DE PERE, Wis. - A big first period lifted No. 1 SNC past No. 11/12 Marian University men's hockey (18-7-3, 15-4-1 NCHA) to eliminate the Sabres from the Harris Cup playoffs.

The Green Knights came out strong to begin the game and outshot the Sabres 17-5 in the opening period as they put up three goals to open the game.

SNC then added a goal in the second period to push the cushion to four before Marian started to mount a comeback.  Gianni Mangone opened the Marian scoring with a wrister from the left circle for his 12th goal of the season with an assist from Devin Stuermer.  Then a little over five minutes later Stuermer cut the deficit to two with a shot from the slot for his 18th goal on the year.  The defenseman pair of Derek Perl and Mangone assisted the goal to put Marian down 4-2 with just under 10 minutes left to play.

SNC was able to pull away with a goal three minutes later from team captain and NCHA Player of the Year Erik Cooper to seal a 5-2 win and clinch a berth in the Harris Cup Championship game.

Mike Gudmandson made 16 saves in relief in his 43:12 of action, while holding SNC 0-4 on the power play.  The Green Knight penalty kill played well once again as they held the Sabre power play unit 0-5 on the night.

--FightBlueFight--