No. 7 Blue Demons edge Warriors in series opener

By: Waldorf Sports Information Director

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The Waldorf University hockey team fell short in a 4-3 loss to DePaul University during Saturday’s series opener.

Junior Jeffrey Bartel, sophomore Ryan Veillet and freshman Tyler Wilson scored goals for the Warriors (4-3), who entered the game ranked No. 8 in the latest American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II Central Region poll. Bartel and Wilson each contributed an assist to record two points apiece.

The No. 7 Blue Demons (4-1) received goals from Mickey Di Pietro, Thomas Feldman, Nick Pietro and Joseph Jablonski. Feldman and Jablonski also had assists to turn in two points each.

Waldorf brought a strong attack to outshoot DePaul 47-19.

Junior goaltender Dustin Stevens recorded 15 saves for the Warriors while facing 19 shots. DePaul’s Nicholas Vittori closed out the night with 44 saves against 47 shots.

Di Pietro struck first for the Blue Demons, scoring just 47 seconds into the first period off an assist from Chad Yale.

Bartel delivered the equalizer in the 15th minute of the opening period, while Wilson provided the assist.

DePaul went back on top as Feldman connected for a goal in the eighth minute of the second period. Jablonski was credited with the assist.

Veillet knotted the score at 2-all, finding the back of the net in the 15th minute of the second period. Senior Artem Savelyev and junior Matthew Liggett turned in assists on the score.

The Blue Demons claimed a 3-2 lead following a goal from Pietro off an assist from Feldman during the 10th minute of the third period.

Wilson notched the equalizer with 30 seconds remaining in the final period. Bartel contributed the assist.

Jablonski lifted DePaul, netting the game-winning goal with just five seconds remaining in the contest.

Waldorf looks to even the series with the Blue Demons on Sunday when the two teams take the ice for a 2 p.m. matchup at Albert Lea City Arena.