Warriors Fall in Home Opening Weekend Series Against Drury

FREMONT, Neb. – For the first time this season, Midland University was on its home ice as it hosted Drury University for a two-game series this weekend in Fremont. Playing on the renovated rink inside Sidner Ice Arena, the Warriors dropped both games of a weekend series against the Panthers, losing 4-1 on Friday night and again 4-1 on Saturday inside Sidner Ice Arena.

FRIDAY: Drury 4, Midland 1

The Panthers took control early, scoring two first-period goals. The Warriors responded at the start of the second period when Jared Wisely found the back of the net at the 3:16 mark, assisted by Milan Breczko. However, Drury quickly answered with two more goals, one just over two minutes later and another at the 7:46 mark.

Despite both teams' efforts, the third period remained scoreless, with neither side able to capitalize on any chances. Notably, the game featured no power play opportunities, with only one penalty assessed – a game misconduct to Midland's Isaac Hood in the second period. Liam Tereposky made 25 saves for Midland, while Drury held a slight edge in shots, 29-26.

SATURDAY: Drury 4, Midland 1 (EN)

The penalty boxes were much busier in the series finale as the teams combined for eight penalties in the opening period alone. Midland was hit with five minor penalties and a game misconduct, while Drury took two minors. The Panthers capitalized on a mistake during Midland's power play, scoring a short-handed goal near the midway point of the first. The Warriors responded later in the period when Mathew Kochanowski netted his first goal as a Warrior at the 16:53 mark, tying the game 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

In the second period, Drury regained the lead at the 9:02 mark, and both teams saw their penalty minutes pile up. The Panthers added a third goal early in the third period, scoring at 2:44. Midland pushed for a comeback, pulling their goalie with just over three minutes left, but Drury sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 1:15.

For the game, Midland was issued 12 penalties while Drury finished with 7 minors.

Nahuel Veyan made 39 saves for the Warriors, as Drury outshot Midland 42-23.

Midland (3-6) will be back on the road next weekend as it travels to take on Waldorf (2-4). The two-game series is set for Friday and Saturday in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m. on October 11 and for 2:00 p.m. on October 12.