SAINT PETER, Minn. – After a three-week break, the Gustavus men’s hockey team returns to the ice this weekend for a home series against Aurora. Friday’s game at Don Roberts Ice Rink begins at 7:05 p.m. and Saturday’s game starts at 3:05 p.m. The Gusties enter the series 4-6-1 overall while the Spartans are 7-4.
THE SERIES
This weekend’s series marks the third and fourth meetings between Gustavus and Aurora with the series tied 0-0-2. The Gusties and Spartans met last season on Dec. 29-30 in Geneva, Ill. and ended the series with two 3-3 overtime ties.
SCOUTING THE GUSTIES
Gustavus was last in action Dec. 7 against St. Scholastica where it lost 3-1 at Don Roberts Ice Rink, marking the first loss of the season at home. The Gusties are 2-2 in their last four games, dating back to Nov. 17. Through 11 games this year, the Gusties average 2.5 goals scored and allow 2.5 goals per game. They lead the MIAC in shots, averaging 36.2 per game. Special teams are another strength for the Black and Gold as it has killed off 90 percent of opponents’ power plays and has converted 21.1 percent of its own man advantages – both marks that rank second in the MIAC. Caleb Anderson leads the offense with 10 points on four goals and six assists. Evan Erickson is next in line with three goals and five assists for eight points. Chris Amsden has spent the most time in goal with a 3-3-1 record. He boasts a 2.53 goals against average and a .898 save percentage. Robbie Goor has made four starts with a 2.24 goals against average and a .924 save percentage.
SCOUTING THE SPARTANS
Aurora has also had the last three weeks off, most recently losing 4-0 to Lake Forest on Dec. 7, which ended a three-game winning streak. The Spartans average 3.5 goals scored and allow 3.0 per game. They also take 28.3 shots per game. On special teams, the Spartans convert 14.3 percent (8-56) on the man advantage and kill off opponents’ power plays at an 83.7 percent (41-49) rate. Jacob Holmers is the offensive leader with 14 points on seven goals and as many assists. Larry Jungwirth is next with 10 points on two goals and a team-best eight assists. Josh Boyko has started in all but one game in goal with a 6-4 record. He owns a 2.91 goals against average and a .890 save percentage.