The Gustavus men’s hockey team scored three times in the second period to build its lead to 4-2 and then held on for a 6-3 win over the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point on Saturday night in St. Peter. John Arundel totalled two goals and one assist and Steven Jensen tallied one goal and two assists to lead the Gusties. Gustavus improves to 8-6-1 overall on the season.
The Pointers jumped out to an early lead when Brett Beckfield scored an unassisted goal just two minutes into the contest. UW-Stevens Point held on to the lead for nearly 16 minutes before Steven Jensen scored the tying goal with just over a minute left on the clock (18:29). The two teams entered the locker room after the first period tied at 1-1.
In the second period, Gustavus would score twice in the first six minutes of play to take a 3-1 lead. The first goal was scored by Jon Keseley at the 2:27 mark and then Jon Arundel lit the lamp at the 6:17 mark to extend the Gustie lead to 3-1. Josh Calleja scored for the Pointers at the 8:45 mark to cut the lead to 3-2, however the Gusties struck right back as Joe Welch scored at the 12:20 pushing the lead back to two goals at 4-2 as the two squads headed for the locker rooms.
In the third period, UW-Stevens Points’ Pat Lee scored a shorthanded goal a the 13:17 mark to cut the lead to 4-3, but the Gusties rallied to score twice within :30 seconds with two minutes left in the game to secure the 6-3 victory.
Kevin Johnson picked up the win in the nets for Gustavus. Johnson, who improved to 8-3-0 on the season, recorded 18 saves in the match.
The Gusties will face St. Olaf for two key MIAC contests next Friday and Saturday night. Gustavus will host the Oles on Friday night at 8:00 pm and then the Gusties will travel to Northfield to face St. Olaf again at 8:00 pm.