Coming off one of the most significant wins in program history the night before, St. Thomas men’s hockey fell short of a sweep against No. 13 Minnesota-State Mankato in front of a record crowd Saturday at St. Thomas Ice Arena.
The Tommies (8-17-2, 7-10-2 CCHA) clashed with the Mavericks (18-10-1, 13-7-1) in the second half of their weekend series. First-year wing Luc Laylin put the Tommies in front with the team’s first shot less than five minutes into the first period.
“It was great. I was pretty excited to have all the fans back from their (J-Term) break,” Laylin said. “It was fun to celebrate in front of them and get our team going.”
Mankato responded by scoring three unanswered goals to round out the first period, including one coming from a power play. Another goal was called back after replay confirmed goaltender interference.
The Mavericks outshot the Tommies in the first period, 19-2. St. Thomas blocked five shots in the first period, keeping the score at 3-1
Senior wing Andrew Kangas brought the Tommies within one halfway through the second period, shooting a bolt of energy into the rowdy St. Thomas student section.
The tide turned after sophomore defenseman Grant Docter was ejected with a game misconduct for roughing. St. Thomas was given a five-minute major penalty and came within seconds of killing it off before Mankato’s David Silye scored with seconds remaining on the power play.
“I think today was a really good learning experience for our team,” coach Rico Blasi said. “We were able to be in a game where the mindset has to change.”
Mankato would have another goal called back for goaltender interference to start the third. Despite this, and 29 saves from first-year goaltender Aaron Trotter, the Tommies were unable to mount a comeback.
Five different Tommies blocked a shot in the game, which Blasi praised after the game.
“That’s our team, that’s our identity. We’re never gonna give up, and we’re to play right till the last minute. I’m proud of the guys, that’s what we’re trying to build here.”
The Tommies next game is at home Friday, Feb. 10 against the Northern Michigan Wildcats at 7:07 p.m.
Karl Warner can be reached at warn5356@stthomas.edu.