Austin, Minn. — Despite a late two-goal rally and a Ryan O’Neill hat trick, the Norsemen split the weekend series with Austin after a 4-3 loss on the road on Saturday.
O’Neill, the University of St. Thomas commit, netted his first of the game with less than four minutes remaining in the first period. Forward Nik Hong continued to add to his team-high assist total with a helper on O’Neill’s tally and newcomer, Swedish defenseman Christopher Lynch scored his first point with the Norsemen with an assist as well.
Austin tied things up before the end of the first and went on to add another in the second to take a 2-1 lead into the third.
The Bruins scored twice in the third, both goals by Damon Furuseth, to take a 4-1 lead.
Austin’s goaltender Klayton Knapp made a huge save midway through the third period to keep the Norsemen off the scoreboard.
The Norsemen came back with late power play and extra attacker opportunities in a penalty-filled affair.
O’Neill’s second score came on a 5-on-3 power play, with forward Brandon Lajoie and defenseman Sam Duerr both earning assists on the play.
The Roseville, Minnesota native completed the hat trick with his second power play goal in as many minutes, with the goalie pulled for St. Cloud. Defenseman Duke Kiffin and forward Kade Peterson both earned assists on the goal.
The Norsemen outshot the Bruins 28-22. Tomas Bolo made 18 saves in his first loss of the season (5-1-0).
St. Cloud (8-5-0) is back in action for a Central Division matchup at Minot next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-13.
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