SAINT PAUL, MINN.--Despite a 36-26 shots on goal advantage, the Hamline University men's hockey team fell to Saint Mary's (Minn.) 6-1 in their 2024-25 MIAC Opener at TRIA Rink on Friday night.

The Pipers fall to 0-3-0,  0-1-0 MIAC, while the Cardinals improve to 2-3-0, 1-0-0 MIAC.

Saint Mary's 6, Hamline 1

The first period between Hamline and Saint Mary's ended scoreless, with the former dominating the faceoff circle, winning 14 out of 24. The Pipers also led in shots with 20 attempts, though none found the net, as Cardinals goalie A.J. Ruskowski made multiple saves. Saint Mary's managed eight shots during the period, with Hamline's Maximillian Haselbacher maintaining a clean sheet. Both teams had power play opportunities but failed to capitalize.

In the second period, Saint Mary's dominated with four goals, starting with a power-play tally by Cole Mickel at 14:40 that made the score 1-0. Mickel was a key contributor with two points, including this goal. Nathan Solis and Ryan Berglund added even-strength goals at 13:57 and 12:56, respectively, and Colin Tushie scored another power-play goal at 7:55 that pushed it to 4-0. Tushie also matched Mickel with two points in the game. The Pipers managed to respond with a goal by Calvin Knight at 2:00. The period saw Saint Mary's capitalize on power plays and maintain a steady offensive pressure, while Hamline struggled to convert their numerous shots into goals.

The Cardinals secured a dominant 6-1 victory over the Pipers, highlighted by two goals in the third period. Joona Juntunen and Gabe Potyk each found the net for Saint Mary's, with Juntunen's goal assisted by Carter Newpower and Potyk's assisted by Warner Young. The period saw Saint Mary's win the majority of faceoffs, contributing to their control of the game. Hamline's offensive efforts were thwarted by SMU goaltender A.J. Ruskowski, who registered 34 saves, as the Pipers failed to capitalize on a power play opportunity.

Brandon McNamara was notable for his high face-off win percentage of 64%, leading Hamline in this category. Jack Whitmore Jr. excelled in face-offs as well, boasting a 78% success rate, the highest on the team. Calvin Knight made a significant impact offensively, scoring one goal and contributing to the team's scoring efforts. Owen Van Tassel also demonstrated strong face-off skills with a 66% win rate. Maximillian Haselbacher, in goal, recorded 20 saves in his start.

Cole Mickel was a key contributor with two points for Saint Mary's, including a power-play goal. Colin Tushie matched Mickel with two points and also netted a power-play goal. Nathan Solis distinguished himself by scoring the game-winning goal, adding to his total of one goal and one point. Blake Green excelled in faceoffs, achieving a win percentage of 61%. Lastly, A.J. Ruskowski was strong in goal, recording 34 saves in his appearance.

Hamline will look to even the weekend series at Saint Mary's (Minn.) tomorrow, Saturday, November 16 at 5 p.m.