URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the St. Thomas men’s hockey team suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Augustana late Friday night at Anderson Arena. After leading 3-1 midway through the third period, the Tommies watched their championship hopes slip away in the closing minutes of the game.
With just over five minutes remaining in regulation, Augustana struck, narrowing the gap to 3-2. The situation escalated dramatically when the Vikings, ranked 18th, managed to score the equalizer in the final minute after pulling their goalie. They then triumphed in the shootout following a tense three-on-three overtime.
This loss leaves the 15th-ranked Tommies tied for first place in the CCHA standings with Michigan Tech, who remain idle. The team’s morale was notably low following the defeat, highlighting the crucial missed opportunity.
“We were just too loose,”
said St. Thomas coach Rico Blasi. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the game, adding,
“That’s a good hockey team… we lost our focus and they made us pay.”
Captain Lucas Wahlin echoed Blasi’s sentiments, stating,
“We didn’t play a full 60 minutes.”
His remarks reflect the team’s struggle to maintain intensity as Augustana surged in the third period. “Once the momentum swings in the other team’s favor, it’s often hard to get it back,” Wahlin noted.
Earlier in the match, the Tommies appeared poised to secure their victory. After trailing 1-0 following the first period, they rallied with two goals in the second. Alexandros Gaffney capitalized on a turnover to score his 17th goal of the season, followed by a wrist shot from defenseman Hayes Hundley that brought the score to 2-1.
Wahlin then extended the lead to 3-1 on a power play early in the third, seemingly putting the Tommies in a commanding position. However, the Vikings’ late-game aggression turned the tide, showcasing the unpredictable nature of hockey.
As the Tommies head into their final game of the weekend, Blasi urges his team to reflect on their strong start and learn from the late-game collapse. “We have to take the first 55 minutes and finish the job,” he said. Wahlin made it clear that the next match is a must-win, emphasizing the urgency in their quest for the CCHA title.
Fans can expect an intense showdown as the Tommies look to regroup and reclaim their momentum in the battle for the championship. The stakes are high, and the team’s determination will be tested as they prepare for their next challenge.
This latest development not only impacts the standings but also heightens the drama surrounding the CCHA race, making the outcome of the Tommies’ next game crucial for their playoff aspirations.
