SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Behind a two-goal night from
Brett Meerman and a standout performance in net by
Josh Kotai, Augustana men's hockey knocked off No. 14 Minnesota State, 3-1, Friday night at Midco Arena. The victory pushed the Vikings to 9-5-2 overall and 6-4-2 in CCHA play, while handing the Mavericks just their fourth loss of the season.
Minnesota State struck first just 2:50 into the contest, capitalizing on early pressure when Jordan Ronn redirected a centering feed past Kotai to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead during a stretch of sustained MSU possession. Augustana responded quickly and decisively. Just over two minutes later, Meerman evened the score at 5:10 of the opening period, finishing a quick-strike sequence on a breakaway off assists from
Jacob Jastrzebski and
Hunter Bischoff. The equalizer swung momentum back to the Vikings, who settled into their game and limited Minnesota State's chances through the remainder of the period.
The middle frame belonged largely to the Mavericks on the shot clock, as Minnesota State poured 22 shots on net in the second period alone. Kotai was up to the challenge, turning aside every attempt and anchoring a penalty kill that faced sustained pressure midway through the period. His calm presence allowed Augustana to weather the storm and head into the third period tied, 1-1.
The decisive moments came in the final 20 minutes. Augustana earned a power-play opportunity at 12:02 after a Minnesota State tripping call, and Meerman delivered again. Set up in the left circle, Meerman snapped home his second goal of the night at 12:36, converting feeds from
Owen Baumgartner and
Colton Friesen to put the Vikings ahead for good. Minnesota State pressed late, pulling its goaltender for an extra attacker in the final two minutes, but Augustana's defensive structure held firm. With 53 seconds remaining, Bischoff sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal, finishing off a strong night that included an assist and consistent pressure on the forecheck.
Kotai finished with 33 saves, including 22 in the second period, to earn the win. Minnesota State outshot Augustana 34-19 overall, but the Vikings made their chances count, going 1-for-3 on the power play while holding the Mavericks scoreless in two opportunities with the man advantage.
Game Moments
- Augustana answered Minnesota State's early goal with a first-period equalizer from Brett Meerman.
- Josh Kotai stopped all 22 second-period shots to keep the game tied.
- Meerman's power-play goal midway through the third proved to be the game-winner.
- Hunter Bischoff added an empty-net goal to seal the victory.
Goals
- Ronn put the Mavericks on the board first with his first strike of the season.
- Meerman tied the game three minutes later with his third of the season.
- Meerman scored the game-winning goal on the power play off assists from Baumgartner and Friesen.
- Bischoff delivered the final dagger with an empty-net goal for his fifth of the season.
Up Next
Augustana and Minnesota State continue the series Saturday night at Midco Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:07 p.m.
– GoAugie.com –
