SUPERIOR, Wis. - A strong defensive performance led Marian University men's hockey (7-3-1, 3-3-0 NCHA) to a 3-0 win over No. 13/14 MSOE to open the second half of the season.

Senior Hunter Stewart scored the game-winner and third tally in the victory to lead the Sabres to the upset.  The goals were number four and five on the season for Stewart with senior Derek Thorogood assisting both scores and senior Curtis Lewington providing an assist in the game-winner.  Junior Lonnie Clary scored his first goal as a Sabre just 3:50 before Stewart's second goal and was assisted by freshman Nick Ngwafusi and sophomore Clay Cross.  The assist for Ngwafusi was his first career point.

Marian would out shoot the Raiders 28-20 as they improved to 5-0-1 on the year when they record more shots than their opponent. The Sabres had an especially strong start out shooting MSOE 12-5 despite neither team not finding the back of the net.

Sophomore Hunter Vorva was up to the task for all 20 Raider shots as he posted his third shutout of the season.

For the sixth time this season, the Marian penalty kill didn't allow a goal holding the MSOE power play scoreless on three opportunities.

Marian will take on the winner of UW-Superior and Concordia Moorhead in the championship game of the Superior Showdown tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m.

--FightBlueFight--