The Gustavus men’s hockey team traveled to Northfield to play St. Olaf College in the first round of the MIAC Post-Season Tournament on Tuesday night. The Gusties jumped out to an early two-goal lead, but were unable to hang on as the Oles would score three unanswered goals to advance to the semifinal game of the conference playoffs.
Gustavus got on the scoreboard quick with an unassisted goal from sophomore Jon Keseley at 1:36 of the first period. Senior Joe Ulwelling gave the Gusties a two-goal advantage with a goal at 11:51 of the opening period. Seniors Reegan Rehm and Jason Watters assisted on the goal.
St. Olaf cut Gustavus’ lead in half with a power play goal from freshman John Paulson at 13:38 of the second period. Senior Pat Gilles and sophomore John Egge assisted on the goal. The Oles equalized with a goal at 12:18 of the third period from junior Joel Ihrie. Freshman Mike MacMillan scored the gamewinner for St. Olaf at 13:47, to send the Oles through to the next round of the MIAC Playoffs.
Goaltender Dan Kehler made 25 saves to record the win in the nets for St. Olaf. Gustavus goaltender Erik Kraska turned away 36 shots and ended the season with an overall record of 8-3-1.
St. Olaf improves to 14-6-6 overall and will travel to St. Cloud on Thursday, March 3 to play top-seeded Saint John’s University. Gustavus ended the season with an overall record of 10-15-1.