Adam Smyth named MIAC Player-of-the-Week after scoring four goals on Saturday at Lawrence.
Gustavus Adolphus sophomore forward Adam Smyth (Burnsville, Minn.) has been named MIAC Men’s Hockey Athlete-of-the-Week for his play this weekend. Smyth had a breakout performance on Saturday night against Lawrence University, scoring four goals in Gustavus’ 5-3 victory over the Vikings. The Gusties extended their winning-streak to four games with back-to-back 5-3 wins over Concordia and Lawrence last weekend.
Smyth became the first Gustavus hockey player to score four goals in a game since David Martinson did so twice on Nov. 14 against St. Olaf (W 5-4) and Nov. 20 against Bethel (L 6-5 OT) in the 2009-10 season.
With the score tied 1-1 halfway through the second period, Smyth hit the back of the net on the power play at 12:46 to put Gustavus up 2-1. His first goal came from Andy Pearson and Zach May. The three Burnsville High School products would connect in the same fashion a short while later. Smyth then scored his second goal :59 seconds after his first tally to put Gustavus up 3-1 off an assist from Ryan Johnson. The sophomore put in his hat trick-completing score at 15:47 to extend Gustavus’ lead to 4-1. His third goal, which came just 3:01 after his first, turned out to be the game-winner and was assisted by Pearson and May.
Lawrence answered the Gustavus scoring surge with two goals in the third period to cut the lead to 4-3. Smyth put an end to any comeback hopes at the 18:21 mark with an empty-netter to bring the game to a final at 5-3.
Smyth tallied eight shots against Lawrence and finished the contest with a rating of +1. His two power play goals on Saturday added to Gustavus’ recent success on the man advantage. The Gusties are 6-for-16 and are connecting at a 37.5-percent rate on the power play their last three games.
The native of Burnsville, Minn. now has five goals (2nd/Team) and two assists for seven points on the year. His game-winning goal on Saturday was the first of his career.
Gustavus will put attempt to finish 2011 on a high-note Wednesday night against UW-River Falls. The Gusties will travel to River Falls, Wis. to take on the Falcons at 7:00 p.m.