Photo by Rachel Larson
Photo by Rachel Larson

Men’s Hockey upsets No. 13 Marian

FOND DU LAC, Wis. – The Falcons ended the 2018 calendar year with a thrilling upset-victory over Marian. Wednesday marked the third time this season that the Falcons played a USCHO Top-15 ranked team, the Falcons were able to take a 2-1 victory from the No. 13 ranked Sabres of Marian. The Falcons close 2018 with a 3-9-1 record and earned their first Northern Colligate Hockey Association victory of the season. Marian falls to 6-4-2 and leads the NCHA North Division at 5-2-0.

"The boys played a complete game tonight," said head coach Jasen Wise. "Everyone pulled their weight and did their job. I am very proud of the boys, especially on the penalty kill. They played their best game aginst a very good team. It was an all-around effort. We killed off a six-on-three to get the win. It doesn't get much better than that."

The Sabres struck first on Wednesday in the first period.

Senior Adam Fauchoux (Prince Albert, Sask.) found the back of the net off a Marian turnover in the second period to tie the game at one. The goal was the first of the season for Fauchoux.

Sophomore Nick Guerra (Victoria, B.C.) put the Falcons ahead on a third period power play goal. Sophomore Braydon Barker (Red Deer, Alta.) and junior Dante Hahn (Victoria, B.C.) had the assists.

The Falcon defense stood tall late in the third period, killing off a six-on-three advantage for the Sabres.

CUW has killed off its last 22 penalties and have not allowed a power-play goal in the last four games. The Sabres went 0-for-5 on the power play on Wednesday night.

Freshman Bo Didur (West Vancouver, B.C.) picked up the victory for the Falcons in the net and recorded 40 saves.

CUW has been competitive against teams ranked in the USCHO Top-15 rankings. The Falcons fell in overtime to No. 1 St. Norbert, 2-3 and to No. 1 UW-Stevens Point, 1-2.

The victory snapped a 10-game losing streak to Marian, the Falcons last win had been in 2013. The victory was also the first road victory for the Falcons in the series.

The Sabres outshot CUW on Wednesday, 41-25.

The Falcons will return to action on Jan. 4 at the PathFinder Classic in Oswego, New York against SUNY Canton.

Falcon Three Stars of the Game

Bo Didur

★ ★ Adam Fauchoux

★ ★ ★ Nick Guerra