SAINT PETER, Minn. – The University of Dubuque men's hockey team returned to action for their first contest in 2026 by traveling to take on Gustavus Adolphus College. The Spartans dropped the contest  in a high-scoring affair. Owen Hardy scored twice in the opening match of 2026.

The Golden Gusties (7-5-1) started the match by building a 3-0 lead. With three minutes left in the period, Nikita Borodaenko found Zach Burfoot as the Spartans (4-10-0) capitalized on a power play to cut the deficit to two. The Golden Gusties tacked on two more goals to enter the first intermission with a 5-1 lead. Aside from another Gustavus goal early, the first few minutes of the second period were relatively quiet until Owen Hardy scored an unassisted goal eight minutes in. The Golden Gusties added two goals, but Hardy responded by scoring his second goal of the evening with six minutes left in the period. Hardy and Nolan Underwood set up Jack Paweski with ten seconds left, who scored as the Spartans trailed 7-4 with one period remaining. The Golden Gusties added another goal, but Zach Cline responded with a goal of his own to leave the deficit at three. Despite a comeback bid, the Spartans wouldn't find the net for the remainder of the night as the match concluded 8-5 in favor of the Golden Gusties.

Hardy finished with two goals and an assist on three shots on goal. Cline, Burfoot, and Paweski all scored, with Cline and Burfoot also recording an assist. Burfoot led the Spartans with four shots on goal. Borodaenko notched two assists, while Underwood and Andon Coles each added one. Borodaenko won 14 face-offs, leading the Spartans. Dazza Mitchell spent the final two periods in goal and made 10 saves.

Up Next

The Spartans and Golden Gusties will battle again on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.