Defender Hockey got their fourth shootout victory of the season on Saturday afternoon and with it, became the MACHA Central Division Champions for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

Coach Morgan had this to say about the achievement:

I am so proud of our young group. These guys have worked really hard this season. It's a huge blessing to see it pay off with this regualr season achievement. It's one of our goals along the way, and I hope we can continue to grow with one another as we continue to learn, compete, and live out the Defender Way.

Dordt is now 13-3-0 on the season, and 7-1 in league play.

How it Happened:
After a scoreless first period, the teams would trade blows through the second and third. Bryce Swalve opened the scoring with his 5^th goal of the season early in the period before the huskers scored two heading into the second intermission.

Bryce Swalve puts one in the back of the net during the 2nd period for @DordtHockey pic.twitter.com/iiRYqkNfoH

— Dordt Defender Athletics (@dordtdefenders) December 3, 2022

Trailing 2-1 heading into the third, Dordt would score two in a row courtesy of Isaac Baart to take the lead 3-2.

3rd Period Highlights vs Nebraska: the first of two goals from Isaac Baart. This one assisted by Mason Carrels. pic.twitter.com/MAxxFmbfoh

— Dordt Defender Athletics (@dordtdefenders) December 3, 2022

3rd Period Highlights vs Nebraska: the second Isaac Baart goal. This one assisted by Mason Carrels and Nathan Fanning. pic.twitter.com/wVP3I05LpC

— Dordt Defender Athletics (@dordtdefenders) December 3, 2022

With under 5 minutes to play, Nebraska was able to tie it back up at 3 apiece. Both teams had a few chances in the five minute overtime period, but the game went to a shootout.

The shootout certainly put the goalies on display taking eight rounds before the Nathan Fanning was able to put one home for the Defenders and secure the win. Hayden Stevens had 4 saves in the shootout.

Shootout winner for @DordtHockey scored by Nathan Fanning! pic.twitter.com/gxnWhrVhyp

— Dordt Defender Athletics (@dordtdefenders) December 3, 2022

Stat Summary:
Isaac Baart and Mason Carrels led the way on Saturday. Baart had 2 goals, and Carrels assisted on all three Defender goals. Bryce Swalve picked up 1 goal. Tristan Schlechter and Nathan Fanning each picked up and assist. Nathan Fanning locked in the win with the lone shootout goal.

In total the Defenders put 48 shots on goal. Nebraska had 46.

Hayden Stevens has looked sharp in goal as of late and made 43 saves on Saturday afternoon in regulation and overtime, and 4 more during the shootout.

Looking ahead:
Dordt will play at home again next weekend, hosting the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the final two games of their five game season series. The Defenders lead that series 3-0. The puck will drop at 7pm (CST) on Friday night, and 1pm (CST) on Saturday afternoon. Both games will be at Vernon Arena in Sioux Center and can be streamed live on the Dordt Media Network.