DE PERE, Wis. - Marian University men's hockey (1-1-0, 1-1-0 NCHA) used a three goal second period to defeat St. Norbert College for the first time in program with a 4-2 final.

The Sabres offense started strong creating several skirmishes in front of the net but it was the Green Knights who found the back off the net off of a rebound following a face off win at the 16:33 mark to open the scoring. 

Only 22 seconds later SNC would draw a boarding penalty sending MU on the power play.  The Sabres were able to convert the man advantage when Scott Milnthorp beat the goalie above his blocker pad from the right circle.  Devin Stuermer and and James Mathias were credited with assists on the score that sent the teams into the first intermission at one apiece.

The second period was all Marian as they were able to get shots through on goal and create opportunities in front of the net.  It only took the Sabres 35-seconds into the period to take a 2-1 advantage when Stuermer tipped in a shot in front of the net off a Gianni Mangone pass with Hunter Stewart also receiving an assist on the play.  The Sabres then added to the lead only 1:14 later with a goal from James Mathias who was assisted by Jacob Ryd at the 1:49 mark.

MU continued to turn up the pressure in the offensive zone and were able to take advantage of a power play off a major penalty from SNC.  After a tough start to the extended power play, Hunter Stewart was able to tip in a shot in front of the crease to extend the Marian lead to 4-1.  Warren Carter and Derek Thorogood were able to earn assists on the play.

The Sabres were able to outshoot SNC 10-5 in the period with Mike Gudmandson stopping all five shots sent his way.

The defense was able to step up in the third period with numerous blocked shots with the Green Knights cutting into their three-goal deficit off a score directly following a face off win early in the period.  SNC then had a 6-4 man advantage opportunity late in the period with an empty net and power play, but the Marian defense fought it off to seal the 4-2 win.

Gudmandson finished the game with 23 saves with 10 of his saves coming in the third period.

"I thought we played together as a team and a family," said head coach Erik Largen.  "It took all of our guys and every ounce of energy to win this game.  They were able to push back in the third period but we handled the adversity and I couldn't be more proud of where our program is at."

Marian competes in the Battle of Highway 41 next weekend with the opener at Lawrence Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.