Staff Writer- Alayna Boe
Battling until the very end, and then some, the Gustavus Men’s hockey team fell to Saint John’s University in overtime on Saturday, Feb. 7th. This was a hard-fought game for both teams and was at a standstill for over a period. This game was a turning point for the Gusties and broke their win streak of 12 games.
The final score of this MIAC faceoff was 3-2 with the Johnnies taking the overtime win. Although they took the win, Saint John’s was outshot by Gustavus 41-33. This high shooting game made both goalies work between the pipes, and they had great performances. The third period of regulation saw 14 shots by the Gusties, but all attempts were unsuccessful, and the score stayed tied until the final buzzer.
Starting off in an equalizer of a period, the Johnnies scored within six minutes of the starting whistle, but the Gusties fired back and tied this game up 1-1 within a minute after. Junior Hunter Newhouse scored this definitive goal, which tallies his season to four goals. First-year Charlie Sandven and Sophomore Jack Wineman assisted in the goal, making this a team effort.
Within the first period, Saint John’s got a power play due to a Gustavus tripping penalty, but no goal came from this man advantage. During two minutes of play, the Johnnies put up three shots on goal, but all were blocked by Junior goaltender Marko Belak. Belak had a total of 12 shots on him in this period of play.
After the first intermission, Gustavus was trailing 2-1 due to a late goal in the first period. This lead was not held onto by the Johnnies for very long, and Gustavus scored within seven minutes in the second period of play. First-year Ludvig Mellgren scored this tie-up goal, and Junior Drew Holt and Grant Ellings set him up, assisting this game-altering goal.
Finishing the second period off, there were no more goals, but Gustavus took five penalties for a total of 8:01 in penalty minutes. Saint John’s did not capitalize on these opportunities, so the game was still at a standstill. The energy was high for both teams going into the third and final period.
Ending regulation, the final period did not see a goal from either side. One penalty was taken by Saint John’s, but Gustavus did not take the puck to the netting. This MIAC matchup was brought to a regulation close at 2-2, and overtime was soon underway.
While the third period saw no action in the back of the net, it did see many attempts by the Golden Gusties. All of these shots were saved by the Saint John’s goaltender, and alas, the game ended in a tie. After one hour of play, both teams were tired but hungry for the next goal to win the game.
Overtime was short-lived for Saint John’s University, which scored within the first three minutes of this fourth period. This game ended 3-2 with the Johnnies reigning victorious and ending the Gusties 12-game winning streak. This streak was held on for 70 days by the Gusties, and they are going to bounce back from this devastating loss.
The last time Gustavus Adolphus College lost was in late November against Bowdoin College in Maine. Within this time, Gustavus has had one tie and a record of 12-0-1 before this late-night competition. Gustavus still stands before Saint John’s in the MIAC lineup, but is trailing Saint Mary’s by three points. This MIAC conference is close, and Gustavus is seeking to come out on top again.
Coming up next for the Gusties is a two-day, two-game series against the College of St. Scholastica Saints. This will be a close but fun weekend series and is pivotal for both teams. Championship season is soon approaching, and with the MIAC so close, every game counts.
At the end of this month and into the first week of March is the MIAC tournament, and Gustavus will try to see themselves in that championship game on March 7th. Last year, this team took home the 2-1 victory against St. Olaf College. The matchup this year is projected to be Saint Mary’s vs. Gustavus Adolphus, but only time will tell.