Playing its fourth straight game against an opponent ranked in the top 10 in the nation, the Forester men's hockey team skated to a 1-1 tie at #9 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Saturday night. Lake Forest junior goaltender Leo Podolsky made a career-high 43 saves in the contest.
Podolsky stopped 18 of 19 shots on goal in the opening period and all 15 he faced in the second as the Foresters were out-shot 34-19 during the first 40 minutes of play. The Blugolds had a slight 8-7 edge in shots on goal in the third period and both goalies made a pair of saves in the five-minute overtime period.
Podolsky's previous career-high for saves was 42 set last Saturday night in a 2-2 tie at St. Norbert College, the top-ranked team in the country. He is now 2-2-2 with a 1.99 goals against average and .944 save percentage on the year.
Forester senior forward Jordan Bruce gave the visitors the lead at the 13:07 mark of the first period. His first score of the season was assisted by fellow senoir forward Jason McAloon and junior defenseman Robert Weiner.
Eau Claire, however, tied the game at one at 16:46 and neither team was able to score again.
Lake Forest is now 2-3-2 and Eau Claire 3-2-1 this season.
The Foresters will resume Northern Collegiate Hockey Association play next weekend at Finlandia University. Friday night's game will begin at 7:15 (EST) and Saturday's contest will start at 4:00 p.m. (EST).