Gastineau's game-winner sends Oles to playoffs

Mike Ludwig
February 25, 2005

Andrew Gastineau's (So., Rochester, Minn./Mayo) goal 1:34 into the third period proved the game-winner as the St. Olaf men's hockey team held off Saint Mary's University 3-2 Friday night in Northfield, clinching an MIAC playoff berth.

With the win, St. Olaf locks up at least the fourth seed in the MIAC tournament, which begins Tuesday.

The Oles are tied for third with Bethel, who won 6-1 over Hamline Friday night.

St. Olaf has a five goal cushion in the deciding tie-breaker should they tie with the Royals after tomorrow's final games.

John Egge (Jr., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) assisted on Gastineau's goal.

The Oles jumped to a 1-0 lead on John Paulson's (Fy, Eden Praire, Minn.) powerplay goal early in the first.

Saint Mary's tied the game 1-1 three minutes later when Travis VanDynHoven netted a shorthanded goal.

St. Olaf added an unassited goal from Pat Gilles (Sr., Waunakee, Wis.) in the second.

Saint Mary's is still in the race for the final MIAC playoff berth after Augsburg beat Gustavus Friday, leaving all three schools with 13 points.

The Oles and Cardinals meet tomorrow in the regular-season finale in Winona.

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