Teddy bears reach the ice as the Gusties celebrate their first goal. (Photo courtesy of Jake Noel, Gustavus Sports Information)
ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team earned its first shutout win of the season, defeating Bethel University 3-0 during the second annual Gustavus Hill Crew Teddy Bear Toss Benefit at Don Roberts Ice Rink Friday evening.
The Gusties, now 5-3-1 overall and 4-1 during Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Play, have evened their win total from all of last season.
Teddy bears went flying 10:38 into the first period, as a Caleb Anderson (Fy., Sioux Falls, S.D.) centering pass went off of a Bethel defender and snuck past the goaltender for the power play goal. Anderson’s fourth of the season and eventual game-winner was assisted by Colin Hernon (Sr., Bloomington, Minn.) and Mason Etter (Fy., Grafton, Wis.). The stuffed animals were donated to Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Goodwill.
Minutes later, the Black and Gold claimed a two-goal lead, capitalizing on a 2-1 opportunity as Reid Brown (So., Superior, Colo.) sent a pass on the tape of Evan Erickson (Jr., Woodbury, Minn.) for his fourth of the season.
The Gusties took their 2-0 goal lead into the intermission, holding a 15-10 advantage in shots on goal.
Despite Bethel coming with a strong push-back in the middle frame, Gustavus was able to extend its lead on another odd-man break as Colton Schmidt (So., Eden Prairie, Minn.) roofed a goal near the midway point of the period, busting Royal goaltender Joe Sheppard’s water bottle. Logan Norman (Fy., Luverne, Minn.) and Will LeNeave (Fy., Medina, Minn.) were credited with assists, LeNeave’s second of the game.
With under a minute remaining in the second period, Bethel was called for a five-minute major penalty, carrying over four minutes of power play time for the Gusties into the third period. Although the Gusties were scoreless during their second power play opportunity, it set the pace for the period as they outshot the Royals 15-4 in the final frame, finishing the game with a 38-27 shot advantage. Gustavus also turned away four Bethel power play chances.
Chris Amsden (Jr., St. Peter, Minn.) recorded 27 saves in goal, notching his third career shutout and improving his record to 3-2 on the season.
Gustavus looks for the series sweep over the Royals tomorrow evening in Blaine, Minn. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at Bethel Arena in the National Sports Center.