Cobbers Fall to Saint John’s in Hard-Fought 4-2 Battle

MOORHEAD, Minn. (2/21/26) - The Concordia-Moorhead men's hockey team battled fiercely against Saint John's MN on Saturday afternoon, trading goals and physical play in an intense contest. The Cobbers were edged 4-2 in the final minutes of the game, closing out their 2025-2026 season at 11-12-2 overall and 6-9-1 in MIAC play.

The opening period saw both teams battle for early control, with Saint John's MN winning the initial faceoff but failing to convert on multiple scoring chances. Concordia-Moorhead goalkeeper Dane Couture was tested early, turning aside several shots to keep the game scoreless.

Concordia gained momentum midway through the period when Matthew Hard buried a shot from in front of the net at 10:35, giving the Cobbers a 1-0 lead. Hard's goal was set up by Blake Johnson and Ben Luedtke, showcasing strong teamwork and sharp offensive positioning. Both teams faced penalties in the period, producing power-play opportunities, but neither side was able to capitalize. Concordia carried the 1-0 lead into the first intermission thanks to timely defensive plays, strong goaltending, and Hard's standout goal.

The second period opened with increased intensity, as both teams traded opportunities and physical play along the boards. Saint John's MN quickly answered just 36 seconds into the frame, with Tyler Smith scoring off an assist from Mason Campbell to tie the game at 1-1. Concordia responded with sustained offensive pressure, but Saint John's goaltender held firm.

Penalties began to pile up, creating multiple power-play chances, but Concordia struck in dramatic fashion when Caden Triggs scored a short-handed goal at 7:50, giving the Cobbers a 2-1 lead and energizing the bench. Saint John's countered with relentless pressure and multiple shots on goal, eventually tying the game again at 2-2 when Seth Terhell scored with 57 seconds remaining, assisted by Michael Spinner and Connor Couet. Aggressive forechecking, physical battles, and strong goaltending defined the period, leaving the teams deadlocked heading into the third.

The third period began with Saint John's MN striking quickly once again. Jackson Bisson scored just 1:07 into the period on assists from Couet and Jordan Newpower, putting the Johnnies ahead 3-2. Concordia responded with relentless pressure, firing multiple shots on goal, but Saint John's netminder continued to make key saves. Late in the period, the Cobbers pulled Couture in an effort to find the equalizer, but Saint John's capitalized with 33 seconds remaining to extend their lead to 4-2.

Despite the late surge and empty-net strategies, Concordia could not close the gap. The period highlighted the Cobbers' determination and offensive persistence, but early goals and solid goaltending from Saint John's secured the victory. Couture finished with 31 saves in the game.

Concordia-Moorhead closes the 2025-2026 season with an overall record of 11-12-2 and a 6-9-1 mark in MIAC play.