Falcons Escape in Double OT Thriller

The Austin Packers entered tonight's Section One Class A boys hockey tournament with just 3 wins on the season.  Sophmore goalie Connor Poczos stood incredibly tough in net and they nearly got their fourth.  Junior Christian Von Ruden got the game winner in the second overtime at the Faribault Ice Arena and the Falcons advanced to the quarterfinal round of the tournament with a 5-4 win.  Von Ruden's hat trick goal came 10:51 into the 17 minute second overtime after neither team could score in the 8 minute first o.t.  Faribault Sophmore goaltender Adam Johannsen also made some quality saves on the night.  Faribault outshot Austin 49-42.  Von Ruden's last goal came just 24 seconds after a Packer got penalized for slashing, meaning Faribault scored 3 of their 5 goals on the power play.  Two of his goals were unassisted and the other was assisted by Senior Isaiah Brogden and Sophmore Connor Lipinski.  Jake Murray scored a goal and had an assist.  Brogden had two assists, Junior Josh Nawrocki collected the other Faribault goal and assists were also tallied by Senior Evan Jensen and Junior Austin Dickey.  Austin scored :21 into the game and finished periods strong with goals with about 90 seconds to go in the first period, :28 seconds to go in the second period and :42 to go in regulation to send it into overtime.  Austin led 2-1 after the first and 3-2 after the second period.

The Faribault State Farm agents Faribault players of the game were Von Ruden, Johannsen, Brogden and Murray and Head Coach Dean Weasler said even though he didn't score, Junior Tyler Becker deserved praise for playing both defense and wing during the long affair.  The sixth seeded Falcons will play at third seeded Rochester Lourdes Thursday night at 7 on POWER 96 and power96radio.com.  You can also listen on your favorite mobile device by downloading the free Townsquare Media app Radio Pup.