Box Score One night after winning a freewheeling, emotional 6-5 shootout decision over Bethel, the Hamline men's hockey team battled their way to a 2-1 victory at Oscar Johnson Arena. Kevin Novakovich (middle) scored both goals and Erick Majerle stood tall in the net-- particularly in the harried final seconds of the game -- as Hamline improved to 4-3-3 overall. They are the only undefeated team in league play with an 1-0-3 mark in the MIAC games, good for seven points. 

It was hardnosed game from the start with plenty of physical play at both ends of the ice. Novakovich gave the Pipers an early edge when he scored his fifth goal fo the season just 92 seconds into the game. That tally, set up nicely by Jaycob McCombs, held up until Bethel's Brock Raffaele found an opening from a sharp angle early in the second period. 

Novakovich regained the lead for the Pipers late in the period as he converted feeds from Joe Rubbelke and McCombs.

It was the last tally of the game. But there was plenty of drama all night. Thanks to six penalties in the second period and 10 more in the third, both teams had several power play chances. But neither team was able to convert. Hamline held a 13-11 edge in shots on goal in the third period.

With each team short a player due to offsetting penalties, BU pulled their goalie for an extra attacker with 1:06 remaining Majerle, making his first college start, used all of his 6-7 frame to keep the net closed and preserve the win.

As a result, Hamline earned three points and finished the weekend with five of a possible six points. 

HU has one more game before breaking for the holidays. They will be at UW-River Falls on Friday, December 12. Game time is 7:05 p.m.