The Lawrence University hockey team got a short-handed goal from Josh DeSmit in the second game of their weekend doubleheader, which proved to be the clincher of a weekend sweep over the Finlandia Lions.
The Vikings (9-5-1, 7-3-0 MCHA) got off to a fast start to the weekend series with a 5-3 victory Friday night in the opener. Jameson Raymond scored twice to lead Lawrence to the victory. The Vikings led 5-0 going into the final period, but let up a little bit, allowing three goals by Finlandia (1-13-0, 1-9-0) in the final period.
Captain Jon Sheridan said of the performance, “Any time we get a conference victory, it is a great feeling, but letting three goals in the final period still leaves a sour taste in our mouths.”
The Vikings looked to make up for the final period of Friday’s game in the second game of the weekend. Sam Johnson scored his first goal of the season to get the Vikings on the board, and that goal was followed by a Jon Bellotti goal to extend the Vikings lead to 2-0.
After a Finlandia goal made the score 2-1, Josh DeSmit took a pass from Matt Hughes in a short-handed situation for the Vikings and buried it in the back of the net.
The goal proved to be the game-winner for the Vikings, though another Finlandia goal made the final score 3-2.
It was DeSmit’s first short-handed goal of the season as well as his first game-winner.
The Vikings faced an extra player the final minute of the game after the Lions pulled their goaltender, but Lawrence’s defense held stout and secured the victory.
Lawrence is back in action for another two-game set this weekend when they will face Adrian at home. The Vikings play at 7 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday.
Hockey tames lowly Lions
