The Gustavus men’s hockey team exploded for four goals in the second period on its way to a convincing 6-1 win over St. Olaf in Northfield on Saturday night. The win allowed the Gusties to claim their first series sweep in conference play this season and improve to 6-4-0 overall and 4-2-0 in MIAC play. Eric Bigham led the Gustavus attack with two goals, while Josh Swartout made 12 saves and picked up the win in the nets.
St. Olaf opened the scoring on a goal by Ryan Hampson with a minute left in the first period. The Oles held their lead until the 3:33 mark of the second period when Brad Wieck lit the lamp for Gustavus to tie the score at 1-1. The Gusties would score three more times in period and led 4-1 through two periods. The three goals were recorded by Jay Fifield (7:08), Cody Mosbeck (15:14), and Eric Bigham (16:47). Gustavus controlled play in the second period out-shooting the Oles 10-4.
Gustavus scored two more times in the third period, while Josh Swartout kept the Oles off the board making the final score 6-1. Ben Ollila extended the Gustie lead to 5-1 with a goal eleven minutes into the period and then Eric Bigham tallied his second goal of the night to close out the scoring with two minutes left in the game.
The Gusties out-shot the Oles 30-13 in the game. Josh Swartout recorded the win in the nets for Gustavus as posted 12 saves and allowed one goal.
Gustavus will travel to St. Cloud to face Saint John’s in a non-conference contest on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7:05 pm.