The Gustavus men’s hockey team continued its inconsistent play with a disappointing 5-2 loss against Saint Mary’s on Saturday night in Winona. The Cardinals jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the Gusties rallied to cut the lead to 4-2 after two periods. Saint Mary’s scored the only goal in the third period to claim the 5-2 win.
The Cardinals, who have been on an emotional roller coaster since learning of the sudden death of Saint Mary’s Rink Manager Tom Farren late yesterday afternoon, played inspired hockey in the opening period on Saturday night. The Cardinals outshot the Gusties 13-7 and scored three goals, two of which were power-play goals. Saint Mary’s took a 3-0 lead into the locker room after the first 20 minutes.
The Cardinals extended their lead to 4-0 when Sean Geiger scored at the 4:45 mark of the second period. The Gusties came to life with two goals in four minutes midway through the second period. Patrick Dynan scored an even strength goal at the 7:16 mark and then Ben Ollila scored at the 11:07 mark cutting the Cardinal lead to 4-2.
Saint Mary’s closed the door on the Gustavus comeback when Mike Glaesmer scored early in the third period making the score 5-2.
Josh Swartout was the losing goaltender for the Gusties. He recorded 32 saves.
Gustavus, which is now 4-4-0 overall and 2-2-0 in the MIAC, will host St. Olaf College on Friday night at 8:00 pm.