Second-ranked Union is off to its best start in 24 season of Division I hockey after defeating ninth-ranked St. Cloud State, 5-1, before a sellout crowd of 2,295 at Messa Rink on Homecoming Weekend. The 5-0 Dutchmen also extended their school-record winning streak to 17 games, and their home winning streak to 15 games, both marks dating to last season.
Union wasted little time getting on the board, striking three times in the opening nine minutes to chase goaltender Charlie Lindgren. Michael Pontarelli scored a power play goal just 1 minute, 51 seconds into the contest, followed by defenseman Sebastien Gingras’ goal at the 4:07 mark. Mark Bennett added to the lead by throwing a shot on goal from along the blue line, that snuck inside the right post.
St. Cloud came back strong in the second period, outshoting Union by a 12-5 margin. The Dutchmen, however, built their lead to 4-0 on Sam Coatta’s goal at 6:52.
Max Novak struck for Union’s second power play goal late in the third period to seal the win. The Huskies, however, foiled Colin Steven’s shutout attempt by scoring with five seconds left in regulation, a rebound shot from Ben Storm in the slot.
