The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux played air tight defense and beat the Alaska Nanooks in the Kendall Hockey Classic 3-1. The win gave the Fighting Sioux the Kendall Hockey Classic title. After looking like a bunch of pylons the night before the Fighting Sioux made adjustments on defense and held the University of Alaska (Fairbanks) Nanooks to 15 shots and 5 shots the first two periods.
The Sioux were dismal the first night of the Kendal Hockey Classic the next night they turned their fortunes around and tightened up their play in their own end and showed great speed moving the puck through the neutral zone. The Sioux also limited their defensive turn overs and let the Aaron Dell see the puck. When you limit your opponents scoring opportunities and cut down on critical mistakes it enhances a team's chances to win.
If the Sioux continue to play stingy defense like they did last night they will be hard to beat this season. If they play like they did on Friday night it could be a long season. I expect more of the later, and more stingy defensive efforts. I think the key to the Sioux defensive play is the return of senior defenseman Chay Genoway if Chay can get back on track (pre-concussion) I believe the Fighting Sioux Hockey team will go far in the post season.
On Friday night Chay Genoway had a tough night, much like his teammates, Genoway (0g-1a-1pts) and was a -2. On Saturday night Genoway seemed to pick up his play and was a 0 in the plus/minus department. I believe that as Genoway gets his legs and conditioning back he will contribute on the score sheets and make major contributions in the defensive zone and on the power play.
This past weekend I was impressed with the play of freshman defenseman Derek Forbort, the rookie defenseman really impressed me with his hockey sense, poise creativity with the puck. Forbort didn't seem out of place at all and picked up three assists in last night's game, two of which were on the power play.
Sophomore forward Corbin Knight was also impressive this past weekend, Corbin picked up two goals and an assist on the weekend and looks to be on the verge of breaking out and putting up some stats this season.
3 Stars of the game
1.) Jason Gregoire (1g-0a-1pts)
2.) Derek Forbort (0g-3a-0pts)
3.) Scott Greenham Solid in the loss
[Box Score]
