BLAINE, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team erupted for a season-high six goals from six different skaters Friday in a 6-2 win over Bethel. The win moves the Gusties to 3-15-4 overall and 2-10-1 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, while the Royals fall to 2-18-2 overall and 1-10-2 in the league.
The Gusties wasted little time to light the lamp as Colin Hernon (Jr., Bloomington, Minn.) found the back of the net 25 seconds into the game. Six minutes later the Gusties took advantage of a power play as Joe Lindberg (Sr., Excelsior, Minn.) put his team up 2-0. And with 13 seconds remaining in the opening frame, Colton Schmidt (Fy., Eden Prairie, Minn.) gave the Black and Gold a 3-0 advantage heading into the first intermission with his first career goal.
Bethel ended the shutout at the 9:28 mark in the second, but the visitors had an answer less than a minute later as Nick Sheak (Jr., Woodbury, Minn.) tallied his first goal of the season. With just over a minute remaining in the second, the Royals scored their second goal on a power play and the Gusties led 4-2 at the second break.
At the 5:29 mark of the third, Seth Ensor (So., Sugar Land, Texas) gave the Gusties a 5-2 lead with his first goal of the season and less than a minute later Jake Bushey (Jr., Duluth, Minn.) scored his fourth goal on the year and the Gusties cruised to a four-goal victory. Twelve Gusties found their way onto the score sheet with either a goal or an assist. Ross Kovacs (Sr., Dickinson, N.D.) provided two assists, while Bushey and Hernon both tallied a goal and assist for a two-point night.
Erik Johnson (Sr., Sauk Rapids, Minn.) picked up his second career win against Bethel in three games after making 31 saves. Gustavus went 1-for-3 on the power play, while Bethel was 1-for-4. The Royals outshot the Gusties 33-26.
Gustavus and Bethel wrap up the series at 7:05 p.m. tomorrow at Don Roberts Ice Rink. All fans attending the game are encouraged to bring a new Teddy Bear or stuffed animal to participate in the inaugural “Teddy Bear Toss.” Read more here.