Winona, Minn. – The last time the Gustavus men’s hockey team failed to find the back of the net it was fortunate that its opponent had the same problem. On Friday night against a surging Saint Mary’s team at the SMU Ice Arena, the Gusties weren’t so fortunate. Thanks to a fast start and a 32-save shutout effort by goaltender Phil Heinle, the Cardinals handed Gustavus a 3-0 loss to pick up their fifth straight victory. Gustavus drops to 5-7-6 overall and 2-3-4 in the MIAC, while Saint Mary’s improves to 8-6-1 overall and 3-2-2 in the MIAC.
Outshooting the Gusties 10-6 in the frame, the Cardinals jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period. The MIAC’s top-ranked power play went to work early, capitalizing on the game’s first penalty with a power play goal by Joey Van Antwerp at the 7:15 mark. Cole Pierce scored later at 10:46 to extend the lead to two goals – where the score remained until late in the third period.
The Gusties outshot the Cardinals 14-9 in the second period and 12-9 in the third, yet couldn’t find a way to beat Phil Heinle. Thanks to his performance, Heinle earns his first shutout of the year and improves to 6-5-2.
Gustavus’s John McLean (Jr., Eagan, Minn.) suffered the loss (2-3-1) after allowing three goals and making 25 saves.
Saint Mary’s brought the score to a final at the 13:51 mark of the third when Connor Langfield scored. For both Pierce and Langfield, it was their first goal of the season.
The Gusties finished with a 32-28 edge in shots, yet failed to convert on three power play opportunities. The Cardinals finished 1-for-2 on the power play.
The Gustavus men’s hockey team will look to avoid a sweep for the second straight Saturday when it plays host to Saint Mary’s on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Don Roberts Ice Rink.