A pair of third-period goals propelled Mankato East/Loyola to a rare win over the Albert Lea boys’ hockey team in its season opener.

The Tigers’ last loss against the Cougars was Jan. 12, 2006, and Albert Lea had won 11 straight matchups and outscored Mankato East/Loyola 92-14 during that span.

Albert Lea scored two straight goals on Thursday to tie the game in the second period at Mankato East/Loyola, but the Cougars won 4-2.

After falling into a 2-0 hole, the Tigers cut their deficit in half with an unassisted goal by senior Brady Loch.

A goal by Ryan Peterson on a pass from Kasey Habana about 10 minutes into the second period tied the game 2-2. Albert Lea clawed its way back, despite being outshot 35-9 through the first two periods.

However, Mankato East/Loyola’s Grayson Gavin scored a pair of goals late in the third period to give the Cougars the win.

Garrett Matz led the Albert Lea (0-1 overall) in the goal with 41 saves on 45 shots.

Next, Albert Lea will play at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northfield. The Tigers’ home opener will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 against Red Wing.