St. Thomas men’s hockey broke a six-game winless streak, beating Lake Superior State University 2-1 Friday at St. Thomas Ice Arena in Mendota Heights.
The Tommies (3-27-1, 3-19-1 CCHA) had lost both games against the Lakers (14-16-1, 10-13) earlier in the season, but goals from junior forward Luke Manning and junior defender Trevor Zins made the difference.
The Tommies hadn’t won since Jan. 20, with a tie on Feb. 4 against No. 15 Michigan Tech.
“We managed the puck a lot better,” coach Rico Blasi said. “We didn’t give them too many great angles; we either blocked or got sticks on him.”
The first period was even and uneventful. Lake Superior State came away ahead 10-7 in shots, with a 0-0 score.
“We really feel like we’re getting into our groove,” Manning said. “To get a win tonight is huge for us.”
The second period was a lot like the first. Both teams spent equal time in the other’s zone, but St. Thomas came away leading 10-8 in shots in the period. However, the score remained 0-0.
Lake Superior State finally opened up the scoring 1:30 into the third period. The Tommies responded 8 minutes later with Manning putting a rebound in off a shot by senior forward Joey Sofo.
“I mean, (junior forward Andrew Kangas) told me that the universe was in my favor,” Manning said. “So, I was just trying to put pucks on net.”
The game remained tied until Zins capitalized on a power play, putting the Tommies ahead 2-1 with 1:05 left in regulation.
“I saw (the Lake Superior State goalie) slide and his right pad went up,” Zins said. “I wanted to get it there and hoped it went in.”
The Tommies play the Lakers again Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Ice Arena.
“I think we just enjoy this a little bit,” Zins said. “Once we leave the rink, flush it out and come back in the morning ready to work.”
Sam Larson can be reached at lars4378@stthomas.edu.