by John Cusick

The Colorado Mesa Club Hockey team hosted their Pink the Rink Night this past Thursday as they took on the Blades from Dordt College.

The Mavericks were looking to dispel their four game losing streak after falling to Colorado School of Mines twice and Colorado State twice.

After a goal by the Blades midway through the first period, the Mavericks were able to respond with one of their own. Forward Samm Hack found himself in front of the net when a shot on goal deflected down in front of Hack and was able to find the back of the net after a small scrum broke out.

The Mavericks went into the first intermission tied with the Blades at 1-1.

Coming out in the second period the Mavericks looked to regain some momentum. After their power play unit was unable to come up with a goal on their third attack, the Blades were able to take advantage of a five on three and scored their second goal of the game.

The Mavericks came out in the third period down 2-1 and were looking for anything that could give them a spark to come away with a win.

And sure enough on their fifth power play of the game, defenseman Marcus Eliasson answered the call for the Mavericks. Eliasson scored his 4 goal of the season to tie the game. Less than 30 seconds later the Mavericks found their game winner as captain Chase Engdahl was able to find the back of the net after a similar play to Hack’s unfolded. The Mavericks led the game 3-2.

The Mavericks eventually won the game by a score of 4-2 in front of a packed house for their first ever Pink the Rink Night. Along with the victory the team was able to fundraise more than $10,000 to donate to St. Mary’s cancer research.

The Mavericks improved to 4-5 on the year and drove to Durango for a matchup between Fort Lewis College. They lost the first game by a score of 6-3. They bounced back on the second day however, as they won 8-5.

The Mavericks (5-6) will be back home on Nov. 4 to play two games against Northern Arizona at the Glacier Ice Arena.