The Albert Lea boys’ hockey team fell to .500 with a 2-1 loss Thursday at Faribault.

After scoreless first and second periods, the Falcons lit the lamp 1 minute and 15 seconds into the third on a short-handed goal.

The Tigers answered 42 seconds later with a score by Van Zelenak on a pass from Matt Cheever at even strength.

Faribault scored the go-ahead goal 12 minutes and 33 seconds into the third period on a power play.

Through the first two periods, Albert Lea out-shot Faribault 28-21. However, the Tigers had 21 minutes in the penalty box compared to 10 for the Falcons.

Garrett Matz led Albert Lea in the goal with 32 saves.

Albert Lea (2-2 overall, 1-2 Big Nine Conference) will try to bounce back at 3 p.m. Saturday against Rochester John Marshall.

The Rockets (1-3 overall, 0-2 Big Nine Conference) are coming of a 9-1 home loss against Rochester Mayo. Rochester John Marshall’s lone win was at home against St. Paul Johnson 5-3.

Albert Lea has a 3-0 win at Austin, a 5-1 home win over Northfield and a pair of losses in 2-1 losses.

Mankato East is in command of the Big Nine with a conference and overall record of 5-0.