Forward Tyler Richter recorded one goal and one assist to help the No. 12 St. Thomas men’s hockey team defeat No. 12 Gustavus 2-1 Saturday at home.

The Tommies (5-2-1, 5-1-1 MIAC) outshot the Gusties (3-5, 2-4 MIAC) 30 to 23 for the win, but had to come from behind in the third period.

Both teams had opportunities to score on power plays, but neither could deliver.

St. Thomas outshot Gustavus 10 to seven in the first period but were unable to put the puck in the net.

Coach Jeff Boeser said his team did not have the momentum it needed in the first two periods.

“I just don’t think we had the energy and the heart the first two periods,” Boeser said. “I think they decided to play hockey in the third period, and when they play, they are pretty good.”

Gustavus gained control of the second period, drawing three penalties and scoring the game’s first goal.

With 3:27 left in the second period, things got worse for the Tommies. Forward Pat Mahoney received a five-minute penalty for cross-checking a Gustie from behind.

The penalty carried into the third period but the Tommies killed it off.

Not long after the expired penalty, Mahoney assisted Richter’s first goal of the season early in the third period to tie the game 1-1.

Richter had not shot the puck much this season, and said it felt good to get the goal.

“It was a big weight off my shoulders,” Richter said. “Tonight, I got a couple shots, and it felt good to bury finally.”

The physical play picked up for St. Thomas as it attacked the offensive zone. Gustavus played tough the entire game but had difficulties shooting the puck past goaltender Tyrone Simcoe, who had 21 saves.

Gustavus found a glimpse of hope late in the third period when St. Thomas forward Connor McBride received a two-minute penalty. The Gusties called a timeout in hopes of executing a plan to score on the power play and regain control of the game. However, the Tommies were stiff to the task, forcing Gustavus to scramble in efforts to get a shot on goal.

Late in the third period, Mahoney made up for his second period penalty by scoring his first goal of the season. Richter created the play by passing to defenseman Willi Rose, who then set up Mahoney for the game-winning goal.

Mahoney said he was relieved to finally score a goal.

“It feels good just to get it over with, and I guess it happened at a pretty good time when we needed one. It definitely feels good to get it off my back,” Mahoney said.

Boeser said although the team won, it still has things to improve on.

“We have to work on consistency,” Boeser said. “Our philosophy is working hard. We’re not the most highly-skilled team, but if we work hard good things will happen.”

St. Thomas’ next game is against Norwich Friday, Nov. 23 in Northfield, Verm.

Andrew Eisele can be reached at eise6299@stthomas.edu.