NORTHFIELD, MINN.--The Hamline University men's hockey team defeated St. Olaf 4-3 in the front end of a two-game weekend series in Northfield, Minnesota on Friday night. The win snaps a six-game losing streak against the Oles, as Hamline's previous triumph occurred by a 3-2 score on March 20, 2021.

The Pipers improve to 4-10-0, 3-4-0 MIAC, while the Oles fall to 6-5-1, 2-3-0 MIAC.

Hamline 4, St. Olaf 3

The first period started with Hamline quickly gaining control, winning the initial faceoff and setting the pace. The Oles struck first at 5:13 with a goal from Eric Brown, assisted by Gunnar Johnson and Tyler Cooper. However, the Pipers responded decisively with two power-play goals; Tommy Carls equalized at 5:57, followed by Jordon Halverson's tally at 6:28 to give Hamline a 2-1 lead. St. Olaf managed to draw penalties later in the frame, but Hamline's defense, anchored by Maximillian Haselbacher's saves, kept the score unchanged until the period ended.

The second period began with the Oles controlling a series of faceoffs, maintaining possession early on. Jonathan Young from St. Olaf was penalized for tripping at 7:00, providing Hamline with a power play opportunity. The Pipers capitalized on this advantage with AJ Carls scoring a power-play goal at 7:52, assisted by Tommy Carls and Nikolai Dulak, marking a significant moment as it was his first tally of the season. Throughout the period, both teams had multiple shots, but Hamline's defense, particularly Maximillian Haselbacher in goal, effectively blocked the Oles' attempts, maintaining a 3-1 lead by the end of the period.

The third frame began with a goal by Jonathan Panisa of St. Olaf at 00:44, which narrowed Hamline's lead to 3-2. St. Olaf maintained offensive pressure with a series of shots, leading to Nick Hatton scoring a power-play goal at 6:58, assisted by Matthew Pointer and Gunnar Johnson, tying the game 3-3. However, the Pipers responded with Owen Van Tassel scoring an unassisted, game-winning goal at 12:43, bringing the score to 4-3. St. Olaf attempted to equalize with an empty net strategy in the final minutes but was unable to score, resulting in a Hamline victory.

Owen Van Tassel stood out for the Pipers, having scored one goal, which was also a game-winner. Tommy Carls also made a significant contribution with one goal and one assist, including a power-play tally, demonstrating his offensive capabilities. Jordon Halverson added to the team's scoring with a goal, also on a power play, contributing to the team's special teams success. AJ Carls was effective with one power-play goal and one assist. Additionally, Maximillian Haselbacher, in his role as a goalie, made 24 saves in his single appearance, providing a solid defensive presence.

Jonathan Panisa, Eric Brown, and Nick Hatton each had a goal for the Oles, who out shot the Pipers 27-13. Tyler Green was notable for his faceoff success, winning 62 percent of his attempts, alongside contributing one assist. Nicholas Sewecke demonstrated proficiency in faceoffs as well, achieving a 75 percent win rate. Matthew Malin made nine stops in net for St. Olaf.

Hamline will look to sweep St. Olaf at TRIA Rink tomorrow, Saturday, January 11 at 6 p.m.