MENOMONIE (October 30, 2009) – St. Norbert scored twice in the third period to give UW-Stout a 2-0 loss in the Blue Devils’ opener Friday at the Dunn County Ice Arena.

In a battle of two national heavyweights, the Green Knights’ Adam Hammerbeck scored with about 10 minutes left in the third period, on an assist by Scott Pulak.

St. Norbert got an empty net goal with seven second left by Shane Wheeler to clinch the game.

The game was tight throughout the evening. The Knights put 15 shots on net in the first period, then 11 in the second period. Stout put seven shots on in the first period and nine in the second.

Blue Devil starter Nick Hopper (Fr, Culver City, Calif) went down with an injury late in the second period, and gave way to Tom Lescovich (Fr, Clifton Park, NY). Lescovich got a rude intro immediately into the game, but turned back both shots in the second.

Hammerbeck put the eventual game winning goal when he got Lescovich stretched out and put the puck through the five hole.

Hopper finished the night with 24 saves and Lescovich had 14 saves. The Knights’ BJ O’Brien had 21 saves.

The two teams will meet again Saturday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. at the Dunn County Ice Arena.  (Courtesy of Sports Information Department)

Injuries

• Nick Hopper – Groin
• Bobby Kuehl – Lower-body injury
• Jared Britton – Seperated Shoulder

Adam Hammerbeck’s goal in the third period.