Duluth, MN - The Saint Scholastica Saints men's hockey team took on the Bethel Royals in a very highly contested MIAC conference matchup at the Mars Lakeview Arena. Despite being 3-1 down, two goals from Nathan Adrian (Roseau, Minn./Roseau HS) and goals from Brodie Girod (Clavet, SK, Canada/Clavet HS) and Hunter Hanson (Blaine, Minn./Blaine HS) completed a nail-biter comeback.

How it Happened
1st Period
The Saints started this competitive matchup with a quick counterattack from Brodie Girod (Clavet, SK, Canada/Clavet HS), who had a chance to take an early lead but was saved, just two minutes in.

The Saints kept up the high intensity throughout the period, and had several close chances including one from Gavin Gunderson (Roseau, Minn) that was cleared off the line.

At 15:30, Nathan Adrian (Roseau, Minn./Roseau HS) was able to break the deadlock to give the Saints a 1-0 lead. Adrian was assisted by Tristan Shewchuk (Saskatoon, SK, Canada/St. Joseph HS).

The first period ended with the Saints on the front foot, registering 15 shots to the Royal's 8.

2nd Period
The second period began evenly for both teams, creating attacking chances and registering shots. However, at 3:56 the Royals were able to capitalize on their attack, tying the game up.

Shortly after, the Royals kept pressing and were able to take a 2-1 lead.

The Saints were not able to keep Bethel out, and conceded again, as the Royals increased the deficit to 3-1. 

Despite being under heavy pressure, the Saints were able to pull one back thanks to Hunter Hanson (Blaine, Minn./Blaine HS). Hanson was assisted by Sam Olson (Duluth, Minn/Cloquet HS) and Girod. 

Saints goalie Eino Rissanen (Sonvillier, Switzerland/Lycée Blaise-Cendrars) held firm and was able to make several crucial saves to keep the Saints in the game.

Building off their momentum, Adrian got his second of the night, capitalizing on a power play thanks to assists by Shewchuk and Evan Pahos (Parker, CO) to tie the game up 3-3.

3rd Period
Despite being down two men to begin the third period, Rissanen was able to keep the Royals out to prevent a goal.

The Saints continued to fight for a goal to put them in the lead, including quickfire shots from Girod and Jacob Seitz (Mountain Iron, Minn./Virginia HS).

With 11 minutes left of the game, the Saints were able to reclaim the lead, inspired by a counterattack from Hanson who assisted Girod to secure the 4-3 win.

Rissanen completed the game with a total of 34 saves to maintain the win for the Saints.

Top Performers

Nathan Adrian (Roseau, Minn./Roseau HS) - Adrian scored both the first and third goal of the night, inspiring a comeback for the Saints to win the game. Adrian had a total of four shots on net.
Brodie Girod (Clavet, SK, Canada/Clavet HS) – Girod secured the game-winning goal for the Saints and added an assist to fuel the comeback. He also registered five shots on net to apply the offensive pressure.
Hunter Hanson (Blaine, Minn./Blaine HS) - Hanson scored the second goal for the Saints, which ignited the comeback for the Saints, as well as contributing an assist and two shots on net.

Up Next 
The Saints Scholastica men's hockey team hit the road Saturday, January 25 for their next game facing the Bethel Royals. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in St. Paul, MN.