Notables
-Fralich had six points in the series
-Steeves plays complete game for the first time sine December 13
HANCOCK, Mich. (
csssaints.com) –
Michael Talbot (Anoka, Minn./Anoka HS (Minot-NAHL)) broke a 1-1 tie with just over three minutes remaining in regulation to clinch a Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) postseason spot as the St. Scholastica men's hockey team defeated Finlandia University (Mich.) 3-1 Friday in the second game of a home-and-home series.
How It Happened
After the Saints trounced the Lions 8-1 on Thursday at Mars Lakeview Arena, CSS had to battle to complete the series sweep on Friday at the Houghton County Arena.
CSS was able to score first, despite being outshot 12-3 in the first period. One of those three shots came from
Jordan Fralich (Duluth, Minn./Duluth Marshall School (Bismarck-NAHL)), who sniped one in on the power-play to make it 1-0.
Sam Fuss (Edina, Minn./Edina HS (Minot-NAHL)) and
Carson Rose (Surrey, British Columbia/Elgin Park Secondary (Weyburn-SJHL)) had the assists.
The Lions (4-17-2, 2-14-2 NCHA) were able to tie the contest up at 1-1 two minutes into the second period. The game remained tied at 1-1 until late in the third period.
Late in regulation, Talbot would be able to get behind the defense and score on a breakaway to give the Saints a 2-1 lead with 3:24 remaining. Fuss and Fralich were credited with the assists. Finlandia then pulled its goalie and Rose blocked a shot at the point and flung the puck into the open net to make the final 3-1.
Goaltending
Senior
Zane Steeves (Red Deer, Alberta/Athol Murray College of Notre Dame (100 Mile Wranglers-KIJHL)) made 27 saves to earn the victory. It was the first time since December 13
th Steeves played a full game. Marcus Gloss had 17 saves for the Lions.
Up Next
The Saints (7-16-1, 5-14-1 NCHA) finish up the regular season on Tuesday at Mars Lakeview Arena when they face the University of St. Thomas in a make-up game from the Thanksgiving snowstorm. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
