Austin Packers girls’ hockey edges Rochester Mayo Saturday 2-1

The Austin Packers girls’ hockey team was on the road at Graham Arena in Rochester Saturday to open the 2020-2021 regular season against the Mayo Spartans, and an even-strength goal early in the third period from Mikiah Rumsey and strong goaltending from Shelby Davidson proved to be the difference as the Packers edged the Spartans 2-1.

After a scoreless first period, Austin’s Kate Holtz opened the scoring with an even-strength, unassisted tally at 8:25 to put the Packers in front 1-0.  1:45 later, Mayo’s Elizabeth Arendt knotted the score at one with an assist to Claire Sieme.  Rumsey then scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal at 3:13 of the third period with an assist to Megan Schultz as Davidson, who turned away 19 of the 20 shots she faced and the Packer defense held the Spartans off the scoresheet the rest of the way.

Austin fired 21 shots at Mayo netminder Alivia Haakenen, and they committed four penalties for eight minutes.  The Spartans were whistled for three penalties for six minutes, and both teams failed to score on the power play.

Austin opens the season with a 1-0 record, and the Packers will play their home opener Thursday night at Riverside Arena versus the Mankato West Scarlets, with the varsity face-off at 7:15 p.m.  You’ll hear the game on AM 1480 KAUS, with the Austin Packers pre-game show getting underway at 7:00 p.m.  You can also listen via the world-wide web at myaustinminnesota.com, and on the I Heart Radio app.