ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Hamline (4-12-3, 4-5-2) fell to Saint John's University (9-5-4, 4-2-3), 4–2, at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Hamline scored both of its goals in a late third-period surge, capitalizing twice on the power play.

The first period between Hamline and Saint John's ended scoreless, despite multiple attempts from both sides. Cade Chapman was tested early, making saves against Jackson Borst and Jack Wandmacher in the opening minutes. Hamline's Cal Levis had a couple of chances, but his shots were either blocked or went wide. Saint John's faced a penalty for too many players on the ice, giving Hamline a power play opportunity, but Jon Howe held firm in goal, maintaining the stalemate through the period's end.

Saint John's took the lead early in the second period with a power-play goal from Cam Boche at 14:31, assisted by Jordan Larkee and Cashen Naeve. Hamline's efforts to respond were met with strong goaltending from Howe, who made several key saves, including stopping shots from Tristen May-Robinson and Calvin Knight. Hamline had a chance to equalize during a late power play following a slashing penalty on Seth Terhell, but the period closed without further scoring. Saint John's maintained their 1–0 advantage heading into the intermission.

Saint John's secured a commanding 4–2 victory over the Pipers, highlighted by several key moments in the third period. Logan Lyke opened the scoring in the period at 16:21 with a goal assisted by Mason Campbell and Jordan Newpower, extending Saint John's lead to 2–0. The Johnnies would then get another goal from Boche to extend their lead to 3-0. Hamline was able to finally break through Howe and the St. John's defense on the power play as Nicolas Haviar converted with assists from Will Matzke and AJ Carls at 3:48, cutting the deficit to 3–1. With intense pressure, Matzke brought them within one on another power-play goal at 1:29, assisted by Jonah Mortenson and Haviar. However, Saint John's sealed the game with a short-handed empty-net goal by Conner Couet with 20 seconds remaining, assisted by Naeve and Lyke, finalizing the score at 4–2.

Matzke recorded a power-play goal and an assist, contributing significantly to the team's offense with four shots on goal. Haviar also tallied a power-play goal and added an assist while leading the team with seven shots. Knight added five shots on goal. Goaltender Chapman made 33 saves in net for the Pipers. 

The two teams will faceoff at TRIA rink on Friday, January 30 in game two of their home-and-home series with a 7 PM puck drop!