The Gustavus men’s hockey team defeated Finlandia University 4-1 on Saturday afternoon in Hancock, Mich., completing the weekend sweep of the Lions and improving to 9-3-1 overall. The Gusties got out to a fast start, scoring three goals in the opening period and outshooting Finlandia 35-to-8 in the first and second periods. The Lions fall to 1-9 on the season.
Gustavus’s three-goal first period was sparked by a Mitch Carlson power play goal just :54 seconds into the game. Carlson and Shael Hechter now lead the team with three power play goals each on the season. It was the only power play goal of the game by the Gusties, as they went 1-for-6 on the afternoon.
Sam Blaisdell extended the lead to 2-0 at the 14:52 mark, and Gustav Bengtson put Gustavus up 3-0 with an unassisted goal with just nine seconds remaining in the frame. The goal was Blaisdell’s first of the season, while Bengtson leads the team with six.
Brian White put the Gusties up 4-0 at the 2:17 mark of the second period, scoring on assists from Adam Smyth and Sam Blaisdell. Smyth, who recorded the assist on the Blaisdell goal, finished with two points in the game.
Finlandia’s only goal of the game came short handed by Sean Burke at the 16:18 mark of third period. Gustavus goalie Tyler Venne delivered another strong complete game non-conference performance between the pipes. He made 15 saves and improved to 4-0-0 on the season.
Gustavus’s penalty kill had its most successful game of the season, shutting the Lions down for only two shots on seven power play opportunities. The Gusties outshot Finlandia 45-16 in the game.
The Gustavus men’s hockey team will return home and head into the Christmas break, returning to action on Jan. 7, for a non-conference game against St. Olaf at 7:05 in St. Peter, Minn.