DUBUQUE, Iowa - Thursday night the University of Dubuque men's hockey team took the ice for just the third time this season at ImOn Arena. The Spartans welcomed in the Sabres of Marian University in a Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) conference matchup. Quickly the Spartans jumped in front grabbing a 2-0 lead but were unable to maintain as the Spartans were defeated 5-3.

As the puck was dropped both offenses were held quiet through the first few minutes of the period. Forward Sky Solig broke the ice with his first collegiate goal off assists from Patrick Toomey and Josh King at the 9:50 minute mark. The Spartans extended the lead on their first power play of the game as King netted his first career goal assisted by Patrick Donnelly and Lyncoln Bielenberg-Howarth. Before the end of the period, Marian cut the deficit to one as the Spartans led 2-1 after twenty minutes of play.

Halfway through the second period Marian knotted the scored at 2-2. A few minutes later Nate Holm put the Spartans back in front with his first goal of the season off a pass from James Eng. The Spartans defense held Marian to just five shots in the second period as the Spartans led 3-2 heading into the final period. 

Marian grabbed their first lead of the game five minutes into the third period. The Sabres would tack on two more goals in the final 10 minutes of action as the Spartans lost 5-3.

On the night the Spartans out shot Marian 27 to 23. Toomey led the Spartans in faceoff wins with a total of six. Spartans goalie, Dakota Meyer suffered the loss while recording 18 saves in 60 minutes of action. 

Up Next
The Spartans will now travel to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin as they are set to battle Marian University again. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Blue Line Family Ice Center.