It's not showing in the team's record, but Rochester Lourdes is playing better hockey each time it takes the ice.
It also helps to have a goalie who stops nearly everything thrown his way.
The Eagles didn't get back into the win column on Saturday, but they hung with one of the state's better teams, falling 2-1 in overtime to St. Paul Academy at Graham Arena.
Lourdes (1-10-1 overall) led 1-0 until SPA's Drew Blackmun scored an unassisted goal halfway through the third period. Riley Bowman then scored 1:34 into overtime to give No. 13-ranked SPA (9-3-0) the victory.
The loss overshadowed another excellent performance by Eagles goalie Jack Burkel. The junior made 47 saves, including 35 through the first two periods, as Lourdes was outshot 49-25 in the game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Lourdes took a 1-0 lead with 42 seconds to go in the first period on a goal by Tucker Chapman. Ben Walston and Mason Carstens assisted on the play.
Lourdes plays at No. 6-ranked Mankato West in a key Section 1A matchup at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
SPA 2, Lourdes 1, OT
SPA#0#0#1#1#—#2
Lourdes#1#0#0#0#—#1
St. Paul Academy: Drew Blackmun 1 goal; Riley Bowman 1 goal; Dev McCabe 1 assist; Justin Jallen 1 assist; Noah Parker 24 saves.
Rochester Lourdes: Jack Burkel 47 saves; Tucker Chapman 1 goal; Ben Walston 1 assist; Mason Carstens 1 assist.
