ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Hamline men's hockey team (0-2) had a 2-1 lead heading into the third period in their Thursday night game against Augsburg (3-0), but would see the Auggies score four times in the final frame to defeat them 5-2 at TRIA Rink.
 
The Pipers and Auggies will match up again this weekend, as Augsburg will host Hamline in both teams' first conference games of the year on Saturday, February 6. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Ed Saugestad Rink in Minneapolis.
 
Sophomore goalie Kevin Lake had a career-high 38 saves in net for Hamline, including making 15 saves in the first period to keep it a 1-0 game. Junior Brandon Bissett and first year Joe Collins recorded the goals for HU, both scoring in the second period.
 
Augsburg came out aggressive in the first period, holding a 16-3 edge in shots, including being awarded a penalty shot. However, the penalty shot hit the pipe and the game remained tied at zero. At 13:37, though, the Auggies found a way on the board, giving them a 1-0 lead heading into the first break.
 
Early in the second period, Bissett took advantage of a loose puck after Augsburg's goalie made a save on a shot from sophomore Andrew Erwin, tying the game at one apiece. Junior Brendan Sheehan also tallied an assist on the play.
 
The Pipers would take the lead a little over 14 minutes into the period as Collins chipped in a goal after being setup by teammates Zak Lambrecht and Erik Dahl on a power play. This was Collins' first career goal for Hamline. HU would take this 2-1 lead into the third period.
 
It did not take Augsburg long to answer once the third period was underway, as they took the opening faceoff and scored within six seconds to tie it up. Nine minutes later they would strike again to take a 3-2 lead and they would add a fourth goal 15 minutes in.
 
Hamline pulled Lake towards the end of the third to add an extra skater, but Augsburg took advantage, scoring an empty net goal to seal the win at 5-2.
 
After taking on Augsburg in a rematch this weekend, the Pipers will host the USA NTDP U-17 team on Friday, February 12 in an exhibition game. Be sure to check the men's hockey schedule page for links to video and live stats.