COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The No. 11 Omaha hockey team built a three-goal lead in the second period and hung on for a 3-2 win over Colorado College on Monday at Broadmoor World Arena.

The Mavericks, playing their first game in 27 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ran their unbeaten streak to five games (4-0-1), improving to 7-3-1 overall and 7-3-1-1-0 (1) in the NCHC.  The win moved them into third place in the standings.

The Tigers fell to 3-8-2 overall and 3-8-2-0-1 (2) in the conference, putting them eighth.

Inside the First Period
The Mavericks seemed prepared for a gritty effort, shaking off the long layoff early and generating some good chances on eight shots in the period.  Still, the game was scoreless after 20 minutes.

Inside the Second Period
The Mavericks broke the scoreless deadlock at 6:47 of the second period.  On a two-on-one, Joey Abate set up Kevin Conley for a shot from the right face-off circle.  He beat goalie Dominic Basse for this third of the year.

Less than a minute later, Nate Knoepke made it 2-0 on a power play.  He took a drop pass from Ryan Brushett and fired a shot past Basse for his second of the year.

A faceoff win by Nolan Sullivan led to the Mavericks' third goal.  He pulled it back to Kirby Proctor who threaded a shot through traffic to make it 3-0.

The Tigers got back in it with a goal in the final minute from Josiah Slavin to make it 3-1 after two.

Inside the Third Period
CC drew to within one late when Ben Copeland set up Zach Berzolla for a goal at 16:14.

But the Mavericks killed off the last of six CC power plays in the waning seconds to preserve the win, their third in as many games head-to-head.

Isaiah Saville made 31 saves to improve to 6-3-1 this season.  Basse made 23 saves for the Tigers.

The two teams finish the two-game series on Tuesday at 8:07 p.m. CT.

GAME NOTES:

• With their second goals of the season, both Knoepke and Proctor have reached new career highs.
• The Mavericks killed off all six Colorado College power plays and now have stopped 32 straight opponent man advantages.  They lead the NCHC with a 92.1 percent success rate (35/38).
• The Mavericks have won seven of their last eight games at Colorado College.
• Omaha has allowed two goals or less in eight of 11 games this season.

Three Stars:  1. Kirby Proctor/Omaha (Game-winning goal); 2. Zach Berzolla/CC (One goal); 3. Isaiah Saville/Omaha (31 saves)