The Marquette men’s club hockey team welcomed Iowa State to the Ponds of Brookfield for the final homestand of the season Friday and Saturday. When the dust settled, the Golden Eagles extended their losing streak to a season-high six games.
The team celebrated senior night Friday and were able to bus fans to the rink due to a donation. With plenty of students in attendance, the ice tilted in Iowa State’s favor as the Cyclones scored two goals in 40 seconds.
The two-goal lead stood throughout the second period, with plenty of scoring chances for Marquette. With a 5-on-3 powerplay, Marquette got multiple shots on net, but the Cyclone goaltender was able to keep the puck out of the net. It wasn’t until less than five minutes remained in the game that Dominic Zanfardino managed to slip the puck into the net. But just two minutes later, Iowa State scored its third goal and gained a 3-1 victory.
Saturday was Marquette’s last chance to earn a win before a possible regional berth, but the game started the same way as the past few have, with the opponent netting the game’s first goal.
Down one, Tyler Schwichtenberg attacked the net and managed to knock the puck in to tie the game. After Marquette was called for having too many men on the ice, Iowa State capitalized and scored a power play goal to head into the first intermission with a 2-1 lead.
Schwichtenberg tied the game at two when he caught a pass from Corey Quinn and rifled in a goal. After Marquette failed to score on another 5-on-3 opportunity, the teams were tied at two after two.
The third period gave Marquette ample opportunity to gain some momentum, but it was all Iowa State. Multiple penalties by the Cyclones paired with an early goal killed Marquette’s chances. A late goal and an empty netter completed the sweep for Iowa State.
Despite not converting on the two-man advantages, captain Ryan Zanon said he felt special teams provided some big moments for the team.
“Our special teams unit capitalized on big opportunities,” Zanon said. “I felt as though we moved the puck a lot better and it showed in the results. The production we received from both units were great this weekend and we will look to build upon this success.”
With the two losses, Marquette’s losing streak reached six. But even with those losses, the team will attend the Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs. Zanon said despite the recent string of losses, the end goal remains the same.
“Our goal for the playoffs is simple: win,” Zanon said. “We have yet to win the MACHA title and I couldn’t think of anything more gratifying than getting payback against some teams that beat us this year in order to advance and win the ‘ship.’”
The Golden Eagles travel to Robert Morris – Peoria to take on the Eagles Friday afternoon. Puck drop is at 4:30 p.m.
