Rochester Lourdes has earned some big, dramatic victories already this season, but perhaps none bigger or more dramatic than its victory on Saturday.
Sophomore Jason Samuelson scored the unassisted game-winning goal with just nine seconds remaining in overtime as No. 3-ranked Lourdes earned a 4-3 victory against No. 17-ranked St. Cloud Cathedral at Graham Arena.
Samuelson's game-winner — his fifth goal of the season — came at the end of an overtime period in which Cathedral outshot Lourdes 9-6. The Crusaders outshot Lourdes 43-31 in the game, but Eagles senior goalie Nick Heimer made a season-high 40 saves to earn the victory.
Lourdes (7-0-0) got off to a strong start, building a 2-0 lead less than eight minutes in, on goals by Alex Funk — his team-best seventh this season — and Landon Farrell.
Lourdes led 2-1 after two periods and extended its lead to 3-1 when Eric Potvin scored at 6:57 of the third period, with assists from Ben Weir and Justin Dewitz.
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Cathedral (1-3-0) answered, however, as Will Hammer scored twice in a span of 2 minutes, 15 seconds midway through the third to tie the score and force overtime.
Heimer was sharp throughout the game for Lourdes, backstopping a penalty killing unit that held Cathedral to an 0-for-5 effort on power plays, including one in overtime. Lourdes was just 0-for-2 on power plays as the Crusaders were whistled for just two minor penalties in the game.
Samuelson, Farrell and Funk also had one assist each.
Lourdes plays host to Section 1A rival Northfield at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Graham Arena, then travels to Victoria on Thursday to face Holy Family Catholic.
