STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team had a tough task Friday night in facing the No. 2 team in the nation and came out on the short end of a 5-1 final against the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. With the loss, the Gusties fall to 1-1-1 overall on the season.
The Pointers scored the first goal of the game at the 5:33 mark in the first period and then netted what proved to be the game winner at the 8:23 mark to take a 2-0 lead. With 1:40 remaining in the opening frame, the Gusties lit the lamp as Nick Sheak (So., Woodbury, Minn.) found Mike Fabie (So., St. Paul, Minn.) for a goal off a turnover. The goal by Fabie was the first of his career and the assist from Sheak was also the first of his career. The Gusties outshot the Pointers 8-7 in the first period and trailed 2-1 after 20 minutes of play.
UW-Stevens Point extended its lead to 3-1 late in the second period and then added two insurance goals in the third for the decisive win.
Gustavus had three power play opportunities and was unable to score with the man-advantage, but the Gustie penalty kill was perfect on the night as it stopped six power play opportunities by the Pointers. The Gusties were outshot 22-16 in the game and lost the faceoff battle 29-22.
Erik Johnson (Jr., Sauk Rapids, Minn.) suffered the loss in net in his second start of the season. Johnson made 17 saves after 60 minutes of play.
Gustavus continues its weekend tour through Wisconsin as it travels to Menomonie to take on UW-Stout at 7 p.m. Saturday.