Van Sullivan goes up against Eddie Matsushima on a faceoff. (photo courtesy Rachel Gunderson, Gustavus Sports Information)
ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus College men’s hockey team was defeated 3-0 by No. 13 University of Wisconsin-River Falls Saturday at Don Roberts Ice Rink. The loss bumps the Gusties down to a 3-10-2 overall record, while the Falcons improve to 11-4-3 overall.
The Gusties fought hard in the first period, but it wasn’t enough as they allowed three Falcon goals in a span of 4:57. The first goal came from UW-River Falls’ Joe Drapluk at 12:57, tallying his third goal of the season. The second goal came during a Falcon power play, off the stick of Christian George, his fifth of the season, at the 15:49 mark. The last shot of the period was from Kyle Gattelaro as he scored his seventh goal of the season at 17:54, which put the Gusties down 3-0 to conclude first period.
During the second period Gustavus improved its defense, holding the Falcons scoreless during the frame, but the Gusties also went scoreless and the score remained 3-0 after 40 minutes of play. UW-River Falls had the advantage over the Black and Gold, as the Gusties totaled three shots on goal versus 11 from the Falcons throughout the period.
In the final period the Gusties were able to fight off a 5-on-3, but the game ended with a final score of 3-0, with Gustavus putting 18 shots on goal versus 30 from the Falcons in total. Chris Amsden (Fy., St. Peter, Minn.) gave up three goals in the first period, but settled down and held the Falcons scoreless for the remainder of the game. Amsden finished with 27 saves.
Gustavus is now finished with its non-conference schedule and returns to MIAC play next weekend for an away-home series against St. Olaf.