The Gustavus men’s hockey team dropped a heartbreaking 4-3 decision to Saint John’s at Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter. The Johnnies scored the gamewinner at 7:23 of the third period, when sophomore forward Scott Bjorklund poked checked the puck off of the stick of Gustavus forward Joe Ulwelling in front of the Gustie net. The puck skipped past a surprised Dan Melde and into the Gustavus net. Gustavus falls to 6-6-1 overall and 3-1-0 in the MIAC, while Saint John’s improves to 7-3-1 overall and 1-1-0 in the MIAC.
The Johnnies came out fired up in the first period and jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first eight minutes of the game. Andy Johnson scored the first goal at 3:43 and Nick Levar tallied the second goal at 7:51. The Gusties cut the lead to 2-1 on a goal by Steve Dusich at 8:41. The Johnnies extended their lead to 3-1 on Andy Johnson’s second goal of the period at 16:29. Saint John’s outshot Gustavus 23-9 in the first period and led 3-1.
Gustavus came back to life in the second period and cut the lead to 3-2 on a goal by Joe Ulwelling at the 9:34 mark. Late in the second period, the Gusties tied the game at 3-3 when Steve Dusich tallied his second goal of the game at 17:29.
The third period was very evenly played with both teams having several strong scoring opportunities. Gustavus pulled its goaltender in the final of play and had one excellent scoring opportunity, but could not get the goal to send the game into overtime.
Saint John’s held a 39-26 shot advantage in the game. Gustavus netminder Dan Melde recorded 35 saves and suffered the loss. Johnnie goaltender Adam Hanna turned away 23 shots and was credited with the win.