The Albert Lea boys’ hockey team came into its game against Mankato East Thursday riding a six-game win streak, all of which were won by at least two goals.

Despite taking a 2-1 lead into the third period, the Tigers were unable to hold off the late push by the Cougars, falling 3-2.

A little over three minutes into the game, Albert Lea took its first lead with a goal off the stick of junior Culley Larson and assisted by senior Carson Goodell. Mankato East answered back three minutes later with a goal that tied the game at 1-1, where it would remain through the rest of the first period.

Senior Jaxon Heilman started in the goal for the Tigers and saved nine of 10 shots in the period.

Less than a minute into the second, the Tigers took advantage of a power play opportunity with a goal from sophomore Blake Ulve. The goal was assisted by senior Cole Wentzel and junior Campbell Cichosz.

Albert Lea held the lead for the rest of the second period, but gave it up a minute into the third, when Mankato East evened the score at 2-2. With less than a minute and a half before the end of regulation, East found the back of the net again for its first lead of the game.

Heilman ended the night saving 36 of the 39 shots on goal by the Cougars. The Tigers totaled 32 shots on goal, connecting on two.

The Tigers fall to 11-7 on the season and will be back on the ice looking to restart their hot streak Saturday when they host the 10-6 Stars of Gentry Academy.