BLAINE, Minn. - The St. Olaf men's hockey team opened the 2016-17 season with a 4-1 loss to Gustavus Adolphus College in the MIAC Showcase at Schwan's Super Rink on Saturday night. 

After a scoreless first, the Gusties raced to a 2-0 lead on goals from Colin Hernon and Russell Barone inside the first four minutes of the period. The Oles' JT Paine scored at 11:12 of the second to get St. Olaf within a goal. Steven Sherman and Drew Otto assisted on the goal.

Van Sullivan added to the lead for Gustavus with 1:35 left in the second on assists from Evan Erickson and Axel Hallin to make it 3-1.  

Gustavus held a 37-24 advantage in shots. Eric Hancock made 33 saves in the loss for St. Olaf while Erik Johnson had 23 saves in net for the Gusties.

St. Olaf plays Saint John's University to wrap up the MIAC Showcase tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.