Box Score

	vs.
0		6

Game Summary / GameDay Online

ST. PETER, Minn. — Saint Mary's University men's hockey coach Don Olson knew that Friday's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against Gustavus was going to be tough — after all, the Gusties were coming off a big win vs. Hamline, and boasted a six-game winning streak vs. the Cardinals.

But when the team got word of the passing of long-time assistant coach Tom Farren, that task became that much more difficult.

If not impossible.

Gustavus scored twice in the opening period against the lackluster Cardinals, and added four more goals in the second period in handing SMU a 6-0 setback at the Don Roberts Ice Arena.

"It's been a tough, tough day," said Olson. "Tom was such an integral part of the SMU men's hockey program — he was always there for our players, always willing to do whatever needed to be done — and when the players found out about his passing, it really took its toll."

Farren died suddenly late Friday afternoon, collapsing while working in the ice arena. Students and staff attempted to revive Tom until emergency medical personnel arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to Olson, several team members received text messages on their cell phones alerting them of the situation — and suddenly, the game that seemed to mean so much two hours earlier, didn't seem quite so important.

"We met and discussed at length whether we should even play or not," said Olson. "Ultimately, we decided to play the game as scheduled — I think that's what Tom would have wanted us to do."

But once the puck dropped, the grief-stricken Cardinals were no match for the Gusties.

Patrick Dynan and Mitch Carlson scored goals five minutes apart early in the first period to give GAC a 2-0 lead — and the Gusties never looked back, adding four more tallies in the second period en route to the lopsided victory.

"We weren't very connected in the first period," said Olson, whose team managed just five shots  in the opening 20 minutes, but weren't any better in the second or third, finishing the game with a season-low 13 shots on goal. "Gustavus is a very good team, and we knew we were going to have our hands full, but with the emotion of everything else this team had to deal with, we just weren't able to put forth much of an effort.

"Hopefully, we can turn that around (Saturday, when the teams meet again for a 7:05 p.m. game at the SMU Ice Arena)."