's national-leading scoring defense number to 1.63 opponent goals per game
- Senior forward
Carson Bantle skated in his 100th NCAA game (UW and Michigan Tech combined)
Straight From the Rink
Head Coach Mike Hastings
On the importance of playing in Milwaukee
"One thing [Chris McIntosh] has stated throughout our athletic department is that Milwaukee is really important to us because of the alumni and its proximity to Madison and all the people that support the Badgers. There's a lot of fans here in Milwaukee. For us to be able to come to the tournament and get off to a good start as far as being able to win our first game and play tomorrow night for a championship, I think it says a lot and it was nice to see the red and white in the building tonight. They made a difference in tonight's game.
On tomorrow's championship game
"We're in a unique spot. During the regular season you don't get many opportunities to play for a championship. We have that opportunity tomorrow as Northeastern does. We both want to go back into league play playing well and being successful. I don't think you always have to learn lessons when you lose a hockey game – you can learn them by winning. For us, this is an opportunity for all of a sudden to have a quick reset and to turn around and play a completely different team, which if we're fortunate enough at the end of the year to play in the tournament, this is something that we have to go through. Hopefully it's something we can learn from and try and take advantage of."
Senior goaltender Kyle McClellan
On returning to play after the holiday break
"I think when we show up to the rink every day, we have to be dialed, whether that's in the weight room, getting ready for practice on the ice or obviously today for the game. I think it starts by the time we get there and it's gotta carry on throughout the game."
On the impact of the Badger fans in the crowd
"It definitely helps. Having those guys out there rooting for us gives us more confidence throughout the game. It's awesome having them there and hopefully they show up tomorrow again."
Sophomore forward Simon Tassy
On scoring the first goal tonight
"I think as a team it helps take the pressure off when you score in the first, and [tonight it helped us with] getting back to what we're used to. As for the goal, Dexheimer made a pretty good play. He's so good offensively and defensively, and he showcased that on the goal."
Up Next: The Badgers will play in the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off championship game against Northeastern on Friday, Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The game will air on Bally Sports Wisconsin and is available to stream on B1G+. Audio play-by-play for both games can be found on 1310 WIBA in the Madison area, 97.3 The Game in Milwaukee, as well as on the Badgers app and The Varsity Network app. You can also follow along on X/Twitter and Instagram @BadgerMHockey.
Fans heading to the game are encouraged to stop by Good City Brewing from 5-7 p.m. for a pre-game fan event presented by UW Credit Union. The UW Alumni Band will make an appearance.
