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College Hockey: Finlandia tops Hamline 4-1, gets 2nd straight win

HANCOCK — The Finlandia Lions men’s hockey team struggled through the early portion of their schedule. They played well, but were not reaping any rewards.

That all changed last Friday with a win over Northland College on the road.

Tuesday, looking to build off that win, the Lions (2-7-1) were able to do just that, skating to a 4-1 victory over the visiting Hamline Pipers.

Head coach Joe Burcar was pleased with the effort his team gave in getting their second win of the season.

“We were playing good hockey right now,” said Burcar. “We’re healthy. We’re not sick. We’re, I mean, we’re not 100% healthy, but we’re just starting to play.

“We’ve been so close, but it started coming together. We’re playing good. Again, we’re not playing perfect, but we’re just improving every single day and it’s nice to see it finally paying off.”

Captain Connor Hannon, who led the way offensively with two goals and an assist in the contest felt that the Lions played well for the full 60 minutes of the game, something Finlandia is just learning how to do with consistency.

“I think we started the season there, we’re in some tight games and we just couldn’t find that way to win and play a full 60 (minutes),” said Hannon. “Now we start playing a full 60 and then things start clicking. The boys get some confidence and then roll with it.”

Hannon picked up his first goal of the night 12:07 into the contest. His second came in the final second of the middle frame.

For the third-year star of the Lions, learning how to be the leader the young Lions need has been difficult, but he feels that he is beginning to figure it out.

“I think the boys are finally starting to see what we got to do to win some games,” Hannon said. “I think we played 60 minutes both nights. Now we’re rolling and once we get rolling, it’ll be hard to stop.”

Burcar was pleased with the leadership his captain showed.

“He was a captain tonight,” Burcar said. “He was strong. He was good in a lot of situations.”

Hannon’s second tally of the night was preceded by a goal from freshman Lucas Patton on the power play at 19:08. Junior Cale Markham assisted on both second-period tallies as well.

The Pipers (2-7-1) got one back late in the third with their goaltender pulled at 18:41. They tried pulling goaltender Sam Nelson a second time, but this time the Lions were ready for it.

Hannon fed the puck off the left boards to freshman Zach Erhardt. Erhardt and freshman Jack Giddings skated in on a 2-on-0. Giddings pushed the puck over to Erhardt, who gave it back quickly to Giddings to deposit into the empty net.

For Giddings, the goal was the first of his career, but, more importantly, it showed the kind of patience and team-first thinking both players possess.

“This this is a fun team,” said Burcar. “It’s a fun team to coach, and you see stuff like that at the end of the game, the unselfish people just thinking about everybody else. That’s what makes the team.”

The Lions return to action at home this weekend when they host MSOE for a two-game series Friday and Saturday.

Hamline 0 0 1 — 1

Hancock 1 2 1 — 4

First Period — 1, FU, Hannon (Peavy), 12:07.

Second Period — 2, FU, Patton (Markham, Giddings), 19:08. 3, FU, Hannon (Markham, Paavola), 19:59.

Third Period — 4, HU, Martin (Cass, Bond), 18:41. 5, FU, Giddings (Erhardt, Hannon), 19:24.

Saves–HU, Nelson 9-10-8–27. FU, Gloss 9-5-6–20

Power plays–HU 0 for 5; FU 1 for 5

Penalties-minutes–HU 9-18; FU 8-16

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