FIRST HALF REVIEW
F
MARIAN HOCKEY
ollowing their first round exit in the MCHA playoffs a season ago, Head Coach AJ Aitken
and his staff brought in some pieces to help get his team over the hump. While their overall
record won’t blow anyone away, they’ve put themselves in a position to be contenders in
the second half of the season.
The Sabres could not have gotten off to a more frustrating start than they did this year. On
opening night, an overtime penalty shot by UW-Stout handed Marian their first loss on the year.
Senior Tyler Klein put the Sabres out in front early on in the first, but a strong third period by the
Blue Devils would erase the lead.
Things didn’t get any easier for the boys in blue, as they hosted St. Norbert the following
Friday. Klein led the way once again, giving Marian a 1-0 lead in the first period. But the Green
Knights came back with two unanswered over the final two periods to escape an early season
upset. A four-goal third period the following night by St. Norbert would set Marian back to an 0-3
start, which is something that every team wants to avoid.
The squad would suffer one
more setback to Lawrence
before busting out to a 6-2 win
at the Blue Line to earn their
first NCHA points of the season.
Marian was also able to hold
onto the “Battle of 41” trophy
with their shootout victory.
“After losing on Friday, I
thought Saturday was a mustwin game for us and our guys
responded well,” Head Coach
AJ Aitken said. “We had a lot
of new faces in the line up and
it was great to see our depth
come through with a win at
home.”
Traditionally a powerhouse
Senior goaltender Josh Baker
in the former MCHA, MSOE
entered their weekend series with Marian winless and found no love from the Sabres. Senior
Josh Baker posted back-to-back shutouts, while the offense chipped in four goals on Friday and
another two on Saturday to put Marian on a three-game winning streak.
Non-conference games against UW-Superior and UW-Stevens Point would see a tale of two
nights, as Marian put up seven goals on the Yellowjackets, but then were held scoreless against
the Pointers. Klein, in his first game against his former team, scored three third period goals to
put the game out of reach.
“Tyler has been our best player so far without a doubt,” Aitken said. “He can play in all
situations and has shown that he can score on any shift. Teams are forced to pay attention to him
at all times.”
Two disappointing losses came in the MIAC/NCHA Showcase on Thanksgiving weekend,
as the Sabres lost both games by a goal to St. Olaf and Gustavus Adolphus. Senior Matt Williams
scored three times on the weekend, but would see his team fall to St. Olaf, 4-3, and to Gustavus
Adolphus, 3-2.
Marian wrapped up the 2013 portion of their schedule with a home series against thirdranked Adrian. The Bulldogs came in with the top offense in the NCHA, averaging 5.00 goals
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