JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Mizzou hockey earned two wins over Iowa during a home series on homecoming weekend, bouncing back from consecutive losses to Illinois State and improving its season record to 6-2.

The Tigers won 2-1 on Friday night at the Washington Park Ice Arena and followed with an 8-7 victory in a high-scoring Sunday morning game. Both contests were decided late and highlighted by goaltending, special-teams play, and key contributions from captain Andrew Knapp.

Game One:

The opening game was defined by defense and physical play. Iowa came out hitting, slowing down Mizzou’s passing rhythm, while the Tigers found success winning puck battles. Both teams generated scoring chances, but the goalies controlled the first period, which ended 0-0.

Mizzou dominated possession in the second period, keeping Iowa pinned in its own zone at times. Despite a flurry of shots, Iowa’s goaltender continued to turn away opportunities, and the teams remained scoreless through 40 minutes.

Mizzou goalie Joey Christophel came up big early in the third while the Tigers were killing a penalty, stopping a puck that bounced dangerously in front of the net. Iowa broke through 46 minutes into the game, capitalizing on a rebound to take a 1-0 lead.

The Tigers answered just seconds later. Knapp, the team’s leader on the ice all night, set up Luke Watson on a 2-on-1 rush to tie the score 1-1.

Mizzou earned a two-man advantage with four minutes left, and Knapp delivered again, blasting a shot from the blue line on the 5-on-3 to put the Tigers ahead. Christophel preserved the lead with multiple saves in the final seconds.

Iowa’s goaltender faced heavy pressure, stopping 33 of 35 shots in the loss.

Game Two:

Sunday’s early-morning matchup was a slow start. Iowa scored just 11 seconds in on its first shot of the game, catching Mizzou flat-footed. Starting goalie Rico Struckhoff regrouped after the early setback, keeping Iowa from building momentum.

Mizzou tied the game later in the period when Knapp found Thomas Vodnansky alone in front of the net for a clean finish. The first period ended 1-1, with both teams exchanging penalties.

The second period quickly turned into a scoring barrage. Blake Houston scored on a breakaway after an Iowa turnover to make it 2-1 Mizzou, followed by a highlight-reel between-the-legs goal from Matthew Muenz for a 3-1 lead.

On the power play, Fred Bramstead’s shot produced a rebound that Cole Heffington buried, giving Mizzou a 4-2 lead. Iowa fought back, scoring a shorthanded goal and later capitalizing during 4-on-4 play in the final seconds of the period to tie the game at 4-4.

Closing Period:

Ethan Degroat restored the lead three minutes into the third with a wrist shot that went in off the post. Iowa tied it again on a 2-on-1 rush, but Knapp scored his second goal of the series on a one-timer to put Mizzou up 6-5.

Daniel Rudman extended the lead to 7-5 by cashing in on a rebound, but the Hawkeyes refused to go away. They scored twice in the final minutes to erase another two-goal deficit, tying the game at 7-7.

With less than two minutes remaining, Iowa took a cross-checking penalty. On the ensuing power play, Knapp fired a shot from the point that Rudman deflected past the goalie for the decisive goal. Iowa pulled its goalie in the final minute but was forced to return him to the crease after another penalty, allowing Mizzou to secure the 8-7 win.

Team Leaders

Knapp led the way for Mizzou throughout the series, recording two goals and three assists. Rudman scored twice in Sunday’s win, including the game-winner. Muenz’s highlight goal stood out in a balanced offensive performance.

Christophel and Struckhoff split the starts in net, with Christophel’s clutch saves in Friday’s opener key to setting the tone for the series.

The sweep improved Mizzou’s record to 6-2 and gave the Tigers momentum heading deeper into their early-season schedule. Mizzou will face Oklahoma State next weekend at home for another two-game series.