MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. – Despite forward Nick Nielsen’s game-tying goal with 7:25 remaining in the third period, the St. Thomas men’s hockey team fell to Hamline 6-3 Saturday night at the St. Thomas Ice Arena in the semifinals of the MIAC playoffs.
The Tommies entered the post-season as the No. 1 seed after a weekend sweep of rival St. Johns. St. Thomas entered the game with a record of 10-1-2 on home ice, but the Pipers were able to find the back of the net six times to defeat the Tommies. Coach Jeff Boeser said the season is likely over.
“We’re done. It would be a long shot. We just don’t have enough wins,” Boeser said. “Crazier things have happened, but as of right now, I don’t think we’ll have a chance.”
Hamline entered the playoffs as the No. 5 seed and played just two nights ago, defeating the No. 4 seed Augsburg 4-3. The Pipers came from behind to defeat the Auggies and entered the game against St. Thomas with a high level of confidence.
St. Thomas forward Connor McBride got the scoring started two minutes into the opening period. Defenseman Charlie Donlin and forward Chris Cass were credited with assists.
Hamline forward Andrew Herbert responded just three minutes later when his backhand attempt sailed over the shoulder of St. Thomas goaltender Drew Fielding. Both teams had plenty of scoring chances in the remainder of the first period, but neither the Tommies nor the Pipers were able to break through.
The Pipers struck first in the middle frame as forward Jaycob McCombs tallied a goal to give Hamline its first lead of the night. Three minutes later, Tommie forward Willie Faust sped down the ice on a short-handed rush and fired a wrist shot off the post. The puck rattled around the crease before eventually crossing the goal line to tie the game. Boeser complimented the Pipers on their effort.
“Let’s give Hamline some credit, they played well,” Boeser said.
Hamline forward Kevin Novakovich recorded another goal with just over two minutes remaining in the period to give his team a 3-2 lead heading into the third.
Nielsen tied the game at 9:35 of the third period when he buried a loose puck in the crease. Boeser said his team had opportunities, but Hamline took advantage of theirs all night.
“We had a couple really good chances we didn’t cash in on, and they seemed to cash in on all of theirs,” Boeser said.
Once again, Hamline responded. The Pipers recorded two more goals late in the third period to ensure the victory. Forward Cody Mason scored on a pass from Herbert in the slot to regain the lead. Minutes later forward Brandon Zurn showed off his speed and beat Fielding on the short side to give Hamline its first two-goal lead of the contest.
Novakovich recorded an empty-net goal to add an exclamation mark to the victory.
The Pipers advance to the MIAC championship game on Saturday, March 7 to play for the automatic bid to the NCAA Division-III tournament. Hamline will be on the road once again taking on either St. Mary’s or Concordia-Moorhead.
The season is likely over the St. Thomas men’s hockey team.
“We have a lot of good guys. I wish it could have been a different outcome,” Boeser said.
Travis Swan can be reached at swan9954@stthomas.edu.