DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Scholastica men's hockey team wrapped up their MIAC series against Hamline University Pipers on Saturday evening at Mars Lakeview Arena. The Saints pulled within one goal heading into the third, but the Pipers ultimately secured the weekend sweep with a 5-2 win.
The first period featured a flurry of scoring. Hamline struck first, just over a minute into the game. Following a Piper penalty moments after the score, the Saints capitalized on a power play when
Hunter Hanson (Blaine, MN/Blaine HS) netted the equalizer at 2:19, assisted by
Gavin Gunderson (Roseau, MN/Roseau HS) and
Jan Jyvasjarvi (Espoo, Finland/). Less than a minute later, the Pipers responded to reclaim the lead, scoring again at 3:08. Hamline added another before the intermission, and took a 3-1 advantage into the first break.
The Saints were able to gain some momentum to start the second period when
Evan Pahos (Parker, CO/) cut the deficit to one with a goal at 1:23, set up by
Braden Panzer (Grand Forks, ND/Grand Forks Central HS). The Saints outshot the Pipers 14-9 in the frame, but couldn't find the tying goal, sending the game into the third at 3-2.
The Pipers took over in the final period, extending their lead to 4-2 with a goal at 2:47. Despite several strong chances, the Saints were turned away by the Pipers' defense. The Pipers added one more at 17:31 to seal the 5-2 final.
Evan Pahos (Parker, CO/) led the Saints with three blocked shots, while goaltender
Eino Rissanen (Sonvillier, Switzerland/Lycée Blaise-Cendrars) recorded 27 saves.
The Saints (3-7-1, 1-4-1 MIAC) will rest before returning to action in the new year for a non-conference matchup against Beloit College. Puck drop in Beloit, Wis., is scheduled for 7 p.m. on January 2, 2026.
