Men's Hockey, on big stage, can't slow Mavs' flurry of goals in 7-1 loss

Mankato, Minn. -- David Silye scored three goals and No. 2-ranked Minnesota State exploded for three second-period goals in a 3:18 span to pull away to post a 7-1 victory over St. Thomas in Saturday evening's CCHA clash outdoors on the Mavericks' campus.

The game, televised live by Bally Sports North as part of Hockey Day Minnesota, was played through steady snowfall and chilly temperatures before a crowd estimated to be above 6,000 spectators.

Freshman Tim Piechowski scored a second-period goal to pull the Tommies within 2-1. Moments later Piechowski had a breakaway try clank of the post to keep the deficit at one.

But the Mavericks (23-5 overall, 17-3 CCHA) kept the pressure on, regained momentum and later converted two goals in a 19-second span to build a 5-1 lead.

Two third-period goals by MSU ballooned the final margin.

St. Thomas was unable to generate many offensive chances -- it finished with just six shots on goal -- against the team ranked No. 2 nationally in goals-allowed per game (1.30).

Three goalies were subbed in during the final period to get a chance to join in the festive game.

Tommie coach Rico Blasi said his team competed hard against a deep and experienced MSU lineup. While his guys were unable to win enough battles on the ice to keep the score closer, he said it was an experience his players will savor.

"It's a tough game to play and you have to play the game where you are funneling pucks to the net and continue to move to the net. I thought (MSU) did a good job of that and they found some pucks and they buried them. We didn't get enough pucks to the net to be dangerous. But the conditions were the same for both teams. It got tough a little bit with the snow, give the goalies credit for seeing it.

"It was an awesome experience -- Hockey Day Minnesota, you're part of it. Snow, cold, it's the way it's supposed to be. We're very appreciative for being part of it as we transition our program to Division I in our first season as we are building this thing. We have a pretty good understanding where we need to be as a program the next three years and how we need to recruit so we can compete with Minnesota State and some of the other teams in the state.

"There are lots of things that we've done throughout the course of the year where I can say (our) guys have gotten better, and there's still things we need to get better at. A lot of work to be done still. Our care level in our locker room is outstanding, and our work ethic is outstanding. That's never been the issue. We're building this thing right now. We have a lot of inexperienced players (having to) play at a high level, especially tonight.

"When you are in the battle, you feel the pain of not getting stuff done, but overall when they look back at being a part of a special day like today being out there it's something that they will never forget.

The Tommies have a well-deserved bye week to close out January and are scheduled to return to CCHA play Feb. 4-5 at home against Michigan Tech.

"We've been going hard pretty much since we've been back (from the holiday break). I think we have made some really good strides we just have to regroup after this weekend. (Then) we just need to get back to work and get ready for our next series."

Men's Hockey, on big stage, can't slow Mavs' flurry of goals in 7-1 loss

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Team Stats

Tim Piechowski

Ethan Gauer

Christiano Versich

Luke Manning

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Tim Piechowski

University of St. Thomas Athletics

Men's Hockey, on big stage, can't slow Mavs' flurry of goals in 7-1 loss

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Tim Piechowski

Ethan Gauer

Christiano Versich

Luke Manning

Players Mentioned

Tim Piechowski

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