A come-from-behind goal by first-year forward Blaine Warnert evened the score at three-a-piece with less than five minutes remaining in regulation, forcing the St. Thomas men’s hockey team into overtime and a shootout, where the Tommies lost 4-3 to No. 15 Michigan Tech Friday night at St. Thomas Ice Arena in Mendota Heights.
The Tommies (2-24, 2-18 CCHA) last took on the Huskies (15-8-1, 12-5) on the road in December, falling 4-3 in another overtime battle. The game will officially be ruled as a tie, with Michigan Tech earning an extra point in the standings. The tie breaks an eight-game home losing streak at St. Thomas Ice Arena.
“To take the No. 15 team in the country to overtime and do a shootout, that’s pretty good for our guys,” coach Rico Blasi said. “I’m proud of the way they played and I’m proud of the way they stuck together.”
The Tommies took the Huskies into a five minute 3-on-3 overtime period but were unable to find the back of the net despite a major penalty by Michigan Tech.
“I wouldn’t say we’re excited about a tie, but to dabble, compete and play a good game with a team that good, I think we’re pretty happy about that,” senior forward Joey Sofo said.
Warnert tapped in the puck after a bobble by Husky junior goaltender Blake Pietila, making the St. Thomas bench “electric” for the remainder of regulation.
“The boys were ecstatic,” Sofo said. “They’re a really good team, and for us to fight back… it’s pretty good for us.”
Sofo also scored a goal, which brought the Tommies within one. Sofo’s goal came on a high tip from graduate student defender Nolan Sawchuk’s shot with 11:05 remaining in the game.
“Coach’s idea worked twice tonight with me and Grundy, so props to coach,” Sofo said of his tip goal.
After a scoreless first period, St. Thomas broke the ice with a goal by first-year forward Kyler Grundy on a tip. The goal came 2:37 into the second period for Grundy’s seventh of the season.
However, the Huskies responded just 1:24 later after a tripping minor by St. Thomas sophomore forward Aaron Swanson put the Huskies on the power-play.
Michigan Tech senior forward Trenton Bliss evened the score at one-all and lit up the Huskies’ sticks, firing 38 shots during the period.
The Huskies scored all three of their goals on power-play advantages during regulation.
“We did a lot of good things. We’re not satisfied, that’s a good sign, too. We’re a team that’s battling; we want to win,” Blasi said.
Graduate goalie Peter Thome isn’t satisfied either, thinking that his team can pull out the win if they “come out strong.”
“We’re going to have to fire back and weather their storm and have some push back of our own,” Thome said.
The Tommies take on the Huskies at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 in a conference rematch at St. Thomas Ice Arena.
Cam Kauffman can be reached at kauf8536@stthomas.edu.
Ben Hogan can be reached at hoga1306@stthomas.edu.