BISMARCK, ND – A tight closely-contest contest turned into a rugged penalty-filled game as the University of Mary hockey team dropped a 5-1 decision to Minot State University on the second night of a home-and-home doubleheader between the two instate programs.
 
With the shot differential close early, the Beavers found the net first just 2:55 into the game. Adam Wowryk intercepted a Marauders pass at the blue line and skated in alone to score on a breakaway for a 1-0 Beavers lead.
 
Minot State doubled its advantage at the 4:16 mark of the second period. Soon what had been a fast-moving game slowed as penalties began to pile up. The Beavers increased their lead to 3-0 at 14:24 amidst 12 penalties in the final 15 minutes of the second period, with seven of the infractions called on Minot State.
 
With penalties continuing to fill up the third period stat sheet, the Marauders took advantage of a major penalty on the Beavers to cut the deficit to 3-1. Ben Kottmeier scored UMary's first goal at 8:17 with assists from Zachery Garrett and Drew Lenertz. The Marauders were unable to find the net again during their extended man advantage and finished the night 1-for-7 on the power play.
 
Minot State soon rebuilt its lead, scoring two more times to seal the Beavers victory.  
 
During the final period, the Beavers were called for two major penalties, including one game disqualification. Overall Minot State was whistled for nine penalties totaling 24 minutes. The Marauders were sent to the box four times for eight minutes.
 
For the game the Beavers were called for 17 infractions totaling 40 minutes while the Marauders were cited ten times for 20 minutes.
 
Aaron Nelson stopped 31 shots for the Marauders and held the Beavers to a 0-for-3 effort on the power play. Breydan Effertz posted 29 saves for Minot State.
 
Playing their inaugural campaign, the Marauders are 31-4-2-1 overall and ranked first overall in the ACHA Division II West region. The Beavers, ranked 12^th in the country in the latest ACHA Division I poll, played in the national semifinals the last two seasons.
 
The Marauders next play at the University of Jamestown on January 19 on an outdoor rink for the first Hockey Day in North Dakota.
 
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