SAINT PETER, Minn. – The No. 14 nationally ranked Gustavus Adolphus College men's hockey team hosted the University of Dubuque Spartans on Friday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink for its 2026-27 home opener. The Gusties battled back from a two-goal deficit in the first period to tie the game in the second, but a third-period power-play goal proved to be the difference as Dubuque held on for a 3-2 victory. With the loss, Gustavus drops to 2-1 overall this season, while Dubuque improves to 3-0.
The Spartans wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, scoring just 1:07 into the opening period as Brayden Fryfogle found the back of the net to give Dubuque an early 1-0 lead. The Gusties looked to respond with several offensive opportunities, but were unable to capitalize on their first power play of the night. Dubuque doubled its advantage at the 9:01 mark when Joey Mugaas scored to make it 2-0. Gustavus continued to pressure the Spartans throughout the remainder of the period, but entered the first intermission trailing by two goals despite an even 9-9 split in shots on goal.
Gustavus came out strong in the second period and cut the deficit in half just 4:36 into the frame.
Kyle Doll scored his second goal of the season, assisted by
Ludvig Mellgren, to bring the Gusties within one at 2-1. The Gusties continued to build momentum and, after successfully killing off a Dubuque power play, evened the score just seven seconds after returning to full strength.
John Johannson scored his first goal of the season at the 7:07 mark, with Doll and
Emil Samuelsson credited with assists, tying the contest at 2-2.
The two teams battled through the remainder of the second period, with Gustavus looking to take its first lead of the night. The Gusties generated several scoring opportunities but were unable to break the deadlock, while goaltender
Beck Liden made nine saves in the frame to keep the Spartans off the scoreboard. Both teams entered the second intermission tied at 2-2, setting up a decisive final period.
Dubuque regained the lead early in the third period after Gustavus was called for tripping just 38 seconds into the frame. The Spartans capitalized on the man advantage as Tyler Dale scored a power-play goal at the 1:31 mark to put Dubuque ahead 3-2. Gustavus nearly responded immediately as
Sam Rice rang a shot off the post just 43 seconds later. The Gusties continued to push offensively, earning two power-play opportunities over the next 10 minutes, but were unable to find the equalizer.
Gustavus controlled much of the offensive pressure down the stretch, outshooting Dubuque 9-4 in the third period. With just under two minutes remaining, Gustavus called a timeout and pulled Liden for an extra attacker. Despite the late offensive push, the Spartans held off the Gusties to secure the 3-2 victory.
Doll led Gustavus offensively with a goal and an assist for two points, while Johannson added his first goal of the season. Rice led the Gusties with five shots on goal, while
Grant Ellings and Mellgren each added three. Gustavus finished with a 25-22 advantage in shots on goal and won 27 of 53 faceoffs, but went 0-for-5 on the power play. Liden made 19 saves for Gustavus in goal.
Up next for the Gusties is the second game of their weekend series against the Spartans on Saturday, November 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Don Roberts Ice Rink.
