SAINT CLOUD, MINN.--The Hamline University men's hockey team fell to St. John's (Minn.) 4-2 at Herb Brooks Arena on Thursday night. 

The Pipers fall to 6-14-0, 4-7-0 MIAC, while the Johnnies improve to 8-10-0, 5-4-0 MIAC. 

Saint John's 4, Hamline 2

Early pressure from the Johnnies saw Spencer Rudrud and Mason Campbell both miss shots, with Wong making key saves. Hamline responded with a series of attempts, including shots from Owen Van Tassel and Joe Greniuk, but were unable to score against Huber. The Johnnies capitalized on a power play at 13:11 with a goal by Jackson Bisson, assisted by Justin Thompson and Jack Wandmacher, to take the 1-0 lead. Later, while short-handed, Jackson Borst extended Saint John's lead to 2-0 with a goal at 15:18, assisted by Matt DeRosa and Conner Couet. Tanner Rausch pulled one back for the Pipers with an even-strength goal at 17:27, assisted by Cal Levis III and Calvin Knight, closing the period with the score at 2-1 in favor of the Johnnies.

The second period began with Hamline winning the faceoff, leading to early attempts on goal by Kyle Mortenson, both of which were blocked or saved. The Johnnies responded with a series of shots, with Parker Gnos and Jackson Borst having their attempts saved by Trevor Wong. At 5:05, the Pipers capitalized on a power play with Brandon McNamara scoring, assisted by Kyle Mortenson and Owen Van Tassel, leveling the score at 2-2. However, the Johnnies regained their lead to 3-2 at 16:56 when Justin Thompson scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Jacob McPartland and Parker Gnos.

A significant event occurred at 2:22 of the third period, when Conner Couet scored for the Johnnies, assisted by Rob Christy and Jackson Sabo, extending their advantage to 4-2. The Pipers had several shooting attempts, notably by Brock Carls and Owen Van Tassel, but struggled to find the net. Both teams faced penalties, with Hamline's Brandon McNamara and Kyle Mortenson, and the Johnnies' Sam Berry all receiving roughing penalties in the final second, but the period ended without further scoring, resulting in a 4-2 victory for the Johnnies.

Brandon McNamara made an impact with a power play goal, contributing to his total of one goal and one point. Tanner Rausch also scored a goal, adding to his overall performance with a plus-minus of +1. Derek Becklin was notable for his faceoff efficiency, boasting an 83% win rate. Goalie Trevor Wong was active defensively, recording 32 saves.

Conner Couet made an impact with one goal and one assist, accumulating two points and contributing two blocked shots. Jackson Bisson was also effective, scoring one goal, which was a power-play tally. Justin Thompson was a crucial player, scoring a game-winning goal and adding an assist for two points. Jackson Sabo excelled in faceoffs, winning seven-of-nine for a 77 percent rate. Lastly, Bailey Huber was solid in goal with 28 saves, allowing only two goals.

Saint John's out shot Hamline 36-30.

The Pipers will host Saint John's (Minn.) at TRIA Rink on Saturday, February 1 at 5 p.m.