Superior, WISC. — St. Scholastica men's hockey opened the Superior Showdown on Friday evening against the Lawrence University Vikings. Despite outshooting the Vikings 26-25, the Saints fell 5-0, with five different Vikings scoring in the contest.
The Saints set an early tone in the first period, displaying strong offensive pressure, including scoring chances from multiple players, but Lawrence's goaltending remained strong. The Saints successfully killed a late-period Viking power play without allowing a single shot, but Lawrence broke through later in the frame to take a 1-0 lead.
St. Scholastica continued pushing in the second period, earning three power play opportunities and firing seven shots on net. Yet, the Vikings turned away every chance. Lawrence was able to capitalize on their own opportunities and added two more goals to extend the Saints' deficit to 3-0 heading into the second intermission.
The Saints' defense held in the third period until a late power play goal extended the Vikings' lead to four. One final tally moments later sealed the result, and Lawrence came away with a 5-0 victory.
Emmett Wurst (Edina, MN/Edina HS) led the Saints with two blocked shots, while goaltender Kaeden Eckstrom finished the full 60:00 minutes and made 20 saves.
The Saints (3-4-1) will look to rebound in Saturday afternoon's third-place game, taking on the UW-Superior Yellowjackets at Wessman Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m.
