Saints score late, edge Men's Hockey in opening game of NCHA Quarterfinals

DULUTH, Minn. – The Harris Cup Playoffs opened with plenty of excitement as St. Scholastica scored with 5:37 remaining in Friday's game against Concordia University Wisconsin. That would be the only goal scored as the Saints edged the Falcons 1-0.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow night, once again at Mars Lakeview Arena in game two of the quarterfinal series. If the Falcons win tomorrow's contest, a 20-minute mini game will immediately follow to determine who advances to the semifinal round. A tie or a CSS win advances the Saints to the semifinals.

It was Derek Sutliffe who provided the offense for the Saints as his goal was scored unassisted late in the third. CUW pulled goaltender Domingo Torrenueva (Oshawa, Ontario) for the final 1:05 in an attempt to get the equalizer, but couldn't light the lamp, dropping the exciting contest.

The game Friday night could be summed up by smart, strong, defensive hockey and outstanding goaltending. The two teams combined for just six penalty minutes, setting a Falcons record for fewest penalty minutes between two teams. Neither team could convert on the three penalties as CSS was 0-for-2 on the power play, while CUW was 0-for-1 with the extra man.

Shots were 40-20 in favor of the host Saints as Torrenueva was outstanding with 39 saves and a .975 save percentage. His counterpart, Tyler Bruggeman, stopped all 20 shots sent his way for the shut out.

The Falcons and Saints once again proved just how equal they are as the two teams tied in the two previous meetings this season. CUW hopes the bounces fall its way tomorrow night as they try and force the mini game. Fans can follow the action live via stats and video with links available at CUWFalcons.com.