WINONA, Minn. — A delayed puck drop didn't slow down the Saint Mary's men's hockey team (6-3-1) on Tuesday night. After a late start due to weather complications, the Cardinals delivered a memorable 4–1 win over Dubuque (4-9-0), capping off senior night with an energized crowd and a fun, successful Teddy Bear Toss at the Saint Mary's Ice Arena.

Once the game got rolling, Saint Mary's took control behind strong second and third periods, scoring twice in each frame and sealing the win with an empty-netter. 

Goaltender Adam Prokop was steady all night, turning away 25 shots and keeping Dubuque off the board until the third.

The opening period stayed scoreless, but the Cardinals set the tone early with strong possession after Jack Campion won the game's first draw. Despite generating pressure and earning back-to-back power plays, Saint Mary's couldn't break through as Dubuque's goalie Prestyn Carter held firm. 

The Cardinals found their spark in the second. 

Carter Newpower broke the deadlock at 11:35 off feeds from Campion and Cole Mickel, and minutes later, Joona Juntunen buried a fast break unassisted goal to make it 2–0. Saint Mary's kept Dubuque off balance, and the energy from the Teddy Bear Toss carried well into the period as the home crowd stayed loud.

Saint Mary's struck quickly again in the third, as Campion extended the lead to 3–0 just 2:23 in, finishing a setup from Newpower and Juntunen to the top lefthand corner. Dubuque responded with a power-play goal to cut the lead to 3–1, but the Cardinals never lost control. 

With the Spartans pressing late and pulling their goalie, Juntunen capped the night with an empty-netter, his second goal of the evening, off another assist from Newpower.

Campion finished with a goal and an assist and a plus-four rating, while Juntunen led the way with two goals and an assist that puts him in the lead for goals scored this season in the conference with 10 and averaging 1.1 a game. Newpower tallied a three-point night of his own with a goal and two helpers. 

Between the senior night celebration, a packed crowd eager for the Teddy Bear Toss, and a decisive home victory, it was a night that checked every box for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals will enjoy a long deserved break as they won't be back in action until Jan. 6 of 2026 at UW-Stout.