University of St. Thomas Athletics
Bethel
Men's Hockey zaps Bethel 7-1, on to finals
3/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
Andrew Panchenko scored a hat trick and Tom Knutson had two goals and two assists to lead second-seed St. Thomas (18-6-2) past third-seed Bethel in Saturday night's MIAC men's hockey playoff semifinal action in Mendota Heights.
The Tommies, who outshot Bethel 41-14, will play at top-seed Hamline in Wednesday night's playoff finals. The Pipers eliminated St. John's 4-2.
UST jumped to a quick 2-0 lead and led 4-0 after two periods. The Toms avenged last season's playoff championship loss to Bethel and finished a 3-0 season sweep. UST is now 7-1 all-time vs. Bethel at Saint Thomas Ice Arena including three semifinal playoff wins.
Coach Terry Skrypek's Tommies are in the playoff championship game for the 21st time in 23 seasons.
Senior Nick Pernula had three assists and now has 99 career points. Linemate Nate Ryan had a goal and two assists. Tyler Chestnut had 13 saves in goal. It was the 15th time in 26 games St. Thomas allowed two or less goals.
Click here for box score:
http://www.collegehockeystats.net/0708/boxes/mbetstt1.m01
(Click here Monday for Greg Smith action photos)
