The Gustavus men’s hockey team remains in first position in the MIAC after defeating division opponents Augsburg in back to back games last week. The Gusties won 6-2 at home last Friday, and 3-2 on Saturday in Minneapolis. The series sweep placed Gustavus two points ahead of Hamline in the MIAC standings with a division record of 6-1-1. The Pipers follow with a 5-0-1 division record.

The Gusties set a dominant tone in Friday’s game at home. The black and gold outshot the Auggies 17-3 in the first period, scoring with goals from Rory Dynan and Brad Wieck. The Gusties added to the lead with two more goals in the second period. Senior forward Eric Bigham, who recorded a four point night with two goals and two assists, got the first of the period followed shortly by Sophomore forward Ross Ring-Jarvi. Gustavus’ Senior captain and scoring leader David Martinson added another for a 5-0 lead.

The Auggies bounced back with two goals, but Gustavus responded with another goal from Bigham for a resounding 6-2 victory.

The rematch on Saturday in Minneapolis proved to be a tighter contest. The Gusties got up to a 3-0 lead and held off the late charging Auggies for a 3-2 win. Senior forwards Rory Dynan and Brad Wieck opened the scoring for Gustavus in the second period. Dynan’s goal on the power play was followed just over a minute later by Wieck. Senior forward Joe Welch made it a 3-0 game early in the third period, notching his fourth goal of the season. Augsburg’s Tyler Antony scored in the third period to close the margin, and a late short-handed goal from David Hines made it a one goal game. The Gusties held on for the win in a tight finish. Gustavus goalie Josh Swartout made 15 saves to hold on for his sixth conference win.

“The score was a lot tighter in the second game, but we really outplayed them in both games,” Sophomore forward Ross Ring-Jarvi said.

The Gusties will play a weekend series against St. John’s on Jan. 22 and 24, first at home and then at the Xcel Energy Center as part of the Minnesota Wild Skills Competition.

As the season continues with the Gusties in first place, the post season picture is shaping up. Last year’s squad made an impressive run, finishing second in the National competition.

“We’d like to win the MIAC, that’s our goal,” said Ring-Jarvi, “we’re on the right path.”