ASHLAND, Wis. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team had their first contest of 2022 when they traveled to Northland College and took a 2-2 tie in overtime. With the tie, the Gusties move to 3-7-2 overall and remain at 0-3-1 in the MIAC. Junior goaltender Justin Damon (Jr., St. Michael) impressed making 49 saves in the process and letting up just two goals.
“It was very evident that we hadn’t played a game in a month,” said Head Coach Brett Petersen. “We were rusty. To Northland’s credit, I thought they carried the play for most of the game. But, Justin Damon played great. He kept us in the game and gave us a chance at the end.”
Neither teams were able to piece much together in the opening period as the Gusties trailed on shots 24-16. Damon kept Gustavus on top with 23 saves before closing out the first frame.
At the 3:44 mark of the second, period Nick Klishko (Sr., San Diego) took a one-timer short to the lower right corner of the net for a Gustavus lead with assists credited to Jack Westlund (Fy., Alexandria) and Jack Suchy (Fy., Medina). Damon continued to prove solid, adding 19 more saves in the 1-0 Gustie advantage after the second frame. The Jacks continued to have an edge on shots, 20-13.
In the opening minute of the third period, Northland was able to score an equalizer. Both teams pulled out every stop, but with a 4 on 4 play the Jacks found the back of the net with 1:06 remaining.
In a gritty last chance effort with just 5.7 seconds remaining in regulation, Westlund and Mason Etter (Sr., Grafton Wis.) connected on a pass to Patrick Gazich (Sr., Minnetonka) to force an overtime.
Despite physical plays from both sides in overtime, Gustavus would have to settle for their second tie of the season. Damon recorded a career high 49 saves and Gustavus posted 43 shots.
The Gusties are back in action on Saturday when they travel to UW-Superior for a 7:00 puck drop.