ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team struck first Thursday night against Saint John’s for a 1-0 lead in the second period, but three unanswered goals resulted in a 3-1 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference loss. The Gusties drop to 1-7-1 overall and 0-5 in the MIAC, while the Johnnies improve to 6-4-1 overall and 3-2-0 in the league.
Russell Barone (Fy. Mohena, Ill.) gave the Gusties a 1-0 lead at the 7:38 mark of the second period – his second goal of the season – assisted by Joe Lindberg (Sr., Excelsior, Minn.) and Jake Bushey (Jr., Duluth, Minn.). The Johnnies netted the equalizer with 4:13 remaining in the second frame and the score read 1-1 at the second intermission.
The home team scored what proved to be the game-winner within the first minute of the third period on a power play and added an insurance goal nearly 10 minutes later to seal the victory.
Erik Johnson (Sr., Sauk Rapids, Minn.) took the loss between the pipes after making 35 saves. Saint John’s held the advantage in the offensive zone, outshooting the Gusties 38-19.
The series finale is set for 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Don Robers Ice Rink.