No. 6 Badgers shut down Air Force, 3-0
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.
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.