Union men’s hockey falls to No. 3 Minnesota

DULUTH, MN – In a rematch of sorts of the 2014 National Championship game, the No. 3 Minnesota Golden Gophers bested the No. 16 Union men’s hockey team, 2-0, in the third-place game at the 2017 Ice Breaker Tournament on Saturday evening.

After two slow first-period starts, the Dutchmen came out looking much more focused to begin the game against Minnesota. Despite Minnesota out-shooting Union 18-9 in the first period, the two teams looked evenly match, trading offensive chances in the opening 20 minutes.

The second period, however, went to the Gophers.

Minnesota opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the middle frame, scoring a goal on a rebound scramble to the left side of the Union net. The Gophers then added to its lead at 10:09 of the period with a power-play goal.

With the two-goal lead, Minnesota then earned a five-minute power play, after Ryan Scarfo was ejected for a checking from behind penalty. Luckily, the Union penalty-kill was up for the opportunity and successfully kept Minnesota from scoring further.

If the second period went to the Gophers, the third period belonged to the Dutchmen. Union out-shot Minnesota 8-4 in the final period, and earned its own five-minute power play at the 7:46 mark of the third. However, Minnesota goaltender Eric Schierhorn had an answer for everything Union threw at him.

Jake Kupsky turned in another strong showing in net for Union, making 34 saves and conceding just one even-strength goal.

Both teams were assessed a total of 23 penalty minutes and five power-play opportunities.

Union returns to New York to open its home schedule against Massachusetts at Messa Rink on Friday night. The game against the Minutemen is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. (ET).