DULUTH, Minn. - The Gustavus men's hockey team registered a season-high 50 shots on goal, but suffered a 4-2 setback at St. Scholastica on Friday night, dropping to 13-8-1 overall and 9-3-1 in the MIAC.
Despite out-shooting the Saints 18-10 in the first period, the Gusties trailed 2-0 after 20 minutes as the home team scored even-strength goals at the 4:35 and 15:53 marks.
Gustavus came out of the break with a quick response as
Jackson McCarthy held the zone on a loose puck and found
Drew Holt open in the slot, who connected for his seventh goal of the season just 14 seconds into the period. The Saints regained a two-goal lead after taking advantage of a failed clearing attempt from behind the Gustie net, scoring at the 14:21 mark. Less than two minutes later, the Saints went ahead 4-1 after a three-on-two breakaway goal.
The Gusties continued to pour on the shots in the second period, doubling up the Saints 34-17 on goal, but trailed 4-1 after 40 minutes.
Nearly eight minutes into the third period, the Gusties scored the first power play goal of the night as Holt connected with
Hunter Newhouse for a one-timer on the right circle. The goal was Newhouse's team-leading 12th of the season and second on the power play, but that was it for the Gusties in a 4-2 loss.
The Gusties out-shot the Saint 50-27.
Marko Belak suffered the loss after making 23 saves. The Gusties went 1-for-3 on the power play and killed off both man-advantages for the Saints.
Game two of the MIAC series is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Don Roberts Ice Rink.
