Box Score | Photos (John Biasi)

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Augsburg scored three goals on special teams to defeat Saint John's 3-1 on Saturday, Dec. 5, in Minneapolis.

The Johnnies entered the contest with the MIAC's No. 1 power-play percentage (21.9 percent, 14-64), but was just 0-for-7 with the man advantage on the night. 

The Auggies jumped out to a 2-0 lead halfway thru the first period thanks to a shorthanded breakaway goal and a power-play tally two minutes later.

Sophomore Grant Ellena (Coon Rapids, Minn.) cut the deficit to 2-1 with his third goal of the season 10:04 into the second period. Juniors Pat McClure (Maple Plain, Minn.) and Mike Wallgren (Oakdale, Minn.) assisted on the play for SJU (4-7-1, 1-5-0 MIAC).

Augsburg added a power-play goal with 1:16 left in the second frame to make it 3-1.

Senior Stu Van Ess (Kewaskum, Wis.) made 17 saves in the loss, as SJU outshot the Auggies (6-3-1, 2-1-1 MIAC) 24-20.

The Johnnies return to action next Sunday, Dec. 13, against Finlandia (Mich.). The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.