Boxscore

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.--Charlie Strauss scored his first goal of the season with 2 minutes and 30 seconds remaining to lift No. 14-ranked Middlebury College to a 2-1 men's hockey victory Saturday over Saint John's University (Minn.) in the third-place game of the 2010 PrimeLink Great Northern Shootout. The 13th annual event was held at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena on the Plattsburgh State campus.

The Panthers earn their first win after a 0-3 start while the Johnnies fall to 2-8 on the year.

After a defensive breakdown in the SJU end, Trevor Pollock pounced on the loose puck and fed Strauss for the game-winning goal. Then Middlebury had to hang on for the win as SJU pulled its goalie in favor of an extra skater for the final 1:04, but the Johnnies couldn't generate a solid scoring opportunity to force a potential overtime scenario

Mike Wallgren scored his team-leading fifth goal on a pass from Justin Brausen midway through the third period as SJU tied the game 1-1. The Johnnies' tally came via a power play, finishing 1-for-2 on the night.

Middlebury opened with a 1-0 lead in the first period on J.D. Vermette's first goal of the season at the 8:57 mark. Chris Steele was credited with an assist on the play.

Adam Andersson was instrumental in keeping SJU in the game as the sophomore netminder posted a weekend-best 39 saves--making several stops in dramatic fashion.

Nick BonDurant had 21 stops for Middlebury, which outshot SJU 17 to 4 in a scoreless second period.