ST. PAUL, Minn. — Hamline (2-5-0, 2-3-0) secured a 4–3 victory over the College of St. Scholastica (3-6-1, 1-3-1) at home. Hamline's power-play goal in the second period proved crucial as they maintained their lead despite a late two-goal effort from the Saints in the third period.
The game began with the Saints taking an early lead at 1:16 as Hunter Hanson scored with assists from Matt Haun and Gavin Gunderson. Despite being down, the Pipers' defense, led by goaltender
Keaton French, managed to fend off multiple shots from the Saints. Hamline equalized at 14:57 when
Per Waage found the back of the net, assisted by Cal Levis. Both teams faced penalties, but neither could capitalize on the power plays, leaving the score tied 1-1 at the end of the first period.
Hamline extended their advantage in the second period with two crucial goals.
AJ Carls capitalized on a power play opportunity at 12:36, assisted by
Tristen May-Robinson, to push Hamline's lead to 2–1. Later,
Nikolai Dulak increased the margin to 3–1 with an even-strength goal at 5:19, set up by
Sam Menne and
Kyle Mortenson. The Saints' attempts to respond were thwarted by the Pipers' defense and goaltender French, maintaining the home team's two-goal lead heading into the final period.
Hamline extended its lead early in the third period with a goal by
Liam Guerin at 16:26, assisted by Menne and Dom Thomas. The Saints responded as Jared Scott scored at 14:09, narrowing the deficit. Jan Jyvasjarvi then brought the Saints within one with an unassisted goal at 9:07. Despite a late push, including an empty net and timeout, Hamline held on to secure the victory, ending the period with a tense finish.
Nikolai Dulak scored one goal and led the team with a 60% faceoff win percentage, converting 3 of 5 faceoffs. Guerin contributed the game-winning goal.
AJ Carls netted a power-play goal, finishing with one goal from a single shot. French, guarding the net, recorded 24 saves on 27 shots.
The Pipers will conclude the series on the road in Duluth, taking on the Saints at 7 PM!
