MEQUON, Wis. - Marian University men's hockey (9-3-1, 4-3-0 NCHA) had another strong performance in their first NCHA game of the second half defeating Concordia Wisconsin 4-1.

The Sabres were out shot 31-23 in the win with sophomore Hunter Vorva once again standing on his head to make 30 saves.  The performance was the fourth time Vorva made 30 or more saves and the sixth time on the campaign he allowed one or fewer goals in a game.

After a scoreless first period, sophomore Connor Blanck opened the scoring midway through the second period for his second goal of the season.  Senior Gianni Mangone then gave the Sabres a multi-goal advantage at the 7:08 mark of the third when he found the back of the net on the power play.  The goal was number four on the year for Mangone and he was assisted by fellow senior Derek Thorogood and junior Nick Monfils. 

The 2-0 lead would only last 5:46, however, as the Falcons would light the lamp for the first and only time of the night when they converted a power play.

In the final minute, the Sabres scored a pair of empty net goals to set the final at 4-1.  Senior Hunter Stewart scored the first empty-netter, his eighth of the year, with assists to Monfils and Thorogood, and junior Jake Howie scored the second with assists to sophomore Lawson MacDonald and junior James Mathias.

A total of 14 different skaters recorded a shot for Marian with Mangone and Howie each recording a team-high three shots on goal.  The Sabre penalty kill and power play each went 1-3 (.333) in the win with the penalty kill unit keeping the Falcons scoreless after a major penalty to open the second period.

Marian closes out the weekend tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 6, when the Sabres travel to MSOE for a 4 p.m. puck drop.

--FightBlueFight--