BISMARCK, ND – As the University of Mary prepares to face some of the best teams in the nation this weekend at the Lindenwood Showcase, the Marauders remain entrenched atop the second American Collegiate Hockey Association M2 rankings of the 2021-22 season.
 
In the midst of a 10-game win streak with a record of 15-2 overall, UMary is first in the West Region ranking #2 released Nov. 18. The Marauders own a rating of 14.10 and are followed by Dakota College (10.93), University of Denver (10.90) and Metro State University – Denver (9.82) with East Texas Baptist University (9.79) rounding out the top five in the West.
 
North Carolina State (14.00) ranks first in the Southeast with Lindenwood University (12.51) leading the Central and the University of Massachusetts – Amherst topping the Northeast.
 
The Marauders have the nation's top rating at 14.10, followed by North Carolina State (14.00), Liberty University (13.73), UMass-Amherst (12.59), Lindenwood (12.51), Florida Gulf Coast (12.47), Iowa State (12.20), Penn State (12.09) and Gustavus Adolphus (12.04) with Northeastern University (11.84) rounding out the top 10.
 
THIS WEEK
The Marauders compete at the Lindenwood Showcase in Maryland Heights, MO, on Friday through Sunday, Nov. 19-21. UMary opens against Liberty at 2:32 pm on Friday, Nov. 19. The Marauders face host Lindenwood on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 8:15 pm. The showcase concludes Sunday. Nov. 21, when UMary takes on Davenport University at 9:52 am.
 
RUGGED WEEKEND
The Marauders have tough weekend in front of themselves… Liberty is the 3^rd rated team in the nation. The Flames have defeated the Marauders twice in three games this season. UMary leads the series 4-2-2 including a win against Liberty in the 2021 ACHA D2 national tournament semifinals… Lindenwood is 5^th in the ACHA M2 rankings just released. The Marauders defeated the Lions in two meetings last season… In the only meeting between the two programs, UMary defeated Davenport 6-0 in the opening round of the ACHA national tournament last April.
 
TEN
The Marauders have won ten straight games. This is the 5^th-longest streak in program history. The Marauders had 16- and 13-game win streaks last season with a 15-game run in 2018-19 and won 14 straight games in 2019-20.
 
SHUTOUT RUN
A shutout run covering a span of 290:57 came to a close in a 9-4 UMary win over St. Thomas on Sunday. Starting late in the first period of an 8-1 road win at Montana State, UMary strung four straight shutouts together before allowing a late first period goal against the Tommies. Goalies Quinn Ackerman, Kyle Hayden and Conan Hayton all played during the streak. Both Hayden (2) and Hayton (1) had shutouts.
 
39
The specialty units have been spectacular this season for the Marauders. After allowing 3 power play goals in the first 16 chances of the season for the opposition, UMary has killed off 39 straight power play opportunities, a streak covering nine straight games. The last time the Marauders penalty killers allowed a goal was the third period of a 6-1 win at Liberty University, which was the start of a 10-game win streak.
 
SHORTHANDED ADVANTAGE
The Marauders have outscored their opponents when the opponents are on the power play. UMary has four shorthanded goals. The Marauders have allowed three power play goals.
 
POWER PLAY
UMary are converting 34.3% of their power play opportunities into goals, scoring on 23 of 67 opportunities. Marauders opponents convert an anemic 5.5% (3-of-55) of its opportunities.
 
200
Zach Garrett on Sunday joined Alex Flicek as the only two Marauders who have produced 200 points in their UMary careers.
 
IRON MEN
In the fourth season as a program since first taking to the ice in Sept. 2018, the Marauders have played 163 games. Defensive partners Marshall Tschida and Drew Lenertz have played in every game.
 
ALL IN
All 20 skaters who have played double digit games have scored a goal this season and all have multiple points.
 
TIMING
Five Marauders are tied for the team lead with two game-winning goals. Connor Hanson has found the back of the net twice and both were game-winners.
 
ACHA M2 CHAMPIONS
The Marauders are the defending 2021 American Collegiate Hockey Association Men's Division 2 national champions.
 
HONORS
Head coach Dan Huntley is the two-time ACHA M2 Coach of the Year… Zach Garrett is the 2021 ACHA M2 Player of the Year… Garrett, Johnny Witzke and Kyle Hayden were named to the 2021 All-American Team… UMary was named the 2021 NDAPSSA non-school Team of the Year.
 
DICKINSON BOUND
UMary will face Dakota College in a neutral site game in Dickinson, ND, on Saturday, Nov. 27. Game time is 6 pm Central / 5 pm Mountain at the West River Ice Center. Tickets are available at www.UMaryTickets.com.
 
TEDDY BEAR TOSS
The annual Teddy Bear Toss is set for Wednesday, Dec. 8, when the Marauders host Williston State College. Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to the game to donate to the Community Action Backpack for Kids Program. When the Marauders score their first goal of the game, fans will throw their stuffed animal onto the ice to be collected for distribution to local children.
 
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