Notables
-First time in series history Augsburg has won three straight in the series
-CSS starts season with two losses for the first time since the 2010-11 season
DULUTH, Minn. (
csssaints.com) – The St. Scholastica men's hockey team faced seventh-ranked Augsburg University for the second straight night, this time on home ice at Mars Lakeview Arena and fell to the Auggies 2-1 Saturday night.
How it Happened
The Saints took an early lead when Captain
Nate Pionk (Hermantown, Minn./Hermantown HS (Minot-NAHL)) took the puck at center ice and weaved defenders before finding the net one minute and 45 seconds into the game to make it 1-0 CSS.
With just over five minutes remaining in the opening period, the Auggies (2-0-0) tied it up on the power-play with a Gavin Holland goal. It would be 1-1 at the first intermission. Augsburg had a 10-6 shot advantage in the period.
St. Scholastica goaltender
Zane Steeves (Red Deer, Alberta/Athol Murray College of Notre Dame (100 Mile Wranglers-KIJHL)) kept the game tied early in the second period with some spectacular saves. However, with 5:27 remaining, a Saints turnover would lead to an Austin Martinsen unassisted goal to make it 2-1 Augsburg.
Like Friday night's game, neither team committed a penalty in the third period. The Saints had quality scoring chances, including
Max Mettler (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West HS (Minot-NAHL)) striking the pipe late, but the Auggies hung for the 2-1 victory.
Goaltending
Steeves finished with 28 saves on the night. Jack Robbel had 19 saves for the Auggies.
Up Next
The Saints (0-2-0) are back at Mars Lakeview Arena next weekend as Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) play gets underway with Concordia University Wisconsin coming up for a weekend series. Friday's game gets underway at 7 p.m.
