Austin tried rearranging its lines to gain a defensive advantage, but the result was an inept offense and a 2-0 loss to Rochester Century Thursday night in Big Nine Conference boys' hockey action.

Century goalie Alex Kangas, a sophomore, delivered his fifth shutout of the season by stopping all 38 shots on goal by the Packers (13-5-1, 10-2-1). Austin was shut out for the first time this season by Mayo Saturday night in Rochester, and Kangas' effort marked two in a row for the suddenly struggling Austin offense.

"This goalie's really hot, they said he's been doing great all season," said AHS senior defenseman Eric Hansen. "We didn't have much traffic in front, and that's kind of what we've been emphasizing.

"They have some big 'D', they're a solid defensive team."

Century (13-8-1, 9-4-0) is out of the race for the Big Nine title, but the Panthers put Austin into a must-win situation heading into its last three games. The Packers play at Faribault Saturday, at league-leading John Marshall Tuesday and at Albert Lea Feb. 17. Austin must beat JM and another to gain the league crown.

The Rockets (16-7, 12-3) have a three-point advantage over Austin, but their only remaining game is against the Packers. AHS can net six points by winning its final three games, but a JM win next Tuesday at the Rochester Recreation Center will stop Austin from reaching the top.

"It's still in our hands, we just have to take care of our business," said AHS coach Troy Holtz. "I really believe in my heart we outplayed (Century) the entire game.

"We didn't get enough traffic in front and Kangas is probably the best goalie in the Big Nine. You're going to have to work hard to get goals against that guy. We've just got to find a way to muck it up in front of the net and we're not doing it."

Kangas limited the number of saves that rebounded to the front of the net, and Austin's scoring chances were few and far between because of it. The Packers rarely had an open net to shoot at, and when they did Kangas and Century's defense kept the puck out.

"Alex played pretty well tonight, he's played pretty solid throughout the season," said Century coach Bruce Frutiger. "As a team we played some really solid defense. There were not a lot of rebounds, and the ones (Austin) did get a chance at Alex somehow managed to make saves on them."

The Pack outshot Century 38-22, but Cris Collins' team-leading ninth goal got the Panthers the game-winner 1:35 into the game. He stuffed home a rebound past Packer freshman netminder Jack Lynch, and Pete Cyr added a third-period goal for some insurance.

"Offensively we're having a tough time finding it," Holtz said. "Defensively we were really starting to break down so we moved the lines to try and generate a better defensive concept. Old or new, it hasn't really worked."

Both teams were 0-for-3 on power plays.

The loss was Austin's only home defeat of the season in eight games at Riverside, unfortunately falling on Parents' Night. The Packers travel to Faribault Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

Summary:

Century101--2

Austin000--0

First Period--1, Century, Cris Collins 9 (Kyle Mairose, Brad Vagt), 1:35. Penalties--Lee Anderson, Century (roughing) 4:35; Mairose, Century (roughing) 12-32.

Second Period--none. Penalties--Tim Kirby, Austin (holding) 11:43.

Third Perod--2, Century, Peter Cyr 6 (Craig Johhnson). Penalties--Cole Hughes, Austin (hooking) 3:41; Anderson, Century (hooking) 12:49; Brad Wiechmann, Austin (roughing) 14:34.

Shots on goal--Century 6-10-6--22; Austin 17-10-11--38.

Power-play opportunities--Century 0 of 3; Austin 0 of 3.

Goalies--Century, Alex Gangas 13-8-1 (38 shots-38 saves); Austin, Jack Lynch 6-3-1 (22-20).