Gateway

Issue date: 12/19/08 Section: Sports

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Maverick hockey fans who braved Friday's frigid temperatures and slick driving conditions were treated to an exciting game at the Qwest Center.

No. 18 UNO held on for a 4-3 win over Northern Michigan, moving to 13-6-3 overall and 8-4-3-2 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Northern Michigan drops to 5-13-3 overall and 2-10-3-2 in the CCHA.

The Mavs started out the scoring with a goal from Joey Martin at the 9:53 mark in the first period. The Wildcats answered three minutes before the first intermission, with Tim Hartung beating Maverick goaltender Jeremie Dupont with the help of an extra attacker.

Scoring remained even in the second period, with UNO sophomore forward Matt Ambroz beating Wildcats goaltender Brian Stewart at the 15:26. Northern Michigan's Mark Oliver tied the game 2-all with a short-handed goal at the 18:38 mark.

"I was sort-of kicking myself on that," Dupont said. "It's my job to make that save there."

Dupont's error was absolved minutes later, as No. 1 game star Rich Purslow drove the Mavs to a two-goal advantage during the third period with goals at the 3:41 mark and 17:52 mark.

During a television timeout after Purslow's second goal, Northern Michigan decided to pull Stewart. They scored immediately at the 18:15 mark, cutting UNO's advantage to one and putting the pressure on the Mavs for the last two minutes of play.

Coach Mike Kemp said his team bended but didn't break under the Wildcat's pressure, holding on for an important win as UNO resumes CCHA conference play.

"This was a huge game for us," Purslow said. "It was really important, so I'm just glad we got the win."

Every game will be important for the Mavs' postseason aspirations, Kemp said. He still believes a Top 4 finish is a realistic goal for UNO, including a NCCA tournament berth.

For the 5,427 fans making the treacherous trek in the snow to the Qwest Center, Friday's game was their first chance to see the Mavs back at home since the Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 series against Alaksa.

"It was a great crowd tonight," Kemp said. "That, for us, was very important."

The game was also broadcast statewide on NET2 television, with UNO Director of Athletic Media Relations Dave Ahlers calling the game.

Tomorrow, the Mavs take the ice against the Wildcats at 7:05 p.m. at the Qwest Center. Check back to The Gateway's Web site, unogateway.com, after the game for additional coverage.

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