UPDATE: The St. Thomas men’s hockey team suffered a shocking defeat against the Augustana Vikings on March 3, 2023, at Anderson Arena, collapsing from a commanding 3-1 lead in the closing minutes of the game. This unexpected turn of events not only cost the Tommies a crucial victory but also jeopardized their standing in the CCHA regular season championship race.
With just over five minutes remaining in the third period, the 15th-ranked Tommies seemed poised to secure a critical win, dominating the 18th-ranked Vikings. However, Augustana struck back, scoring two late goals, including the equalizer in the final minute after pulling their goalie. The Vikings clinched a 4-3 victory in the shootout following a tense three-on-three overtime.
“We were just too loose,” St. Thomas head coach Rico Blasi said, reflecting on the sudden shift in momentum. “That’s a good hockey team. I thought it was a good game for 55 minutes, and then we lost our focus, and they made us pay.” The Tommies now find themselves tied for first place with Michigan Tech, a situation that intensifies the stakes as the season draws to a close.
Captain Lucas Wahlin echoed Blasi’s sentiments, stating, “We didn’t play a full 60 minutes.” The Tommies initially took control of the game, scoring twice in the second period after trailing 1-0 at the end of the first. Alexandros Gaffney netted his 17th goal of the season, followed by a wrist shot from defenseman Hayes Hundley. Wahlin later added a power-play goal, extending the lead and seemingly sealing the Vikings’ fate.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the final period. Blasi noted that the Vikings’ intensified effort in the third period contributed to their comeback. “Once the momentum swings in the other team’s favor, it’s often hard to get it back,” Wahlin explained. “We’ve just got to stick together.”
As the Tommies prepare for their upcoming game, the urgency to reclaim their focus is paramount. Blasi emphasized the need to replicate their strong performance from earlier in the match. “We have to take the first 55 minutes and finish the job.” Wahlin added, “It’s a must win.”
With the CCHA title within reach, the upcoming games will be critical not just for standings, but for the morale of the team. The Vikings are now just one point out of first place, ensuring a competitive matchup this Saturday night.
This defeat serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of college hockey, where a game can turn in an instant, leaving teams to grapple with the emotional fallout. Fans and players alike will be eagerly watching to see how the Tommies respond in their next game, hoping to restore their path to victory.
