SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Saint Mary's men's hockey team (14-10-2) saw its postseason run come to an end Saturday with a 6-1 loss to Gustavus Adolphus College in the MIAC Semifinals on the Gusties' home ice.

The appearance marked the Cardinals' first trip to the conference semifinals since the 2018-19 season, when they also fell on the road — that time to Augsburg University. Entering this year's matchup as the No. 3 seed, Saint Mary's squared off against the No. 2-seeded Gusties, who used a four-goal third period to pull away.

Saint Mary's struck first and carried early momentum. Carter Newpower opened the scoring at 11:03 of the first period, finishing a play set up by Luc Cernohous and Jack Campion to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. Adam Prokop was sharp between the pipes, turning aside several quality chances to preserve the advantage.

Gustavus evened the score late in the opening period when Drew Holt found the back of the net, sending the teams into the first intermission tied 1-1.

The Gusties grabbed the lead midway through the second period, as Grant Ellings scored at 11:39 off an assist from Holt. Saint Mary's generated opportunities from Adler Johnston and Newpower, but Gustavus goaltender Marko Belak and the home defense held firm, and the Cardinals trailed 2-1 after two periods.

The third period shifted decisively in favor of the hosts. Riku Brown scored early in the frame to extend the lead, and Gustavus continued to apply pressure with additional goals from Brown, Ellings, and Jack Wineman to seal the 6-1 final.

Newpower finished with a goal and a team-high five shots on goal. Cernohous added an assist and a blocked shot, while Kyle Arias won his lone faceoff attempt. Prokop recorded 32 saves in net.

Despite the semifinal setback, the Cardinals' return to the conference's final four marks a significant step forward for the program and caps a strong 14-win campaign.