Patrick Gazich skates around a Saint Mary's defender. (photo courtesy of Saint Mary's sports information)
WINONA, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team Saturday dropped a 4-3 decision at Saint Mary’s in non-conference action. The Gusties fall to 0-2 overall while the Cardinals improve to 1-0.
After a scoreless first period that saw the Gusties win the shot count 10-4, Saint Mary’s took the first lead with a goal at the 10:13 mark of the second period. Four minutes later, Tyler Ebner (Jr., La Crosse, Wis.) tallied his first goal of the season with the help of Nick Mueller (Fy., Buffalo). The Cardinals were able to regain the lead with 2:20 left in the frame and carried a 2-1 advantage into the second intermission.
The home team gained a 4-1 lead in the first 2:48 of the third period with back-to-back goals within 22 seconds of each other. The Gusties would not go down without a fight, though, as Logan Norman (Sr., Luverne) cut scored unassisted at the 16:08 mark. And with 1:19 left in regulation, Caleb Anderson (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) scored another unassisted goal to make it a one-goal game, but the home team fended off the late surge and was able to secure a 4-3 win.
Justin Damon (So., St. Michael) took the loss in net, allowing four goals with 12 saves. The Gusties outshot the Cardinals 35-16.
Gustavus is next in action 7 p.m. Friday, playing host to St. Thomas in a non-conference game.