Following an eight-hour bus ride to Hancock, located in the upper peninsula of Michigan, the Gustavus men’s hockey team fought through bus lag to claim a 3-2 win over Finlandia University on Friday night. Following the opening goal of the game by the Lions in the first period, Gustavus rattled off three unanswered goals in the first and second, holding on to the lead late to secure the victory. Zach May registered a goal and two assists, while Brad Wieck notched the game-winner in the second period.
With the victory, Gustavus improves to 8-3-1 overall and 5-1 in non-conference play. Finlandia falls to 1-8 on the season.
The Gusties outshot the Lions 33-to-19 in the game, and 12-to-4 in the first period. The two squads played a relatively penalty-free game, as Finlandia went 0-for-2 on the power play, while Gustavus was 0-for-1.
Josh Swartout got the win in net for the Gusties, allowing two goals and making 17 saves. He improves to 5-3-1 on the season.
Following the opening goal of the game by Finlandia’s Derek Rodgers at 6:20 of the first period, Ryan Johnson tied the score at 1-1 with a goal at the 11:20 mark. May gave the Gusties a 2-1 advantage by scoring in the final minute of the first period at the 19:05 mark.
Brad Wieck’s game-winner came at the 13:03 point of the second period, extending Gustavus’s lead (3-1). Wieck’s goal would be the only one of the period as the Gusties headed into the second intermission with a two-goal advantage.
Lion forward Cody Essel made it a one-goal game (3-2) just 1:38 into the third period. Swartout held strong for the remainder of the game, recording seven saves in the period for the win.
The Gustavus men’s hockey team will complete the weekend series with Finlandia tomorrow at 12:00 p.m (CDT).