For the third time in school history, Marian University Sabres men’s hockey program is Harris Cup champions. The Northern Collegiate Hockey Association’s Division III season came to an end on Saturday, with Marian earning back-to-back wins over Milwaukee School of Engineering, taking the best-of-three final in just two games, by way of 3-1 and 4-1 victories.
After finishing the season second in the North Division with 15 points and a 12-7 record (5-3 within the NCHA) the Sabres beat Lawrence University in a single-game quarterfinal, before besting St. Scholastica in two-straight in the semifinal.
Combining for 21 goals for to just nine goals against, the team held a +11 differential through the postseason. This was Marian’s first time earning the Harris Cup since 2002. The Sabres also won the shot battle, outshooting Milwaukee 44-31 on Saturday.
Located one hour south of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Marian University will be home to the Harris Cup for the next year. Playing out of Fond du Lac, WI., the Sabres have used the breeding grounds of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League to fuel their rosters for a number of seasons. This year, for instance, saw seven MJHL alumni participate in the championship season.
The closing seconds… AND THE CELEBRATION!!! 🍾 🎉 #CHAMPIONS pic.twitter.com/gLauQu9t5b
— Marian Men's Hockey (@MU_Mens_Hockey) March 21, 2021
Leading the charge for Marian in 2020-21 were a number of former MJHL stars, including two Manitobans.
Mateo Albinati: Winkler Flyers (2019-20)
Anthony Bilka: Waywayseecappo Wolverines (2018-20)
*Aaron Brunn: Winkler Flyers (2016-19)
Bryson Cecconi: Portage Terriers (2019), Dauphin Kings (2020)
Taylor Derynck: OCN Blizzard (2015-17), Swan Valley (2017-18)
**Ty Enns: Waywayseecappo Wolverines (2015-16), Portage Terriers (2016-18)
Brady Pupp: Winkler Flyers (2017-18), Waywayseecappo Wolverines (2018), Selkirk Steelers (2019)
*Brunn (Morden), Enns (Cartwright) are the two Manitobans on the Sabres’ roster.
**Enns earned a place alongside three of his Sabres teammates on the All-Harris Cup Team following his championship performance of two goals and one assist in the victory.
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