33 scores with 33 seconds to spare
Goalie seals Bethel University’s sixth consecutive victory against Gustavus
By Kylie Nybakken
The Schwan Center’s 5th hockey rink was packed full of Bethel University students holding their breath as the red fluorescent game clock counted down the final three minutes of the third period of the Bethel versus Gustavus Adolphus College men’s hockey game Friday night. Metal blades scraped across the ice as players made their way down the rink, the puck airborne three feet ahead. Spectators watched silently from bleachers lining the rink just behind the plexiglass walls. The smell of sweat and nacho cheese lingered heavily in the air. Huge block letters painted on the wall read “BU Royals” with six gold and navy flags on either side. This was home territory for the Royals, and they were determined to go out with a win.
And 18 minutes and 52 seconds into the third period, the Royals were up 4–2 against the Gustavus Gusties. Players from both teams competed in a face off. This would be the Royals’ sixth win of the season if they could maintain their two-point lead for the remainder of the game.
Player 28, Jack Suchy for Gustavus gained possession of the puck, passing it to number 17, Lucas Jorgenson who attempted to make a shot in the Royals’ zone. Royals goalie number 33 Ridge Gerads intercepted the pass and trapped the puck between his stick and his foot. Gerads saw a split-second opportunity to shoot the puck across full ice. Gustavus was falling behind and wanted to increase their scoring opportunities by replacing their goalie with another offensive player, leaving the net open. The odds were stacked against Gerads. The puck would have to make it across full ice for a Royal’s win.
With just 33 seconds left of the game, Gerads struck his stick against the puck, sending it flying down the ice and straight into the goal and securing the Royal’s sixth win.
“I’ve never had a goal as a goalie,” Gerads said. “It’s always something I’ve wanted to do.”
“That was iconic!” Bethel student Brady Botterill shouted from the bleachers as she and the rest of the audience erupted with cheers and applause. Not a single person refrained from getting on their feet to celebrate the victory.
“33 scores with 33 seconds to spare,” Bethel club hockey player Erik Brechisen said, clapping and cheering wildly along with the rest of the rink.
“I’ve never had a goal as a goalie. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do.” — Ridge Gerads, Bethel goalie
The other 28 players embraced Gerads in a team hug, congratulating him on a memorable goal.
