Colton Schmidt looks for an open shot in the tie against UW-Stout. (photo by Roisen Granlund '17, Gustavus Sports Information)
ST. PETER, Minn. – Trailing by two goals with seven minutes remaining in the game, the Gustavus men’s hockey team started its comeback effort and was able to score twice in 62 seconds, eventually forcing an overtime with the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the extra period and the game ended in a 3-3 tie. The Gusties move to 1-8-4 overall, while the Blue Devils are now 7-7-1.
UW-Stout got the scoring going at the 3:21 mark of the first period on a loose puck in the crease. Nearly seven minutes later Alex Koopmeiners (Sr., St. Cloud, Minn.) carried the puck into the zone and around the net and scored on a wrap-around shot, his first of the season, to tie the game at the 11:15 mark. But with 1:23 remaining in the period, the Blue Devils went back ahead with a goal on a slap shot from the blue line.
The visitors took a 3-1 advantage at the 7:02 mark of the second period and carried a two-goal lead into the third period. The Gusties had an answer, though, as Colin Hernon (Jr., Bloomington, Minn.) fired a wrister from high in the slot to make it a one-goal game with 6:51 remaining in regulation. One minute later, Reid Brown (Fy., Superior, Colo.) scored his first collegiate goal to tie game.
Gustavus shot a season-high 48 shots in the game, compared to 30 by the Blue Devils. Erik Johnson (Sr., Sauk Rapids, Minn.) made 27 saves in the tie, moving his record to 1-5-2.
The Gusties wrap up non-conference play next weekend on the road, taking on UW-Superior and UW-River Falls.