Sam Blaisdell happens upon the puck in the clear in front of the goal. Photo courtesy of Sport Pix.
For the second consecutive game, the Gustavus men’s hockey team used a strong first and second period to propel them to a victory on Don Roberts Ice Rink. The Gusties scored two goals in the first period and three goals in the second on their way to a 6-2 win over Concordia University (Wis.) on Tuesday night. Gustav Bengtson notched two goals, while Adam Smyth added one goal and a pair of assists in the victory. The Gusties improve to 6-2-1 overall, as Concordia falls to 1-10-0.
“It was a nice win going into the break. We have been going hard for about a month and a half now and I think our guys need a little time off,” said Head Coach Brett Petersen.
The Gusties came out firing to start the game, recording six shots in the first seven minutes before Gustav Bengtson hit the back of the net at the 7:16 mark of the period off assists from Adam Smyth and Ryan Johnson. Brian White extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal (his first of the season) in the 11th minute. Gustavus outshot Concordia 14-6 in the period and killed of two power plays.
The Gustavus bench celebrates following a goal. Photo courtesy of Sport Pix.
A goal by Andrew Peterson at the 4:29 mark was the first of three consecutive Gustavus goals within 1:13 of each other. Andrew Peterson recorded his first goal of the season at the 4:53 mark and Adam Smyth added a power play goal at the 5:42 mark, extending the lead to 5-0. Matt Schugel assisted on both Erickson’s and Smyth’s goals in the period. Concordia would add a power play of its own just before the period close at the 18:24 mark when Joseph Greg Douglas beat Tyler Venne with a one-timer from the right slot. Gustavus held the shot advantage in the second period 14-6 as well.
With a 5-1 lead heading into the third period, it looked as if the Gusties were headed for a repeat of Saturday night against Bethel. Russell Johnson cut the lead to 5-2 with a goal at the 1:16 mark, but Bengtson killed the Falcons’ spirits less than three minutes later with his second goal of the game, putting Gustavus up 6-2. The shots were even at 7-7 in the third period, as Gustavus played disciplined hockey, only committing one penalty with the big lead.
“I think it was mission accomplished from the standpoint that we got some young guys in that haven’t played a lot,” commented Coach Petersen. “We want to see many different line combinations in the first half of the year and it was good to see some guys get their first goal of the season.”
Tyler Venne got the complete game win between the pipes for the Gusties. He allowed two goals and recorded 17 saves. Venne remains unbeaten on the season with a 3-0-0 record. Michael Becker suffered the loss in nets, allowing five goals and making 15 saves in 25:42 minutes.”
Tyler Venne deflects the puck off his blocker. Photo courtesy of Sport Pix
Tyler Venne played well in net. He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities this year, but when he gets a chance he takes advantage of it.” said Peterson.
The Gusties recorded 35 shots to Concordia’s 19 in the game. Gustavus was 1-for-3 on the power play, while killing three of four Falcon power play chances. So far this season, Gustavus is 9-for-39 on special teams (.231), while allowing eight goals on 34 power play chances (.235).
“I just told out guys that with how much turnover we had from last year to this year, and with how many new players we have in the program, to be 6-2-1 at Thanksgiving break is a deal I would have taken in early October when we started,” said Coach Petersen. “We are certainly not content, but at the same time it is exciting for us.”
The Gusties will be off next weekend before taking on St. Thomas on Friday, Dec. 3 in St. Peter, Minn. and Saturday, Dec. 4 in St. Paul. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. for both contests.
Would love to come and visit and attend a hockey game. How would we get a ticket to a game?
For admission, you can simply pay when you arrive at the entrance to the ice arena in Lund Center. Their next home game is this Friday (Dec. 3) vs. St. Thomas, and games against the Tommies are always a blast!