Sophomore goalie Camden Burggrabe saved 25 out of 29 shots, helping the Tommies win 5-4 in the final regular season game at Saint Thomas Ice Arena Saturday.
The Tommies end the regular season with a 12-10-3 overall record and 9-6-1 MIAC record, clinching a MIAC playoff spot. The Tommies have qualified for the MIAC playoffs every year under coach Jeff Boeser, but he remains humble about it.
“As a coach, you’re only as good as (the players),” Boeser said. “I’ve been very fortunate in my life with hockey, and my dad always taught me to just stay humble and that’s what I do.”
The Tommies stayed quiet until 14 minutes into the first period, when senior forward Broydon Stufko made his sixth goal of the season, putting the Tommies on the board. Augsburg (14-10-1, 9-6-1 MIAC) first-year forward Jarod Blackowiak responded 40 seconds later, tying the game up 1-1 at the end of the first period.
“It’s never a bad idea to throw (the pucks) on the net,” Stufko said. “Those kind of goals go in sometimes and it’s exactly what you need in games like that…and I think we just kept going up from there.”
Senior forward Jack Christensen scored three minutes into the second period and senior forward John Panvica took in his ninth goal of the season later on, making him the sole leader of goals this season for the Tommies.
Augsburg junior forward Tommy Carey scored in the power play toward the end of the second period while junior defender Tucker Bender was in the box for cross-checking. St. Thomas senior forward Frankie Spellman responded, scoring his first goal of the season.
“We’re trending in the right direction right now, offensively and defensively,” Spellman said. “Playoff hockey is right around the corner, so we’re ready for sure.”
The Tommies continued to keep their score within two. Augsburg sophomore forward Gavin Holland brought one in for the Auggies at the beginning of the third period on a power play while first-year defender Jake Peterson was in the box for tripping.
St. Thomas senior forward Brett Gravelle responded five minutes later for the Tommies, followed by one more by Augsburg junior forward Austin Martinsen to top it off.
The Tommies took five penalties and Augsburg took two, all of which were two minutes. Augsburg junior Jon Albers kept goal for the Auggies, and saved 22 out of 27 shots.
The Tommies play Gustavus back at home Thursday for a spot to play at St. John’s on Saturday. The time is yet to be determined.
Looking to playoff hockey, Stufko is optimistic.
“We can play with anyone,” he said.
Justin Amaker can be reached at justin.amaker@stthomas.edu.