Boys Hockey: Hauswirth paces Tigers past SLP

Grant Hauswirth scored two goals, including the game-winner (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Grant Hauswirth scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner 55 seconds into the third period, to pace the Tigers to a 4-3 win over Spring Lake Park (3-2) Thursday night at Schmitz-Maki Arena.

Farmington upped its season record to 4-3 and the win serevd as a nice rebound from Tuesday night's 1-0 loss at Apple Valley.

"Spring Lake Park has a good club," Tiger coach Keith Revels said. "This was a good non-conference match-up to prep us for Saturday's date with Mayo.

"We seemingly got back on track, at least with our legs. We did a much better job applying pressure and creating turnovers all over the rink."

The start and finish to periods proved to be the Tigers' biggest allies.

Justin Novak scored the first Tiger goal (photo by Jim Lindquist)

In the opening frame Justin Novak (from Kevin Olund and Justin Hyytinen) found the net just 29 seconds after the opening face-off and Hauswirth scored his first of the night unassisted with just three seconds remaining to give the home team a 2-1 lead.

The Panthers scored the next two goals before Corey Rudrud tied the count with his first varsity goal on the power play with under a minute to play in the second period.

Hauswirth provided the game-winner in the opening minute of the third period and then the Farmington defense and first-time starting goalie Gage Overby combined to keep the visitors off the board the rest of the way.

Overby finished his varsity debut with 24 saves as the Tigers held a held a 36-27 shots on goal advantage.

Overall, Revels was happy with his team's play in the non-conference win but he admitted concern with special teams play. One of the Panther goals came on the power play and another was shorthanded.

"We need to be a bit more composed with the puck on the power play," he said.

Face-off for Saturday's matinee match-up with section rival Mayo is 3:00 pm at Schmitz-Maki Arena.