Goon’s Takeaways: UND Takes 4 of 6 Points From SCSU With 3-3 Tie

On Saturday, the University of North Dakota hockey team took four of six points against St. Cloud State to vault them to the top of the NCHC standings. In the upcoming weeks, UND has an excellent opportunity to solidify its spot at the top of the NCHC standings. It starts this weekend against the Denver Pioneers. 

UND is on an impressive run; this was another weekend without a regulation loss. UND hasn't lost in regulation since November 3, 2023, at Boston University. That's a 17-game streak. Yes, UND is 2-4-2 in overtime, but the team is working on getting better in the 3-on-3 overtime. Last night, UND possessed the puck for most of the five-minute 3-on-3 overtime. 

"We're the only NCHC team that hasn't lost in regulation," UND head coach Brad Berry said. "We haven't lost in regulation since early November. That tells me a lot." 

 It's still a work in progress, but UND is focused on closing out games in regulation. 

"We've got to do a better job of closing the game in 60 minutes to win games," Berry said. "When we're trailing in games, we find a way to get points. That's a huge deal, coming out of here with the series win, knowing we don't play them again until the playoffs. It's the resiliency of our group." 

A few weeks ago, I told Virg foss that freshman forward Jayden Perron is about to break out. After making this bold prediction, Perron went pointless in four games. Perron ended his four-game pointless streak on Saturday by recording two assists for his first-ever multi-point game. 

Saturday, SCSU outshot UND 35-27; this was the first time this season that UND has been outshot in both games in a series. Speaking of shots. Against the Huskies, UND goalie Ludvig Persson was on top of his game. In both games combined, he stopped 66 of 72 shots for a .916 save percentage. On Saturday, Persson finished with 32 saves and improved his record to 13-6-2 (2.40 GAA and a .905 save percentage).  

What can we say about sophomore forward Jackson Blake? He continued his magical season with another solid weekend and extended his point streak to six games with his goal in the first period. He's scored (4g-4a--8pts) during that six-game streak. Blake has (15g-15a--30pts) for the season, and he's a plus-four.

UND Beats UMD 4-2 In Duluth (Highlights)

The fourth-ranked University of North Dakota hockey team began their NCHC conference schedule on the road at 18th-ranked Minnesota-Duluth. Entering Friday's game, the Hawks had a 4-2-0 in the last six games against the Bulldogs. Recently, UND has experienced some success at Amsoil Arena winning three straight games.  

At the 9:03 mark of the first period, Jayden Perron would give UND a 1-0 lead. Assists Cameron Berg and Hunter Johannes. That was Johannes's first assist of the season.

Can't leave him all alone in front and expect good things to happen. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/IZsphHccOc

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

At the 11:06 mark of the first period, UND would take a 2-0 lead with a goal from d-man Logan Britt forwards Owen McLaughlin and Bennett Zmolek picked up assists on the goal. That's goal number two for Britt.

Wheel, snipe, celly. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/gXRSvOeMDn

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

At the 18:03 mark of the first period, senior forward Louis Jamernik V would give UND a comfortable 3-0 lead with this beautiful goal. Jackson Kunz with the assist. The Bulldogs would challenge the goal for a high stick but were unsuccessful. 

Analytics say to never bunt, but this has to be the exception. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/RLlrIi4ff5

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

UMD would finally get on the board at the 12:13 mark of the second period, Bulldog forward Luke Loheit would score a power play marker to cut into UND's lead.  That was goal number three for the graduate forward. Assists, Quinn Olson and Ben Steeves. Score 3-1 UND.

Let's take another look at Loheit's power play goal!

(and whatever happened after...🤷)

3-1 UND | #UMDvsUND | #BulldogCountry pic.twitter.com/XbVK6pGNLn

— UMD Men's Hockey (@UMDMensHockey) November 11, 2023

At the 14:54 mark of the third period, UND was on the power play, and UMD forward Cole Spicer had a chance to score shorthanded, but he was denied by senior UND goalie Ludvig Perrson. This would prove to be a big-time game-saving stop.

🚫🚫🚫#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/qZ0iciH4kj

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

The Bulldogs would make things interesting. At the 14:44 mark of the third period, Anthony Menghini scored his third goal of the year to cut UND's lead to 3-2. Assists, Joey Pierce, and Aaron Pionk.  It was definitely a lucky bounce, a UND defenseman blocked a shot and it ended up on the Bulldog player's stick, and ended up in the back of the UND net. Score 3-2 UND.

The Bulldogs have got some fight in them!

Freshman Anthony Menghini ceases the opportunity and scores his third of the season🤩

3-2 UND | #UMDvsUND | #BulldogCountry pic.twitter.com/bTcIIWsTh5

— UMD Men's Hockey (@UMDMensHockey) November 11, 2023

UND would get a power play in the waning seconds of the game, and UND would smartly cash in. At the 19:21 mark of the third period, UND forward Cameron Berg would ice the game with an unassisted power play goal. Final Score: UND 4 UMD 2. 

While UND might have let the Bulldogs back into the game, they were able to gut out the win. It wasn't pretty, but it's still a win and a great start to NCHC play. UND has now won four straight games at Amsoil Arena. 

Big three points to begin @TheNCHC play!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/ibIFo5Xit4

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 11, 2023

A Quick Look at Jayden Perron

 The University of North Dakota has some exciting freshmen on their team this season. Here's a preview of what UND fans are going to see this season. Introducing Jayden Perron, forward, Carolina Hurricanes third-round draft choice. 

Perron with a nifty one for his first! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/aGGe63izyH

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 8, 2023

Last weekend against Army, this one counted for real.  

Well, at least his first one was memorable!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/RmVyve4Ha4

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 14, 2023

Here's the scouting report on Perron.

He’s a cerebral playmaker with the puck, utilizing a deke when necessary but also having the maturity to delay when he’s outnumbered. He’s a dangerous stickhandler and can turn a careless reach from a defender into a high-quality scoring chance for himself or a teammate. He plays nicely away from the puck in the offensive zone, especially as the high man, where he keeps his feet moving in an attempt to lose coverage before swooping down when his linemates get possession. -EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide