St. Thomas Tommies Take Control of CCHA Lead with Dominant Win Over Minnesota State
In a decisive 4-2 victory, the St. Thomas men's hockey team catapulted itself into a tie for first place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) standings. The momentum-shifting performance at Minnesota State not only earned the Tommies their 30th point in conference play but also propelled them to the top of the circuit.
The turning point came in the second period, as St. Thomas exploded for four goals within a span of just over three minutes. Lucas Wahlin got the visitors on the board early with a score just 20 seconds into the frame, setting the tone for the Tommies' onslaught. Attila Lippai and Quinton Pepper scored back-to-back goals, followed by Ryan O'Neill's goal at 7:33, sending Minnesota State reeling.
The Mavericks attempted to mount a comeback in the third period but ultimately fell short, with St. Thomas goaltender Aaron Trotter retaining his bid for a shutout despite making 18 saves on the night. The Tommies' impressive outburst left Minnesota State scrambling to respond, and they were unable to overcome the deficit.
The victory moved the Tommies into a tie with Augustana atop the CCHA standings, as both teams accumulated their 30th point in conference play. With this win, St. Thomas solidified its position at the top of the circuit, while Minnesota State dropped to third place with 28 points.
In their next two games, the Tommies will host Bemidji State on Friday and Saturday at the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in St. Paul. Puck drop for both games is set for 7 p.m., with both contests televised on CCHATV.
In a decisive 4-2 victory, the St. Thomas men's hockey team catapulted itself into a tie for first place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) standings. The momentum-shifting performance at Minnesota State not only earned the Tommies their 30th point in conference play but also propelled them to the top of the circuit.
The turning point came in the second period, as St. Thomas exploded for four goals within a span of just over three minutes. Lucas Wahlin got the visitors on the board early with a score just 20 seconds into the frame, setting the tone for the Tommies' onslaught. Attila Lippai and Quinton Pepper scored back-to-back goals, followed by Ryan O'Neill's goal at 7:33, sending Minnesota State reeling.
The Mavericks attempted to mount a comeback in the third period but ultimately fell short, with St. Thomas goaltender Aaron Trotter retaining his bid for a shutout despite making 18 saves on the night. The Tommies' impressive outburst left Minnesota State scrambling to respond, and they were unable to overcome the deficit.
The victory moved the Tommies into a tie with Augustana atop the CCHA standings, as both teams accumulated their 30th point in conference play. With this win, St. Thomas solidified its position at the top of the circuit, while Minnesota State dropped to third place with 28 points.
In their next two games, the Tommies will host Bemidji State on Friday and Saturday at the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in St. Paul. Puck drop for both games is set for 7 p.m., with both contests televised on CCHATV.