By Xavier Hockey Update · Xavier Hockey Bounces Back with Thrilling Shootout Win Over Butler The Xavier University Club Hockey team showed plenty of resilience this weekend, b…
Xavier Hockey Bounces Back with Thrilling Shootout Win Over Butler
The Xavier University Club Hockey team showed plenty of resilience this weekend, bouncing back from a tough Friday night against a strong Butler University team to earn an exciting 6-5 shootout victory Saturday night on home ice.
After a challenging road game Friday, the Musketeers returned to Cincinnati determined to respond. Saturday's rematch turned into a back-and-forth battle, with Xavier and Butler trading goals before the game was ultimately decided in a shootout.
Hanisko led the offensive effort with a hat trick, while Richardson and Dobson also found the back of the net. Brady, Bradrick, Esler, and Stebbins contributed assists to help keep the Musketeers in the fight.
With the game tied 5-5 after overtime, O'Donoghue delivered the decisive goal in the shootout, securing a thrilling 6-5 victory for Xavier.
One of the biggest stories of the night was the outstanding performance of goaltender Nate Margerum, who earned Player of the Game honors. Margerum turned aside 41 shots during the game and was exceptional in the shootout, stopping 9 of 10 attempts to help secure the victory. His performance was instrumental in keeping Xavier in the game and delivering the win.
The weekend was another example of the competitiveness of college club hockey and the determination of this Xavier team. Facing a talented Butler squad, the Musketeers showed they could regroup, compete, and find a way to win.
The victory gives Xavier another memorable moment in what has already been an exciting 2026–27 season.
Go Musketeers!