HANCOCK, Mich. - Marian University men's hockey (2-1-0, 1-0-0 NCHA) opened NCHA play with a convincing 6-1 victory over Finlandia on the road.

The Sabres wasted no time in this one opening the game with a goal just 1:18 in when freshman Anthony Bilka lit the lamp for the first time in his career.  Juniors Gianni Vitali and Blaine Caton each earned an assist on the goal.  Marian added to their lead with a power-play score just five minutes later from Caton, his second of the season, with assists from freshman Ty Mosimann and Bilka.  The Sabres weren't finished, however, as junior Parker Colley gave the Sabres a 3-0 lead with his second of the season at with just under three minutes to play in the period with assists to junior Salvatore Scalise and freshman Nolan Kadachuk.

It was another fast start to the second for the Sabres with freshman Bronson Adams scoring his first-career goal just 1:37 in with assists to Vitali and junior Troy Ring.  The Lions were able to find the scoresheet midway through the second to put the score at 4-1 heading into the third.

It took the Sabres just 30 seconds into the final period to score on a power play as Vitali lit the lamp for the first time this season with an assist to Caton.  Marian closed out the scoring for the game at the 10:14 mark as freshman Bryson Cecconi scored for the first time in his career with assists to sophomore Jack Sampson and junior Nathan Walker.

Marian finished with a 38-24 advantage in shots and dominated the final period outshooting the Lions 16-7.  Sophomore Colby Muise (2-1-0) earned the victory in goal for the Sabres making 23 saves and holding the Lions scoreless on four power plays.

Marian returns home to close out their series with Finlandia tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 6, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.