WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's (MN) (3-1-1, 1-0-0) exploded for a dominant 6–2 win over Hamline (0-3-0, 0-1-0) on home ice Friday night, powered by a trio of timely power-play goals and a big third-period surge.

The Cardinals set the tone early, controlling possession off the opening draw and generating quick chances from Blake Green. The breakthrough came at 11:00 when Cole Mickel buried the night's first goal off feeds from Ben Polomsky and Ryan Berglund. Just minutes later, Saint Mary's struck again, this time on the power play, as Liam McInnis finished a crisp setup from Berglund and Jack Campion to make it 2–0 after one.

Hamline pushed back in the second period, capitalizing on their chances to pull even.

The Pipers got on the board at 13:40, then tied the game with a power-play strike at 4:12. Saint Mary's generated plenty of pressure but couldn't convert, sending the game into the final frame locked at 2–2.

The third period, however, belonged entirely to the Cardinals.

At 19:19, Colin Tushie delivered the game-winner on the power play, finishing a feed from Mickel. The momentum kept rolling as Carter Newpower added an even-strength tally moments later, and Paden Hicks pushed the lead to three midway through the period with Mickel picking up yet another assist. 

Joona Juntunen capped the surge with one more power-play goal at 1:52, set up by none other than Mickel and Kyle Arias to close out the 6–2 victory.

Mickel led the way offensively with four points. 

The Cardinals will get another chance at the Pipers tomorrow traveling to St. Paul for a 7:05 p.m. game.