SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team hosted Saint John’s Friday evening and fell to the Johnnies by a score of 4-1. With the loss the Gusties fall to 10-9-3 overall and 6-5-2 in the MIAC while Saint John’s moves to 9-8-5 overall and 6-3-4 in the conference.
Gustavus took control of the contest early with Logan Norman (Jr., Luverne) scoring two minutes into the first period off a centering pass from Brenden Payne (So., Plainfield, Ill.), with a second assist going to Jared Bromberg (Sr., Rochester). Both teams held up defensively the remainder of the period with Gustavus outshooting Saint John’s 7-6 as they held a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Johnnies were able to gain control and respond quickly with a goal in the first minute of the second period to tie it up at 1-1. They continued to carry momentum, as they took a lead they wouldn’t let go of just over nine minutes into the second frame. Gustavus would continue to get shots on net, but the Johnnie goaltender stood tall as he made 14 saves in the second period to take a 2-1 lead into the third.
Saint John’s was able to take a two-goal lead, scoring just three minutes into the third period. Despite the Gusties defensive efforts, Saint John’s would put the nail in the coffin with an empty net goal with time winding down to take home the 4-1 win.
Robbie Goor (Jr., Anoka) got the start in net, making seventeen saves and allowing 4 goals.
The two teams will play again tomorrow night in St. Cloud at 7 p.m.