The Norwich University men's ice hockey team continued its red-hot stretch on Saturday afternoon, stretching its winning streak to five games with a commanding 8–2 victory over Western Connecticut State at Kreitzberg Arena for Head Coach Dominick Dawes '04's 250^th career win.

The Cadets once again leaned on a potent power play and a balanced offensive attack, highlighted by the first collegiate hat trick from Zach Ophoven (Burlington, Ont.), as Norwich controlled the contest from start to finish.

The afternoon couldn't have started any better for the Cadets. Just 14 seconds into the game, Norwich opened the scoring when Ocean Fancy's (Orleans, Mass.) initial shot was blocked in traffic. Frank D'Ancona (Fort Myers, Fla.) stayed with the play and found Niko Benjamin (Surprise, Ariz.) at the top of the crease, where Benjamin buried the chance for his first collegiate goal, igniting the home crowd.

The early strike set the tone as Norwich poured pressure on WestConn goaltender Dylan Dewatcher. The Cadets dominated possession and spent extended time in the offensive zone, while the Wolves struggled to generate sustained offense. WestConn managed a few shots toward Norwich netminder Bryce Walcarius (Aylmer, Ont.), but the Cadet defense limited quality chances.

In the final five minutes of the opening period, Norwich earned its first power play and quickly capitalized on it. Nick Cordeiro (Mississauga, Ont.) won a puck battle along the left wall and moved it back to Devon Thibodeau (Pelham, Ont.) at the point. Thibodeau's shot was redirected in front by Ophoven, who netted his first goal of the game to make it 2–0.

A parade to the penalty box followed, but Norwich remained opportunistic. Late in the period, the Cadets earned a 4-on-3 advantage and cashed in during the final minute. Boyd Stahlbaum (Peterborough, Ont.) was denied on the initial chance, but Colin Elliott (Peterborough, Ont.) recovered the rebound and found Cooper Bertrand (Caledon, Ont.) in the slot. Bertrand snapped home a wrist shot to send Norwich into the intermission with a 3–0 lead and a 21–3 edge in shots.

Norwich wasted little time adding to its advantage in the second period. After returning to five-on-five play, the Cadets made it a four-goal game just under three minutes in. Cordeiro initiated the rush from the defensive zone, tapping the puck to Ben van Waterschoot (Whitby, Ont.) to start a two-on-one. Van Waterschoot slid the puck across to Ophoven, who finished cleanly for his second goal of the afternoon.

WestConn briefly found life just before the midway point of the period, scoring on a shorthanded breakaway as Luca Maiuri beat Walcarius to put the Wolves on the board. The Cadets responded with composure, continuing to dictate play at both ends of the ice.

Late in the period, Norwich regained its four-goal cushion following a strong penalty kill. On a delayed penalty, Bertrand sprung Ophoven and Jed Brazo (Homer, N.Y.) on a rush. Ophoven dished to Brazo, who converted before Norwich headed to a five-minute major power play that carried over into the third period.

The extended man advantage proved decisive. Early in the third, with the power play turning into a two-minute 5-on-3, Ophoven completed his hat trick, finishing off crisp puck movement from Cordeiro and van Waterschoot to make it 6–1.

Norwich continued to roll offensively, adding its seventh goal shortly thereafter as Cordeiro and van Waterschoot connected again during sustained zone pressure. With the outcome well in hand, Walcarius was relieved by Jacob Gorinsky (Oakville, Ont.), who entered the game to record his first collegiate minutes in goal.

Benjamin capped the Cadets' scoring later in the period, bookending Norwich's offensive outburst with his second goal of the game. WestConn added a late goal in the final five minutes, but the result was long decided as both teams finished the contest with several penalties.

The afternoon featured multiple standout performances, including Ophoven (three goals, one assist), Cordeiro (one goal, three assists), van Waterschoot (three assists), D'Ancona and Elliott (two assists each), and Benjamin (two goals).

Saturday's game also served as Cadets Fight Cancer Night, highlighted by a ceremonial puck drop from Col. Matt Smith, founder of the Air Peyton Foundation, established in honor of his son Peyton, who passed away from pediatric cancer. A media timeout during the game recognized those currently fighting cancer and honored their strength and resilience.

"It was great to get off to a quick start," Dawes said. "We did a great job controlling the play and limiting their possession. It was great to see the guys finish and score a few goals."

Norwich will close out its non-conference slate on Tuesday night, Jan. 20, when it hosts intrastate rival Middlebury for the second time this season. Puck drop at Kreitzberg Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.