MANDAN, ND – Looking to play one more game before packing away his University of Mary sweater,
Andrew Huber led the Marauders to the American Collegiate Hockey Association Men's Division 2 championship game, scoring a goal in each period of UMary's 7-0 win over Liberty University.
UMary, the tournament's top seed and host team for the tournament, will face Iowa State University in the title game. Face off is set for 6 pm at the Starion Sports Complex Schwan Cadillac Rink in Mandan, ND.
The third seed in the tournament, Iowa State skated past #2 Lindenwood 6-2, scoring twice into an empty net.
The Marauders and the Cyclones have faced off six times this season, including a pair of UMary home wins. The Marauders are 4-1-1 against Iowa State this season. The loss was just one of two this season for UMary against an ACHA M2 team.
Playing in their first national tournament in just the program's third year, the Marauders came out flying and set an early high-paced tempo. It didn't take long for the Marauders to find the net. Just 4:34 into the contest, UMary broke out of its defensive zone and a forward pass from
Kyler Moore sent
Jaren Hugelen in free on a breakaway against All-American Flames goaltender Dakota Cyhaniuk. Skating in down the slot completely untethered, Hugelen blasted a shot past Cyhaniuk for a 1-0 UMary lead.
The Marauders maintained their pressure and found the net again at 16:46. Skating behind the net, ACHA Player of the Year
Zach Garrett slipped a no-look behind the back pass to Huber in the slot, The Bismarck native slammed home the puck into a wide open net to double the Marauders lead to 2-0.
A three minute span of the second period then decided the game. Off an assist from Garrett and
Marshall Tschida, Huber scored his second goal of the night at 10:48. Just 86 seconds later
Alex Flicek scored his fourth goal of the tournament.
Seth Cushing capped the scoring outburst when he tallied at 13:22 to push the Marauders advantage to 5-0.
Huber completed his hat trick at 2:29 of the third period.
Justin Ohnstad closed the scoring with a goal at 9:11.
Kyle Hayden won the battle of All-American goalies. The second team selection, Hayden stopped all 26 shots he faced in the game. In three game, he has allowed one goal and has posted two shutouts. Hayden's sixth shutout of the year is a new Marauders single season record. Cyhaniuk, the first team selection, made 23 saves.
Huber, who graduates this spring, led the Marauders with the hat trick. Garrett had an exceptional night as he assisted on four goals. Tschida and
Johnny Witzke both had two assists. Overall 13 Marauders had at least one point in the game.
UMary improves to 37-4-1-6 (W-L-OTL-T) overall and 35-2-0-6 against ACHA M2 teams. The Marauders 56-1 all-time against ACHA M2 teams on their home ice at the Starion Sports Complex Schwan Cadillac Rink.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
TICKETS
Tickets are still available for purchase onsite at the game only. Doors open at 5 pm. Fans are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets for the championship game are $15 per person for adults and $5 per youth ages 5 and under.
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT WEBSITE
For a complete breakdown of the ACHA M2 National Tournament, including pools and game times, visit www.achahockey.org/national-tournament/
FOLLOW THE MARAUDERS – BEK TV
The ACHA M2 national tournament championship game will be televised on BEK-TV throughout North Dakota. Visit www.BEK.tv for times and channels.
FOLLOW THE MARAUDERS – KFYR 550 AM
KFYR 550 AM will broadcast all Marauders games live throughout the national tournament. Voice of the Marauders Jesse Rostvedt and UMary hockey voice and goalies coach
Nate Speidel will cover all the action.
FOLLOW ALL THE TOURNAMENT ACTION – HOCKEYTV.COM
All ACHA M2 national tournament games will be streamed online only at www.hockeytv.com. Fans must register and purchase a package from www.hockeytv.com to watch online.
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