Steve Balint became the second Lion to record a hat trick at the ACHA Men's DI National Tournament, and the Lindenwood men's ice hockey team advanced to the semifinals Sunday afternoon in Chicago, Ill. with a 7-2 victory over Minot State.
Balint scored twice in the opening period as did Minot State. It was in the second period that the Lions were able to take control and break a 2-2 tie. In the opening moments of the frame,
Cory Spradling scored the eventual game winner to push Lindenwood ahead 3-2. Shortly after, Balint completed his first hat trick of the year with an even strength score.
Neeco Belanger would add a power play goal in the closing minute of the period to give Lindenwood a 5-2 cushion.
In the third,
Carson Hamil scored at the 13:00 minute mark and
Jake Ebner notched a power play score to cap the scoring.
Robi Cavallari earned the win in goal for the Lions who reached the 40 win plateau for the second straight year.
Freshman
Grant Gorczyca had a hat trick midway through the first period and the top seeded Lindenwood men’s ice hockey team cruised to an 8-3 victory over Rutgers University in the opening round on Saturday.
Gorczyca scored twice in the opening six minutes and midway through the first completed the hat trick with a power play goal. Rutgers would score moments later to cut the lead to 3-1. Spradling and
Adam Krefski would net goals in the closing minutes of the frame to give the Lions a 5-1 lead after one.
Tim Gardner scored in the second to push the lead to five. Rutgers found the back of the net late in the period to make it 6-2.
Ebner and
Alex Roth added third period goals to cap the scoring for Lindenwood. Rutgers would add another tally as well.
Cavallari earned the win in goal for the Lions. Spradling, Hamil and
Colin Long each finished with a pair of assists.
Lindenwood (40-5, 16-4) will learn who they play on Tuesday later this evening after all games have been completed. The final four teams are re-seeded for the semifinals.