Aurora defeats Augsburg 5-4 in OT to win the Key City Key City Collegiate Classic Presented by Island Social. Hosted by the University of Dubuque. (Photo via Aurora Spartan Athletics)
#3 St. Norbert College (5-1-0) at #2 Aurora University (6-0-0)
Friday, November 21 at 3 PM CST | Saturday, November 22 at 3 PM CST
St. Norbert leads all-time series 12–4–2
Week four of the Division III season brings yet another heavyweight battle as the No. 2 Aurora University Spartans host the No. 3 St. Norbert College Green Knights for a Friday–Saturday series at the Fox Valley Ice Arena. Both teams enter the weekend coming off confidence-building wins, and with a long history between these programs, this matchup has the makings of one of the most competitive early-season showdowns.
St. Norbert moved up to No. 3 in the latest poll after a busy three-game stretch. The Green Knights opened their week with a 4–2 win over longtime rival Wisconsin–Stevens Point and followed that with back-to-back victories over Marian University. Across those three games, St. Norbert outscored its opponents 15–5 and showed the depth and balance that have defined their strong start.
Junior forward & the 2025 DIIIHockeyNews Player of the Year Logan Dombrowsky along with freshman forward Braydon Beahm, were both named to the NCHA Three Stars of the Week for their performances. Dombrowsky put together a five-point week, including three assists, while Beahm has been one of the top goal scorers in the country so far. The freshman has scored in every game he has played and already has seven goals, which ranks third nationally.
Veteran center Curtis Hammond continues to set the tone in the faceoff circle with 59 wins and a 60.8 percent success rate, helping St. Norbert control possession. In goal, junior Hunter Garvey has played six games this season. Through his six appearances, he carries a 1.50 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage, giving the Green Knights a stable presence at the back end.
Aurora enters the weekend at a perfect 6–0–0 after one of the biggest wins of the young season, a sweep of newly ranked No. 4 Adrian College. The Spartans took the opener 6–4 before grinding out a 1–0 overtime win on Saturday. Forward Jaden Davis buried the overtime winner for the first game-winning goal of his college career, finishing the weekend with two points and raising his season total to four goals.
Friday’s contest saw one of Aurora’s most complete performances of the season, with forward Landry Schmuck scoring once and adding two assists. Schmuck, who exploded for 31 goals last season, is starting to find rhythm again after being held off the scoresheet early. Another key storyline for Aurora is the consistency of forward Hassan Akl, who has registered at least one point in every game this season, giving the Spartans a reliable threat on every shift.
The biggest statistical contrast between the two teams is discipline. St. Norbert has been one of the most controlled teams in the country, averaging just 8.57 penalty minutes per game. Aurora, on the other hand, averages 15.67 penalty minutes per game, the seventh highest in Division III. That gap could play a significant role over a two-game set, especially given the quality of both penalty-killing units.
Aurora has been elite shorthanded, allowing just one power-play goal on 31 attempts. St. Norbert has surrendered six goals on 27 power plays but has still been solid overall. Special teams have already swung multiple games this season for both programs, and with the contrast in penalties taken, this matchup could hinge on which team handles those moments better.
These teams faced off twice last season, with St. Norbert winning both games, and the Green Knights hold the historical advantage with a 12–4–2 record. However, Aurora has steadily climbed the national rankings and continues to prove itself against top competition. With both sides playing high-level hockey, packed with scoring threats and strong goaltending, this weekend offers one of the best early-season tests for each program.
Puck drop is scheduled for 3 PM CST on both Friday and Saturday at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois, as No. 2 Aurora welcomes No. 3 St. Norbert in a matchup with major implications, including the infamous NPI at the end of the season.
