The MIAC regular season ended this past weekend with the Johnnies earning a weekend split with Gustavus. This accounted for a final regular-season record of 16-7-2 overall and 11-5-0 in the MIAC. This was the most overall wins since the 2013-14 and most MIAC wins since 2005-06. This was also the sixth season in a row with over a .500 win percentage. Unfortunately, the Tommies managed to sweep Hamline to get the MIAC championship by one point over SJU. The Tommies scored with 8 seconds left on Friday night and came back from a 3-0 deficit on Saturday to get the sweep and the championship.
Gustavus played a very disciplined, tough game that seemed to limit the chances that we were able to generate throughout the weekend. Their defensive play, along with their goaltending, held SJU to only three goals on the weekend. We lost 2-1 at Gustavus on Friday and won 2-1 the following night at SJU. The weekend was a defensive battle and I think the way both teams played will bode well in the MIAC Playoffs.
With the weekend split with Gustavus, SJU ended the season in second place and will face Augsburg in the first round of the MIAC playoffs this Saturday afternoon at 2pm. This Saturday will be a tough game against the Auggies, as all of the games against the two teams seem to be physical and competitive. SJU lost at home a few weeks back to the Auggies, but took two 5-minute majors in the game that made things very difficult. We were able to bounce back the second night and beat them in their building to get the regular-season split. I believe this is going to be another tight game, but the Johnnies have some revenge in mind after the Auggies closed out the SJU season the previous two seasons. We look forward to the opportunity to end their season this time in our own building.
We also had a great alumni game this past Saturday afternoon that saw over 30 alumni come back to enjoy the game. I will say that a few also found a way to enjoy downtown St. Joe that night as well. It is funny how a trip back to your college campus can make you act like a college kid again. I was so happy to see all of the alumni back and I look forward to making this a yearly event.
Go Johnnies!!!
MIAC Semi Final Round Information
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Johnnies vs Auggies
2:00 pm Puck Drop
Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, St. Cloud
Pre-Game Fan Gathering
Blueline Sports Bar and Grill
1004 Sunridge Drive, St. Cloud
Starting at Noon
