Men’s ACHA D2 Hockey Sweeps Minnesota with a Wild Comeback

ACHA Division II men’s hockey used a wild third-period comeback to beat Minnesota 6-5 and earn a two-game sweep Sunday night at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

The Lions and Gophers traded goals twice in the opening frame Jack Radley throws the puck just 83 seconds into the game on a set play Josh Lynn and Bradley Rupp. Minnesota scored a power play goal just over four minutes later in a 1-1 tie, but So Roofe took matters into his own hands with an unassisted try at the 7:48 mark to give Lindenwood a 2-1 advantage. The Gophers tied it again six minutes later and the score was 2-2.

That’s where the score remained for the rest of the first and most of the second until Minnesota took a one-goal lead with 83 seconds left in the period. The Gophers extended their lead to two goals just 40 seconds into the third period, but the Lions were ready for a comeback that began just 39 seconds later when Stanley Lucas blew the horn with the help of Linn and Radley.

It remained 4-3 in favor of Minnesota for the next 10 minutes, but the tide turned after a high sticking penalty by the Gophers gave Lindenwood a power play. It lasted until the final seconds of the man advantage, but Nolan Bald won it by a goal, assisted Declan Carter and Chase McClellan at 13:02. With the situation now tied at 4-4, the pace had changed to the Lions’ bench. RJ Hart added to the surge at 13:57 when he stole the puck and split the pipes unassisted.

Lindenwood maintained a 5-4 advantage for the next five minutes, forcing Minnesota to pull its goaltender. It took just 16 seconds for McClellan to get possession of the puck for the Lions and pass it Michael Mullen who buried an empty netter at 18:53 for a two goal lead. The Gophers managed to add a power play goal with 22 seconds left in regulation, but didn’t run out of time to get any closer.

Lindenwood defeated Minnesota 59-18 and Ethan Paulin-Hatch stopped 13 of the 18 shots he faced to earn the win in goal. The Lions went 1/5 on the power play and allowed two goals on five man-outs to the Gophers.

With the win, Lindenwood improved to 23-5-0 on the season. The Lions host Miami University (Ohio) in a two-game series 3-4. February. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Friday evening at 7:50 PM and Saturday afternoon at 1:40 PM at the Centene Community Ice Center.