Oles drop wild series opener to Cards

Mike Ludwig
November 30, 2012

WINONA, Minn. - Saint Mary's University overcame a 3-1 deficit with four second period goals to top St. Olaf 7-5 in a MIAC men's hockey game on Friday night.

The game went scoreless for the first 12 minutes, then saw nine goals over the next 24 minutes.

The Oles (4-6-1) had three goals of their own in the second, but SMU had its four in the final 12-plus minutes to turn a 3-1 deficit to a 5-4 advantage.

Dan Cecka, Marc Richards and Jeff Harris each had a goal and an assist for the Oles in the loss. Cecka's goal at 7:27 of the second, on an assist from Harris, gave St. Olaf a 3-1 lead. Just 28 seconds later, SMU's Nick Gorup answered to make it 3-2. Harris tied the game at 5-5 with his power play goal in the seventh minute of the third period.

Jed McClasson and Bobby Thompson had two goals each for the Cardinals. Thompson had the game-winner at 13:16 of the third period, while McGlasson sealed the victory with an empty-net tally with 40 seconds left.

The teams meet in the series finale tomorrow at Northfield Ice Arena at 7:30 p.m.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.