MANDAN, ND – As the competition level has increased, so has the level of play of the University of Mary hockey team. Hosting the top-ranked team in the final 2017-18 American College Hockey Association rankings on the first full day of the EverSpring Inn and Suites Icebreaker, the Marauders edged Northern Arizona University 3-2.
A consistent effort each period led the Marauders to their sixth straight win as UMary remained undefeated in their inaugural season. The Marauders scored single goals in each period while the IceJacks posted goals in the last two periods only.
Provided eight power play opportunities, the Marauders converted just once, but it was the first goal of the night.
Andrew Heckaman opened the scoring as 12:41 of the first period with UMary up a skater, taking advantage of assists from
Jonathan Sundell and
Phillip Silveria.
NAU pulled even late in the second period on the first of two power play goals for the IceJacks when Lucas Lomax scored at 18:05. Jakob Parisian snapped the tie just 39 seconds later, providing UMary a 2-1 edge entering the second intermission.
Josh Colleaux and
Bryce Eckman served up the assists.
Alex Flicek doubled the Marauders lead at 6:10 of the final period with help from
Cyril Nagurski and Sundell. UMary needed the cushion when Reese Kieffer scored on the power play at 17:38. The IceJacks pressed to even the game but goalkeeper
Aaron Nelson and the Marauders defense held them at bay.
Nelson posted 26 saves for the Marauders to remain undefeated in his three starts.
After a penalty-filled game against Denver, the Marauders were sent away for ten minutes on five penalties while the IceJacks had 16 minutes on eight infractions.
In the opening rounds of the Icebreaker, Boise State received a forfeit from Denver and Williston State rallied from a three-goal deficit to tie Northern Colorado.
The Marauders return to the ice Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 pm against Boise State. The day starts with Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado playing at 1 pm and Williston State and Denver squaring off at 4 pm. All games are played at the Schwan Cadillac Arena at Starion Sports Complex.
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