Kristo Scores; Sioux win 4-3

In the fourth game of the WCHA Final Five, the Xcel Energy Center finally came to life as the Sioux fans showed-up in full force and brought down the roof on the Xcel energy center. It almost appeared to be a home game for the Fighting Sioux. I actually think in retrospect that the WCHA is relieved that UND made the final game against their heated rival the DU Pioneers.

The Fighting Sioux got on the board first; setting the table for a great story line, in his first shift back from suffering from frostbite, Danny Kristo scored at the 2:24 mark of the first period to give the Fighting Sioux a 1-0 lead. Later in the first period, with Corbin Knight off for high sticking, at the 17:06 of the first period, C.C. score 18 seconds into the power play at the 17:24 mark with a goal from Rylan Schwartz (assisted by Gabe Guentzel and Jaden Schwartz). The Sioux out-shot the Tigers 15-7 in the first period.

In the second period, the C.C. Tigers scored at the 5:14 mark with a goal from Rylan Schwartz assisted by Ryan Lowery and Jaden Schwartz to pull ahead 2-1con the scoreboard. The Sioux and the Tigers played an even period of hockey with each team getting 8 shots on goal. The Fighting Sioux would even the game at the 14:55 mark of the second period with a goal from Senior forward Brent Davidson assisting on the goal were Andrew MacWilliam and Joe Gleason.

The Sioux were put in a hairy situation in the third period. At the 6:41 mark UND forward Brock Nelson was assessed a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for checking Gabe Guentzel from behind. The Sioux gained momentum at the 8:30 mark of the third period, when CC took a penalty. Sioux forward Matt Frattin was hooked down by Rylan Schwartz. The hook resulted in Frattin sliding into the Tigers goalie Joe Howe and Brad Malone scoring into an empty net. After further review the goal counted.

At the 11:10 mark of the third period Tiger forward Rylan Schwartz scored his second goal of the game. Rylan was assisted by his brother Jaden Schwartz and Nick Dineen, thus making up for his penalty that led to the third Fighting Sioux goal. UND's goal at the 14:20 mark of the third period was scored by Matt Frattin. It was Frattin's 34th goal of the year, with assists going to Evan Trupp and Ben Blood. Frattin’s goal sent the Xcel Energy Center into a wild frenzy with a Hobey Baker chant echoing through out the arena.

It got interesting at the 17:06 mark of the third period when MacWilliam was assessed a 2 minute penalty for cross-checking. The Sioux survived by successfully kill the penalty.

With the Victory, the UND Fighting Sioux become the first team in four seasons to win the MacNaughton Cup and then win their first game at the Final Five. The Last three teams had lost CC in 2008, UND in 2009 and DU in 2010.

Scott Owens on the Fighting Sioux.
"They are old, they are big and strong and they come at you."

[Box Score]