Purdue University Northwest Defeats UW Oshkosh in Quarterfinal Thriller
Despite the early start, both Purdue University Northwest and UW Oshkosh hit the ice with energy and determination in the first quarterfinal matchup. UWO faced their first major challenge just two minutes in when a chaotic battle for the puck erupted in front of their net. PNW appeared on the verge of breaking the deadlock, but UWO's defense held strong. The score remained 0-0 until the first penalties were called at 14:11, resulting in matching roughing minors. The ensuing 4-on-4 action created some chances, but neither team could capitalize. As the opening period wound down, PNW was called for elbowing, giving UWO their first power play opportunity.
With the man advantage to start the second period, UWO struck first. Liam Golden collected the puck along the left boards and rifled a wrist shot from the point, finding the top-left corner just 58 seconds in. Their momentum was short-lived, however, as a crosschecking penalty sent UWO to the box less than a minute later. PNW wasted no time responding—following another frantic scramble in front of the net, the puck bounced out to Alex Moon (Wyandotte, Mich./Wyandotte), who lifted it into the top-right corner at 2:27 to tie the game. Only 18 seconds later, another UWO penalty put PNW back on the power play. This time, Nick LaFornara (Buffalo, N.Y.) fired a hard shot that rebounded straight to Moon, who one-timed it into the net at 4:06 to give PNW their first lead of the night.
The penalties continued to pile up, with PNW taking a crosschecking penalty at 6:45. However, UWO failed to convert, and just seven seconds after PNW returned to full strength, JT Verdino (Rutherford, N.J./) extended the lead to 3-1. UWO got a golden opportunity when a five-minute major for checking from behind was called on PNW. They took advantage at 15:04 when Lee Hedtke pounced on a loose puck in front of the net, cutting the deficit to 3-2. UWO pushed hard for an equalizer but couldn't break through before the power play expired.
The final period returned to the fast-paced, back-and-forth action that had defined the first. UWO ramped up the pressure in the closing moments, pulling their goaltender with 1:02 left. A faceoff outside the PNW zone led to a delay of game penalty against PNW, giving UWO a final chance with a 6-on-4 advantage. However, they failed to generate a shot on goal, and PNW held on for a 3-2 victory, punching their ticket to the semifinals.
