The 10th ranked Gustavus men’s hockey team opened its 2009-10 season by splitting its two games at the MIAC Showcase which was played at the Bloomington Ice Gardens. The Gusties opened with a 4-3 win over Bethel University on Saturday night and then wrapped up the weekend with a 5-3 loss to Augsburg on Sunday afternoon.
On Saturday, the Gusties trailed 3-2 after two periods, but rallied to score twice in the third period to claim the 4-3 win. Patrick Dynan gave Gustavus a 1-0 with a goal just 58 seconds into the match. Ross Ring-Jarvi was credited with the assist. The Royals, however, rallied to score the next three goals. Gustavus cut the lead to 3-2 when Ross Ring-Jarvi scored a short-handed goal at the 17:41 mark of the second period. The Gusties came out fired up in the third period and tied the score at 3-3 when Brad Wieck scored a power play goal at the 2:41 mark. James Leathers scored what turned out to be the game-winner at the 13:43 mark. Josh Swartout recorded 13 saves and picked up the win in the nets.
On Sunday, the Gusties once again got off to a slow start and trailed 4-1 midway through the second period, however there would be no third period rally and the Gusties lost 5-3 to Augsburg. Patrick Dynan, David Martinson, and Dennis Webster scored for Gustavus. Dynan’s and Martinson’s goal were both shorthanded goals. The Gusties scored three shorthanded goals in their two weekend games. Jake Swansson suffered the loss in the nets for Gustavus. He allowed five goals and recorded 29 saves.
The Gusties will make a road trip to Wisconsin next weekend to face UW-River Falls on Friday night and UW-Eau Claire on Saturday night.