University of St. Thomas Athletics
12-9-3, 9-4-2MIAC
Bethel
11-12-1, 7-8MIAC
Men's Hockey secures playoffs, winning mark with win
2/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
Alex Arnason's unassisted short-handed goal capped a run of three goals in a 6:28 span in late second period to help the visiting Tommies (12-9-3 overall, 9-4-2 MIAC) take a 4-3 win over host Bethel in MIAC men's hockey play Friday night in Blaine.
The win secured UST's 27th consecutive winning season and 24th MIAC playoff berth in the 24-year history of the format. The loss eliminated Bethel for the playoff chase. The Toms are assured of a top-three MIAC finish for the 22nd time in Coach terry Skrypek's era, and Skrypek now has 39 winning seasons in 39 years as a head coach at Hill-Murray and UST.
UST took two penalties in the last two minutes, The Royals pulled their goalie and had a 6-on-3 advantage for the game's last 50 seconds but were unable to get the tying goal. Bethel finished just 1-of-8 on the power play.
Tom Knutson, Sean Bryant and Parker Burgess also scored goals for UST, and Arnason, Rob Johnson and Andrew Kappers had assists.
The Tommies host Bethel Saturday in Mendota Heights (7 p.m.). They can secure second place and a home playoff game with a tie or a win, or if Hamline and Gustavus tie on Saturday.
UST outshot Bethel 45-22, and freshman goalie Cary Wood improved to 8-1-1 as a starter as he stopped 19 shots. St. Thomas improved to 7-1-1 on Friday games since Christmas.
Click here for box score:
