The Gustavus men’s hockey team skated to a 3-3 tie in its 2011-12 season opener against Saint John’s on Friday night at Fogerty Ice Arena in Blaine, Minn. With a 3-1 lead heading into the third period, Saint John’s battled back to tie the game with a pair of late goals and send the game to overtime. Zach May hit the back of the net twice in the contest, while Andy Pearson added Gustavus’ other goal.
May got Gustavus’ season off to a fast start with the opening goal of the year at the 3:30 mark of the first period. May was assisted by Ross Ring-Jarvi on the goal.
Johnnie Justin Hoschsprung tied the game on the power play at the 11:51 mark of the first with goal off a Trent Johnson and Conor Rooney assist.
Gustavus used a pair of power play scores to take a two-goal lead in the second period. Rookie Andy Pearson scored the first goal of his collegiate career at 9:33 (2-1) on assists from Brian White and Tim LaBombard, and May added his second goal of the game at the 13:52 point (3-1) on dimes from LaBombard and Jack Walsh. The Gusties would finish the game 2-for-5 on the power play with four shots.
Saint John’s refused to lie down in the third period, scoring two even strength goals in the 13th and 17th minutes to tie the game at 3-3. Phil Johnson scored the Johnnies’ first goal of the frame and Michael Palmiscno notched the game-tying goal.
Gustavus goalie Tyler Venne went all 65 minutes, allowing three goals and making 19 saves, while Johnnie Tony Civello allowed three goals and made 29 saves in a complete game in nets.
Gustavus held the shots on goal advantage in the contest 32-to-22. Saint John’s finished 1-for-5 on the power play.
The Gustavus men’s hockey team will conclude the MIAC Showcase with a game against Concordia at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.