The Gustavus men’s hockey team improved to 5-0-0 in MIAC play with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win against St. Mary’s in Winona on Friday night. Gustie senior Mike Hosfield (Sr., Golden Valley, Minn.) scored the game-winner just :47 seconds into the overtime. The two teams will play again on Saturday night in St. Peter at 7:05 pm.
Gustavus opened the scoring in the second period when Tim Ornell (Jr., Lino Lakes, Minn.) beat St. Mary’s goaltender Dan Smith with a wrist shot at the 10:33 mark. Assists were credited to Ben Olilla (Jr., Lino Lakes, Minn.) and Eric Bigham (Fy., Robbinsdale, Minn.).
St. Mary’s evened the score at 1-1 in the third period when Jesse Polk beat Gustie netminder Kevin Johnson (So., Montrose, Minn.) at the 2:10 mark.
The Cardinals were whistled for an interference penalty with :31 seconds left in regulation play. The Gusties were not able to convert in the final half minute of regulation play, however, Hosfield gave Gustavus its third straight overtime win when he picked up a loose puck at the top of the slot and rifled a shot over the blocker pad of the Cardinal goaltender.
Gustavus outshot St. Mary’s 46-27. Gustie goaltender Kevin Johnson, who picked up the win in the nets, recorded 26 saves.
The Gusties improved to 5-6-1 overall and 5-0-0 in the MIAC, while St. Mary’s falls to 3-6-1 overall and 1-3-1 in MIAC play.