FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Devin Stuermer scored a pair of goals as part of a three goal third period that lifted Marian University men's hockey (3-3-3, 2-3-1 NCHA) past St. Olaf by a 4-1 final.

"The third period we worked hard and created a lot of offense down low with the puck," commented head coach Erik Largen.  "We held possession for most of the period and we were able to keep pressing forward, it was a good team period for us."

The Sabres needed only needed 51 seconds to get on the board first when Derek Thorogood took a centering pass from behind the net in the slot and put it past the glove of the Ole goaltender.  Hunter Stewart and Gianni Mangone earned assists on the play, which was Thorogood's fourth goal of the season.

Shortly after, St. Olaf was able to tie the score at 1-1 in what proved to be an even first period.

The second period was similar with neither team managing to find the back of the net as Mike Baldwin started his night with 12 saves on 13 shots.

Warren Carter then lit the lamp when he beat the goalie from the slot 1:04 into the third period for his second goal of the year.  Scott Milnthorp and Ben Morgan had assists on the play to put the Sabres up 2-1.

Stuermer then scored a pair of goals separated by only 2:57 to put Marian up 4-1.  His first goal came at the 14:20 mark and came off a tip in front of the net with Thorogood and Hunter Stewart assisting.  Stuermer skated circle to circle for his second goal of the night with 2:47 left to play with Justin Cooke and Stewart assisting the goal.

"He's been generating chances and it got the monkey of his back a little," Largen on the play of Stuermer.  "The first one was a great play with Thorogood making a play over and driving the net, and the second one was a great release and a good goal.  Hopefully it keeps him rolling, and he'll be able to continue creating chances."

Marian dominated the third period outshooting St. Olaf 16-3 in the period and finished the game with a 29-16 shots advantage.

Baldwin finished the night with 15 saves, while Thorogood had a team-high five shots to go with a +3 on-ice rating.

Marian closes out the Thanksgiving Showdown tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 28 with an 8 p.m. puck drop against No. 10 UW-Eau Claire.

--FightBlueFight--