Joe Welch fights to get to the puck.
Eric Bigham and James Leathers are positioned for the rebound.
Mike Carr checks a Piper into the boards during the physical contest.
Patrick Dynan scored the eventual game-winning goal at 3:15 in the third period on a power play to give the Gustavus men’s hockey team an important 3-2 win over Hamline on Saturday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink. The Gusties grabbed a 2-0 lead after the first period, but the Pipers scored two goals in the second period as both teams were tied heading into the third period. Gustavus finished the regular season at 15-10-0 overall and 10-6-0 in the MIAC, while Hamline dropped to 14-10-1 overall and 9-7-0 in the league.
Eric Bigham scored the game’s first goal of the game at the 7:17 mark less than a minute into a power play from a Hamline hooking penalty. Joe Welch and Mitch Carlson were credited with assists on Bigham’s 12th goal of the season. The Gusties struck again at 9:59 when Rory Dynan got the puck past Hamline goaltender Beau Christian as Gustavus skated into the first intermission ahead 2-0.
The Pipers took advantage of Gustavus penalties in the second frame as they scored two power play goals to even the game at 2-2. Andrew Birkholz cut the deficit in half at 1:59 with his ninth goal of the season as Hamline had an extra attacker after the Gusties were whistled for tripping. Joe Long tied the contest midway through the period when he put a one-timer over Gustavus goaltender Matt Lopes’ right shoulder. Birkholz and Jared Hummel were given assists on the power play goal.
With the score tied 2-2 heading into the third period, the Gusties capitalized on a Hamline penalty when Pat Dynan put a rebound off of a David Martinson shot into the back of the net at 3:15. Both teams created odd-man rushes throughout the period, but neither team was able to tally another goal as Gustavus hung on for a 3-2 victory.
Matt Lopes stopped 21 shots for his eighth win of the season, while Beau Christian made 34 saves in the losing effort for the Pipers.
The win, coupled with a St. Thomas loss, gave the Gusties the No. 2 seed in the MIAC Playoffs. They will host the Tommies on Saturday, February 28 at 7:05 p.m. at Don Roberts Ice Rink.