Gustavus's Schyler Adams fights to control the puck with Bethel's Travis Payne bearing down on him. Photo courtesy of Matt Higgins - MIAC.
Blaine, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus men’s hockey team kicked off its 2013-14 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Bethel University on the opening day of the MIAC Showcase being held over the weekend at Fogerty Arena. Gustavus used a pair of second period goals by Gustav Bengtson (Sr., Stockholm, Sweden) and Tyler Lapic (Jr., New Prague, Minn.) to come up with the season-opening win.
Gustavus goaltender John McLean (So., Eagan, Minn.), who made his first start since suffering a season-ending injury last year on Nov. 16 against St. Thomas, picked up the win after turning away 20 of Bethel’s 21 shots. McLean was tested just once in the second period before making 11 saves in the third. Only Mitch Hughes was able to beat the sophomore netminder when Hughes scored the game’s final goal on the power play at the 5:47 mark of the third period.
After a scoreless first period, Gustav Bengtson broke the ice with a power play goal off a Corey Leivermann (Sr., North Mankato, Minn.) assist at the 8:50 mark. The goal was Bengtson’s first since scoring on the power play against St. Scholastica on Jan. 5 last season.
Less than two minutes after Bengtson’s goal, Tyler Lapic extended the Gustie lead to 2-0 when he hit the back of the net at the 10:20 point. Tyler was assisted by Darren Lapic (So., New Prague, Minn.) and Drew Aspinwall (Fr., Maple Grove, Minn.) on the play.
Gustavus peppered Bethel goalie Steven Bolton throughout the night, posting double-figure shots in each period for a total of 32 in the game. Bethel attempted a total of 21 shots, and Bolton suffered the loss in a 30-save effort.
The Gustie penalty kill showed up, holding Bethel to a 1-for-7 night on the power play. Gustavus went 1-for-4 on the man-advantage.
The Gustavus men’s hockey team will be back on the ice Sunday, Nov. 3 when it caps the MIAC Showcase with a 4:00 p.m. game against St. Thomas. The Gusties and Tommies will square off on the South Rink of Fogerty Arena.