DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque men's hockey team defeated Marian University 4-1 on Thursday evening. The Spartans trailed 1-0 after the first period but scored four unanswered goals to secure their first NCHA victory of the season.

The Spartans (2-5, 1-4 NCHA) killed a penalty early in the first period, but the Sabres (0-6-1, 0-5 NCHA) scored an even strength goal seven minutes in to take an early lead. Marian killed two more penalties, and the Spartans killed one heading into the first intermission. On the Spartans' first shot of the second period, Owen Hardy connected with Brock Weimer, who found the back of the net for the equalizing goal. Eight minutes later, Zach Cline scored the go-ahead goal off passes from Matt Downie and Zach Burfoot. Max Erstad scored a couple of minutes later as the Spartans capitalized on a power play. Thanks to an offensive flurry in the second period, the Spartans led 3-1 after two periods. Four minutes into the third period, Cutter Lewis set up Wilder Jacober, who found the net and gave the Spartans a 4-1 lead. The Spartans would continue to hold Marian scoreless for the final 53 minutes and the final score was 4-1.

Cline, Erstad, Weimer, and Jacober all scored in the victory. Burfoot had two assists, while Lewis, Downie, Coles, and Hardy all added one. Lewis and Brandon Rossetti each blocked three Sabres shots. Nolan Underwood won 11 of 17 face-offs and Nikita Borodayenko won nine face-offs for the Spartans. Rossetti was +3 for plus/minus on Thursday, the best mark on the team. In goal, Dazza Mitchell made 22 saves in 23 attempts in just under 60 minutes of game time.

Up Next

The Spartans will complete the series with Marian on Saturday night, when the Spartans travel to Fond du Lac for a 7:00 p.m. start.