Jack Lynch pitched his first varsity shutout and Andy Swank scored the game's only goal 54 seconds into overtime as the Austin boys' hockey team remained undefeated in Big Nine Conference play with a 1-0 victory against Rochester Century Thursday night at the Rochester Recreation Center.

The Packers (6-3, 4-0) remained in third place in the conference behind John Marshall (5-1) and Century (4-2) after a makeshift lineup produced the game-winning goal less than one minute into the extra period.

Defensemen Eric Hansen and Cole Hughes skated as forwards with Brad Wiechmann centering, while Swank and Tim Kirby played defense. Austin's forwards controlled the puck until it came out to the blue line, where Swank sent the game-winner into the net 54 seconds into overtime.

"We went right away with a different line combination and it worked pretty quick," said Austin coach Troy Holtz. "They dominated and kept the puck in the zone and it came out to the point. Swank caught it, shot it, and it went right past the goalie."

Swank's third goal of the season, assisted by Wiechmann and Hansen, accounted for Austin's fourth Big Nine Conference win in as many attempts. The Packers trail Century for second place in the league because of the Panthers' four-point win against Mankato West. JM is 5-1 in the league and leads with 10 points.

"Century probably outworked us pretty hard in the second half of the second period and the third, but Jack played just outstanding," Holtz said. "He made some huge saves."

Lynch, a freshman, stopped all 22 Century shots for his first varsity shutout.

"This is a great win for the team, a really big booster," Holtz said. "Century was probably looked at as the number one team in the conference, now hopefully we'll get some creed with that too.

"I think our team played really well and fought through the tough times and played great defensive hockey."

Austin managed to stay clear of the penalty box for the entire 46 minutes, while Century had just two penalties it was able to kill off. Aside from just one penalty against Owatonna, the Packers have been whistled for at least five penalties in every game.

Next week Austin hosts Albert Lea on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Riverside Arena. The Packers then play a four-point game at Mankato West on Thursday.

Call Ross Thede at 434-2234 or e-mail him at :mailto:sports@austindailyherald.com.