Marian University NCAA men’s hockey (7-11-2, 2-6-4-1 NCHA) rallied to force overtime where the Sabres fell to No. 5 Aurora 5-4
- A slow start for the Sabres saw Marian allow a power-play goal and even-strength goal separated by just 25 seconds.
- This led the Spartans to a 2-0 lead after the first period of play.
- Marian was able to cut the deficit in half when freshman Noah Pickart scored his second goal of the season 4:11 into the second period.
- Aurora responded expanding the lead to 3-1 but a late goal saw Marian cut the deficit down to one goal.
- Junior Alex Rondeau would light the lamp with just 12 seconds remaining with assists from fellow juniors Austin Nault and Mason Richey.
- A faceoff penalty from Aurora sent a Spartan and the Sabres immediately capitalized with nifty passing leading to senior Jack Sampson scoring his sixth of the season and tying the game at 3-3. Sophomore Nick Cherkowski and Pickart each had an assist.
- A funky goal for the Spartans saw Aurora take the lead when an off-target shot hit off the glass and ricocheted off the back of senior Colby Muise.
- Marian was able to respond with another late goal when sophomore Daunte Fortner scored his fifth of the season with just 1:42 left to play. Sophomore Jaymes Knee and Sampson each earned an assist.
- This forced overtime where Marian was unable to produce a shot and Aurora would score 2:17 in.
- Marian held a 37-36 advantage in shots for the game and outshot the Spartans 14-5 in the final period.
- Marian was 1-for-4 on the power play and Aurora scored one power-play goal on three opportunities.
- The Sabres had a hefty advantage in faceoffs winning 40 of the 69 draws, 58.0 percent.
- This was the fifth game against a nationally-ranked opponent for Marian with the Sabres only losing one of those games in regulation and earning nine total points so far.
- This is the first overtime defeat for Marian in NCHA action.
