Box Score It was more than just a routine non-conference road win. Hamline's men's hockey team combined two power play goals and a stellar defensive effort for a 2-1 victory at Wisconsin-Stevens Point Friday night. Mitch McPherson and Brandon Reinholz provided the offense with goalie Justin Quale spearheading the back line with a 26-save effort as the Pipers knocked off the No. 3 team in the country (according to USCHO.com) in their backyard.

HU improved to 2-1 in their first game without the sidelined Mitch Hall. The All-American defenseman suffered a knee injury last Sunday against St. Thomas. Undaunted, HU stifled the Pointer power play all four times it was in action. 

Meanwhile, HU was 2-for-7 with the man advantage, a fact that was part of the difference in the game. McPherson got things going when he took a feed from Garret Schmitz 4:14 into the game. The Pointers outshot the Pipers, 9-4, in the period. 

WSP tied the game in the second only to see Reinholz give HU the lead for good at 16:58. Quale kicked away 14 shots in the period to keep HU ahead. 

In the third, it was a different story. The Piper defense drew a web in front of their goalie, allowing the Pointers just three shots in the final 20 minutes of play. For the night, HU blocked a season high 20 shots. That was enough to lift HU to 2-1 on the season and give them a victory that may mean a lot more come tournament decision time in March.

For now, HU will take the win and look ahead to another road matchup against a rated team -- Saturday night against No. 13 Wis-Eau Claire (2-1), a 6-2 winner over Bethel Friday. Game time is 7:00 p.m.