The Austin boys hockey team lost its season opener to Mankato West 5-2 on the road Saturday.

The Packers (0-1 overall, 0-1 Big Nine) tied the game at 2-2 when Evan McAlister scored with seven minutes left in the second period, but the Scarlets scored the last three goals of the game.

Kory Potach also had a goal for Austin, Bryan Flanders had two assists, and Brayden Merritt and Alex Ciola each had one assist.

Austin had eight shots on goal in the loss Noah Bawek made 33 sves for the Packers.