Marian University pulls away from Marquette University: 
Marquette University came out with a pep in their step and had the offensive zone advantage to start Semifinal #2 against Marian University. The Marquette flurry took a back seat at 4:43 when they were called for a tripping penalty. Marian had a handful of chances during the ensuing two minutes but could not convert the powerplay opportunity. The intensity continued for Marquette and at 17:28 they finally broke the seal. Scoring for Marquette was Daniel Sendobry, who was stationed in the slot and put home a pass from Graham Robertson.

 

Marian entered the second period in uncharted waters, trailing for the first time in the tournament. It would take 5:06 before all that changed. Easton Nick picked the upper left corner, after Marquette was unable to get the puck out of the zone, to tie the game at one apiece. Marian was back on the powerplay at 11:04. Cayden Frenette crashed the net and put Marian up 2-1 with his powerplay goal at 11:29. The momentum had shifted and Marquette hoped to get it back on their side when they sent their powerplay unit out at12:52. After 50 seconds Marquette took a penalty and Marian pounced on the ensuing 4-on-4. Marian’s Serge Simard put home their third goal at 14:01 off a feed from Gavyn Galloway. They were not done using the 4-on-4 to their advantage and at 14:32 Simon Ellinson tallied their fourth unanswered goal as he split the defense and beat Jake Buttice as he moved to his left. 

 

A big third period would be needed from Marquette to have a chance of moving on to the championship game. The urgency was there and Marquette almost chipped one in during the opening minute. Buttice did his part as well, weathering a multitude of high quality shots by Marian during the third period. Neither team added to their goal total during a penalty filled second half of the period until Marquette pulled their goalie with 1:58 left in regulation. An empty net goal by Justin Ducette sealed the game at 18:14 and put Marian in their first championship game since 2022.