MANDAN, ND – Only able to penetrate the opposing defense for a single goal through the first two periods, the University of Mary hockey team exploded for three goals in the third period to defeat visiting University of St. Thomas 4-1.
One night after suffering their first home loss of the season, the Marauders started a new home win streak against the Tommies in the first of two games this weekend against the 12
th ranked team in the ACHA Central region. The Marauders, 27-3-2 this season overall and 13-1-1 at home, are the top-ranked team in the West region.
Marshall Tschida opened the scoring just 3:16 into the game to provide the Marauders a 1-0 lead. His ninth tally of the season set off a barrage of stuffed animals launched onto the ice as part of the Marauders first Teddy Bear Toss. Generous Marauders fans sent 180 teddy bears soaring over the glass to be distributed to local children.
Despite unleashing 30 shots on St. Thomas goalkeeper Ben Zitur while allowing just eight through the first two periods, the Marauders found themselves tied 1-1 entering the third period after giving up a goal with 32 seconds left before the second intermission.
Josh Colleaux started a flurry of third period goals when he found the net at the 8:04 mark.
Kyler Moore doubled the Marauders lead to 3-1 at 11:42. Just 72 seconds later,
Andrew Huber solidified the Marauders return to the win column with his 21
st goal of the year, second-best on the squad.
Both teams were quiet on the power play as neither squad connected in three opportunities apiece.
Tschida also picked up an assist in the game and was the only UMary player to produce multiple points. Overall nine other Marauders had either a goal or an assist in the game.
Aaron Nelson earned the win in net for UMary, stopping 20 of the 21 shots he faced. Zitur finished with 40 saves.
The Marauders and the Tommies complete their weekend series on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 pm.
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