The Kohl Center and everyone present were able to witness an epic faceoff between the Lindenwood Lions and the hosting #3 Wisconsin Badgers. In a contest that went the distance, through overtime and into a shootout, Lindenwood remained strong defensively as well as offensively.
"Amazing performance from my players," said Head Coach Rick Zombo, when asked about his team's efforts tonight.
The opening period was evenly matched between the two as both teams were able to score one goal each. Cruz Lucius scored first for the Badgers at 5:20 and was assisted by Mathieu De St. Phalle and Ben Dexheimer. Just over a minute later, Patrick Schmiedlin scored for the Lions at 6:57 on an outstanding pass from Austin Fraser and Mitch Allard.
During the second, Caige Sterzer found the back of the net, taking Lindenwood up 2-1 at 6:37, with Jack Anderson and Adam Conquest being credited with the assist.
In the final period of regulation, Wisconsin was able to score two goals to go up 3-2, however the Lions did not buckle. They worked as a cohesive unit and scored with seconds remaining in the contest. Owen Lindmark scored both goals for the Badgers in the third. The first came at 7:02 with the last coming at 13:52. Lindenwood's final goal was Coltan Wilkie at 14:55. Kabore Dunn and Conquest assisted him.
Trent Burnham recorded 51 saves in the 65:00 of play. In the other net, the Badgers' goalie tallied 21.
On record the game ended in a 3-3 tie; however, Wisconsin won the shootout 2-0.
The Lions will host Stonehill College on January 26th and 27th. Friday's contest will be at 7:10 pm and Saturday's puck drop will be at 2:10 pm.
