By Skylar Abrego
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team is back in action Friday after a weekend conference series against St. Olaf. The Gusties are home for both Friday and Saturday night matchups as they host Northland and UW-Superior at Don Roberts Ice Rink at 7:05 p.m. The Gusties enter 6-6-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the MIAC, while the Northland Lumberjacks come in at 4-11-1 overall, 1-7 in the WIAC, and the UW-Superior Yellowjackets are 12-2-1 overall and 5-2 in the WIAC.
The Series: Friday night is the first time the Lumberjacks will face off with the Gusties. After spending the last five years in the NCHA, Northland is now a member of the WIAC.
Saturday’s game marks the 16th all-time matchup between the Gusties and the Yellowjackets with UW-Superior holding an 11-4-1 advantage. The Gusties were able to break off their three-loss streak against the Yellowjackets by securing a 5-3 win at home in their 2018-19 matchup.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus enters the contest most recently coming off a 6-0 win and a 3-3 tie in its last series against St. Olaf. Through 13 games, the Gusties rank fourth in the MIAC with 2.92 goals per contest, while their 2.21 goals allowed are second. The Gusties are efficient on the power play, with a 22.2 percentage to lead the conference. Robbie Goor is the primary goalie for the Gusties, making 233 saves while allowing 18 goals in nine starts. Caleb Anderson leads the attack, scoring seven goals and dishing out seven assists for a team-best 14 points. Connor Clemons and Nick Klishko follow with 10 and nine points, respectively.
Scouting the Lumberjacks: Northland is coming out of an off week after a 4-1 conference loss against UW-River Falls on Jan. 4. Through 15 games the Lumberjacks score 2.27 goals per game which ranks sixth in the WIAC, while their 3.47 goals allowed rank fifth. On special teams the Lumberjacks are strong on the penalty kill, and lead the conference in short-handed goals. Kalib Ford leads the team in points with 15, while Roshen Jaswal has 14 points on two goals and 12 assists.
Scouting the Yellowjackets: UW-Superior is most recently coming off a 5-1 non-conference win against Concordia on Saturday. Through 15 games the Yellowjackets lead the WIAC with 38.87 shots per game and 4.27 goals per game with a 12-2-1 record. Chad Lopez leads the team in points with 16 from six goals and 10 assists, and Troy York with 15 points, six goals, and six assists.