The Gustavus men’s hockey team bounced back from its disappointing 6-5 overtime loss to Bethel on Friday night in St. Peter with a 3-1 win on Saturday at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The Gusties jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead and then held on for the victory and a split in the series with the Royals. Eric Bigham, Patrick Dynan, and David Martinson scored for the Gusties. Josh Swartout picked up the win in the nets.
Eric Bigham got the Gusties off to a solid start as he scored at 6:47 of the first period with an assist from Brad Wieck. Patrick Dynan increased the lead to 2-0 at the 9:15 mark with an assist from David Martinson. Bethel cut the lead to 2-1 when Jake Calleja scored at the 15:53 mark. The Gusties took their 2-1 lead into the locker room after the first 20 minutes.
In the second period, David Martinson gave the Gusties some insurance with a goal at the 5:55 mark with assists from Matt Schugel and James Leathers.
Gustavus and Bethel would play the final 34 minutes of the game without scoring a goal. Josh Swartout turned in a strong performance for the Gusties as he recorded 20 saves and allowed one goal. Aaron Damjanovich suffered the loss in the nets for the Royals. He registered 41 saves and allowed three goals. Gustavus outshot Bethel 44-21 in the contest.
The Gusties were 0-8 on the power play including a five-minute major penalty as the Royals were whistled for 10 penalties for 23 minutes. Bethel was 1-for-5 on the power play. Gustavus was assessed seven penalties for 14 minutes.