Patrick Dynan works to control the puck on his knees in front of the St. Thomas net. (Photo: Ryan Coleman, d3sports)
Josh Swartout smothers a Tommie slapshot for one his 22 saves in the game. (Photo: Ryan Coleman, d3sports)
Mitch Carlson looks up the ice as he starts a Gustie rush.
The Gustavus men’s hockey team stayed in the hunt for the MIAC regular season title with a 3-0 win over St. Thomas at Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter on Saturday night. The Gusties led 1-0 after the first period and 3-0 after two periods. Senior captain Ben Ollila led the way for Gustavus with a goal and one assist. Gustavus is now 9-9-1 overall and 6-4-0 in the MIAC.
The Gusties took a 1-0 lead at 3:56 of the first period on a goal by David Martinson with assists from Patrick Dynan and Ben Ollila. St. Thomas outshot Gustavus 10-4 in the first 20 minutes, but the Gusties led 1-0.
The second period has been Gustavus’ strongest period all season long and tonight was no different as the Gusties extended their lead to 3-0 on goals by Jay Fifield (2:37) and Ben Ollila (8:06). Both goals were even strength goals. Fifield’s goal was assisted by Joe Welch and Eric Bigham and Ollila’s goal was assisted by David Martinson and Patrick Dynan. Gustavus has outscored its opponents 30-19 in the second period this season. Shots were even in the period with each team putting nine pucks on the net.
The Gusties energized by their 3-0 lead controlled the third period and handed St. Thomas its first shutout in 70 games dating back to a 5-0 loss in the NCAA Championship game to Middlebury on March 19, 2005.
Gustavus goaltender Josh Swartout played a big role in the shutout as he turned away 22 shots and recorded his second shutout of the season. Swartout is now 5-3-1 on the year with a 2.21 goals against average.
St. Thomas, which fell to 6-2-0 (12 points) in league play, dropped out of first place as both Hamline (6-1-1) and Bethel (6-3-1) won moving them into first place with 13 points. The Gusties (6-4-0) are tied for third place with the Tommies (6-2-0) with 12 points.