DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque men's hockey team opened up their second season Friday night by hosting the inaugural Key City Collegiate Classic presented by Island Social. Visiting schools taking part in the tournament are University of Wisconsin Stevens-Point, Aurora University, and Augsburg University. UD opened against the MIAC conference winner from a year ago in Augsburg and lost by a 3-0 margin. The fans witnessed some quality hockey on opening night at ImOn Arena.
 
The Auggies gained a early lead in the first period scoring two goals to go up 2-0. However, the Spartans put on a promising show by putting up 26 shots as a team. The Spartans shot six times in the opening period. The Spartans improved their shot attempts in the next two periods with eight in the second and 12 in the third period. Freshman Nikita Borodayenko led the team with eight shots, Layten Liffrig had five shots, and Jack Paweski finished the night with four shots.
 
The Spartans were called for six penalties with 12 minutes served. UD finished the season opener with a 52.2% faceoff percentage, winning 35-68 faceoffs in the game. Goalie Ryan Piros compiled 29 saves in his first career start and played a complete game.
 
Head Coach Seamus Gregory commented on the Key City Collegiate Classic:
"We have the winner of the MIAC, WIAC and a top team from our conference the NCHA. We want to bring this type of hockey to the University of Dubuque. We are really proud with we have been able to do with the inaugural 2024 Key City Collegiate Classic."

This is the inaugural offering of what the University of Dubuque hopes will become an annual, season-opening tournament featuring Division III teams from around the country – all played at the city-owned ImOn Arena. Island Social, the presenting sponsor, is a new family entertainment venue at Q Casino + Resort, which is scheduled in November.
 
Up Next
The Spartans return to action on Saturday November 2 when they host the University of Wisconsin Stevens-Point Pointers in the consolation game at 3:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the tournament, an All-Tournament Team will be announced (Forward, Forward, Forward, Defenseman, Defenseman, and a goalie). The winning team will have their team name engraved on the Trophy Cup to be on display at the Q Casino + Resort.
 
OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM HERE:

Key City Collegiate Classic Day One
 
Aurora University - 7 BOX SCORE
UW Stevens-Point - 2
 
Augsburg University - 3
University of Dubuque - 0  BOX SCORE
 
Consolation Game (3:00 p.m.)
UW Stevens-Point vs University of Dubuque
 
Championship Game (7:00 p.m.)
Aurora University vs Augsburg University

About Q Casino + Resort
Q Casino + Resort is a gaming and entertainment complex located on historic Chaplain Schmitt Island in Dubuque, Iowa. Established in 1985, this riverside facility is owned by the City of Dubuque and operated by the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA), the non-profit entity originally established to oversee gaming operations on behalf of the city. The casino and resort, which offers nearly 25,000 square feet of gaming space and an onsite hotel, is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion that will result in updated gaming, betting and entertainment areas, including new event spaces, onsite eating options, a boutique hotel with a rooftop restaurant, and Island Social, a new fun entertainment venue for all ages. For more information on Q Casino + Resort and their year-round offerings of promotions, concerts and events, visit www.qcasinoandresort.com.