NORTHFIELD, MINN. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period en route to defeating St. Olaf College 3-1 to earn the first win of the season during the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener Friday evening.
Near the midway point of the first period, Colton Schmidt (So., Eden Prairie, Minn.) put the Gusties on the board first, breaking through the Ole defenders while receiving a pass from Evan Erickson (Jr., Woodbury, Minn.) and burying his second goal of the season.
The Gustavus first-years continued to make a difference after solid contribution during the season-opening weekend at the MIAC Showcase last weekend. Dominic Picciano (Fy., Minnetonka, Minn.) followed Schmidt’s goal with under two minutes remaining in the first period after collecting a loose puck through the neutral zone and making a move around the defender to finish his first collegiate goal, which stood as the eventual game-winner.
The two teams went scoreless in the second period with the Gusties still holding the momentum, out-shooting St. Olaf 21-17 heading into the final frame.
Under five minutes into the third period, another Gustie scored his first goal in Black and Gold. Logan Haskins (Fy., Rochester, Minn.) redirected a Axel Hallin (So., Hovas, Sweden) shot to give Gustavus a three-goal cushion.
With their goalie pulled, the Oles scored with under one minute remaining to negate the shutout for Chris Amsden (Jr., St. Peter, Minn.) and the Gusties. However, Gustavus held on for the win to improve its overall record to 1-1-1 and 1-0 MIAC on the season.
Tomorrow evening, the Gusties host St. Olaf for the 2017-18 home opener, featuring the 25th and 50th anniversary celebrations for the 1967-68 and 1992-93 MIAC Championship Gustavus men’s hockey teams. Puck drop it set for 7:05 p.m. at Don Roberts Ice Rink.