'JACKETS TAME LIONS AGAIN 
 
For the second time this season, the 'Jackets faced-off against the Lions from Finlandia University.  And although they weren't as sharp as the first time around, the result was just the same.  Five different players picked up goals as the 'Jackets cruised to a 5-1 win before an estimated audience of 200 at Hancock County Arena.

The win, the 13th of the year for the 'Jackets, matched their win total from all of last season.  The win also stretched the 'Jackets unbeaten streak to 12 games, tops in the nation among Division III teams.

The 'Jackets got all the offense they needed early in the game.  Andrew MacKenzie (Sr. Terrace Bay, Ontario), who hadn't scored since the St. Mary's game on November 1, poked home a rebound at 3:40 to make it 1-0.  It was the third straight game when the 'Jackets got on the board before the game was four minutes old.  They made it 2-0 just 35 seconds later.  Ryan Kuntz (Sr. Regina, Saskatchewan) finished off a pretty passing play for his third goal of the season at 4:15.  Captain Rob Turville (Sr. Olds, Alberta) and Tyler Fletcher (Jr. Calgary, Alberta) started off the play that resulted in a new career high in goals for Kuntz.

Finlandia got their only goal in the second.  With the teams skating four-on-four, James Neitsch converted a two-on-one, flicking a shot high off the glove of Chad Beiswenger (Sr. Moorhead, Minnesota) to make it 2-1, the goal coming at 8:29.  The 'Jackets had an answer, however, at 16:03.  After a scrum in front of the goal, Chris Berry (Jr. Calgary, Alberta) buried a loose rebound with a backhand to make it 3-1.  It was Berry's seventh goal of the season.  He has now scored at least one goal in five of the last six games he's played.

The 'Jackets got two more in the third to close out the scoring, and the goals came from players that haven't been heard from in a while.  Chris Wilson (Jr. Prince Albert, Saskatchewan), who hadn't scored since the St. Norbert game, carried the puck in from the right side and wired a wrist shot into the upper corner to make it 4-1 at 12:38.  Talon Berlanso (So. Drumheller, Alberta) and Logan Isley (So. Bonnyville, Alberta) assisted on the play.  A few minutes later, at 14:04, Kevin Huck (Sr. Eden Prairie, Minnesota) scored on a rebound to make the final 5-1.  Berry and Seth Reda (Sr. Palmer, Alaska) assisted.

Berry finished the game with a goal and two assists to pace the offense.  Reda and Art Clark (Jr. Bloomington, Minnesota) had two assists apiece.

Beiswenger, who picked up his 40th career win (third-best all-time at UWS) in the game, had to make just 18 saves in the game.  Finlandia goaltender Ryan Donovan made 30 saves.

The 'Jackets took six penalties for 12 minutes, while Finlandia took four for eight minutes.  Neither team converted with the man-advantage.

After a break that will last nearly a month, the 'Jackets will close out the non-conference portion of their schedule when they return to action.  They will be in St. Peter, Minn. on Friday, January 9, when they take on Gustavus Adolphus College.  The Golden Gusties (7-4-0) are currently tied for fourth place in the MIAC.  Game time on January 9 will be 7:00 p.m.  The game can be heard live locally on KUWS 91.3 FM, beginning with the pre-game show at 6:40 p.m.  If you are outside the local listening area, you can tune in via the Internet at www.kuws.fm.  Jon Garver will have the call.