UND Crushes Miami, 7-1. Advances to the Frozen Faceoff

There's an old hockey cliche: It's very hard to end a team's season. On Saturday night, the UND hockey team looked like a determined team. They were determined not to play game three. It was pretty straightforward: Lose to the lowly RedHawks, and they'd be back on the ice on Sunday night. Mission accomplished: When the final horn sounded, the Hawks left no doubt as they crushed the Miami RedHawks 7-1 and sent them home looking for answers. 

Seven different players scored goals for UND - at the 13:17 mark of the first period, Riese Gaber scored his 18th goal of the season to give UND a 1-0 lead. Gaber is two short of 20 goals, and if he can reach 20 goals, it will be the first time since the 2005-06 season that three UND players have had 20 or more goals: Drew Stafford, 24; Jonathan Towes, 22; and T.J. Oshie, 24.

The Hawks scored another in the second and five in the third period to blow the game open. It was an impressive win against a bad hockey team. 

In one of the nice stories of the year, graduate forward Hunter Johannes scored the first UND goal of the season at Ralph and the last goal of the season at Ralph. This was a player that wanted to play at UND but didn't get the opportunity. After playing three seasons at AIC, he transferred to Lindenwood College. Due to COVID-19, he benefited from having a fifth year and transferred to UND—his dream school. He's made the most of his opportunity. 

The three stars of the game were 1st star Jackson Blake (1g-2a-3pts), 2nd Star Jackson Kunz (1g-2a-3pts), and third star of the game Hobie Hedquist 28 saves. It was the second multipoint game of Kunz's career and the first three-point game of his career. Kunz has (5g-6a-11pts) in his last 13 games. When asked about having his first three-point game of his career, Kunz was pretty low-key.

"I don't like talking about myself too much," Kunz said. "You're playing with good players, making one pass, and you don't know what they will do with it. I'm lucky to be able to be out there with the guys we have."

It didn't matter what the RedHawks game plan was; the Fighting Hawks had an answer for everything they tried. When a shot got through, the defense either blocked it, or freshman goalie Hobie Hedquist saved it. 

"We had the puck on our stick," Miami head coach Chris Bergeron said. "(We) don't do what we're asking them to do; we turn the puck over to the wrong guy, and it's one zero." 

This past weekend, UND's starting goalie was out with an undisclosed issue (injury or illness). During Saturday's post-game press conference, Brad Schlossman asked UND head coach Brad Berry for an update on his starting goalie. It was Mum's the word. 

"We're not going to divulge very much information because it's the playoffs," Berry said. "As the week progresses, we'll share more information, but right now, it's undisclosed." 

No matter what the issue was, UND didn't need Persson. The rookie phenom stopped 51 of 53 shots (.962). During the first period of Saturday's game, Hedquist was tested early and made quite a few difficult stops. 

Hedquist's play caught the eye of the Miami coach.

"For a guy who hasn't played much, he hasn't lost yet; he's 5-0 over 90 save percentage," Bergeron said. "They don't have bad players here. Whether he's played a bunch or not that much, he's proven he's a good player."

During the post-game press conference, I asked Coach Berry if he was tempted to ride a hot goalie and start him on Friday at the Frozen Faceoff. 

"Yeah, everything's on the table, Berry said. "You've known us long enough that we will put a lineup together that gives us a chance to win. We have two very good goaltenders. Hobie proved himself now, and Ludvig proved himself in the past. We will go through the week here. We'll keep moving forward. It's nice to know guys get to come in and contribute."

UND Races Past Miami, 5-1

The UND hockey team moved within one game of advancing to the 2024 NCHC Frozen Faceoff with an impressive 5-1 win over the last-place Miami RedHawks. After the first period, the game wasn't close. After taking a 1-0 lead into the first intermission, UND scored two in the second and two in the third to race past the hapless RedHawks. 

Miami's season has been miserable. The RedHawks last won a game 63 days ago, on January 13, 2024. UND is looking to end Miami's season on Saturday at 6:07 p.m. 

It was a night of surprises. UND senior goalie Ludvig Persson was a last-minute scratch, due to an unknown reason. Freshman goalie Hobie Hedquist took the net and stopped 23 of 24 shots for a .958 save percentage. Hedquist is 4-0-0, 2.28 GAA and .906 save percentage. In the post-game press conference, UND head coach Brad Berry was asked if Hedquist would be starting on Saturday. 

"I don't know," Berry said. "I'll let you guys know tomorrow when you get to the rink." 

On Friday night, UND junior forward Jake Schmaltz scored his first goal of the season—his first in 33 games. Schmaltz last scored on March 12, 2023. His goalless streak lasted one year and three days. Schmaltz was all smiles after the game. 

 

"I figured I was due for one, and now we are just trying to keep building on it," Schmaltz said. "Hopefully, they keep falling for me. 

With UND's win, UND improves to 25-10-2 and 15-8-1 NCHC. With the loss, Miami drops to 7-25-3 and 1-21-2 NCHC. The Hawks improve to 30-8-1 all-time against the RedHawks. UND is 14-3-2 against Miami in Grand Forks. 

Another record was tied. With his goal and assist, freshman defenseman Jake Livanavage tied former defenseman Brian Lee for the most points by a rookie defenseman at UND since the 1999-00 season. When asked about tying Brian Lee's record, Livanavage brushed his accomplishment off. 

"(I am) not focused on that right now," Livanavage said. "We've got a lot of season ahead of us. That's what I'm focused on. I don't care about the individual awards. I care about the team aspect." 

UND's high-octane offense. UND now has two 20-goal scorers. On Friday, Jackson Blake scored his 20th goal of the season, becoming the second player to hit 20 goals. Blake and Cameron Berg are the first two players to score 20 goals since the 2015-16 season when Brock Boeser and Drake Caggiula accomplished that feat. Riese Gaber scored his 17th goal of the season, giving UND the possibility of having three players score 20 or more goals.

 

Goon's Takeaways: UND Sweeps Miami with 4-1 Win

Things don't always come easily for the University of North Dakota hockey team. Entering the weekend, this looked like a series in which UND would dominate from the drop of the first puck to the final whistle. It was Miami; they had won a single NCHC conference game and were 1-12-1 in conference play. Some in NoDak Nation wondered if this could be a trap series. 

When the final horn sounded, UND had completed the sweep of the RedHawks with a 4-1 win. While it wasn't a dominating series win, UND took 11 of 12 points in the season series. More importantly, it was the second series in a row where UND had closed out an opponent, winning the season series. 

It was a series in which UND graduate defenseman Logan Britt had a great weekend on the score sheet. On Saturday, he scored two goals to lead UND. Britt scored three goals on the weekend to push his goal total to five, a career-high. It was also the first time in his career that Britt had scored a pair of goals.  

Saturday was a bounce-back game for senior goalie Ludvig Persson. After letting in four goals the night before, Ludvig Persson was stellar between the pipes, stopping 33 of 34 shots (.970).

  

Earlier this week, I listened to the UND hockey podcast, and Brad, Eli, and Feldy talked about statistics. This season's UND hockey is a stats geek's dream. There are so many positive stories to run on. Below are some storylines from this weekend's series against the Miami RedHawks. 

Saturday's game against the RedHawks was a parade to the penalty box for UND. They played an undisciplined game and took an excessive amount of penalties; UND entered the game, averaging 6 minutes a game in penalties minutes. Saturday, UND was assessed eight minor penalties for 16 penalty minutes. After Saturday's game, UND is still ranked 4th least penalized team in the nation. I am sure UND will want to clean that up before the playoffs. 

Forward Jackson Blake extended his point streak to 10 straight games (6g-11a-17pts). Moreover, Blake has scored 13 points in his last six games (5g-8a-13pts). He also has 10 multi-point games. In 28 games, he's scored (17g-22a-39pts). 

Cameron Berg is having a career year. Saturday, he pushed his career-long point streak to seven, where he's scored (6g-4a-10pts). Berg has eight goals in the last 10 games. In 28 games, he's scored (15g-14a-29pts).

UND head coach Brad Berry recorded his 200 win behind the UND bench. Berry's team also improved to 20-6-1 and 11-4-1 NCHC.

"The guys gave me a puck today in the locker room," Berry said. It was pretty emotional. I've been here for a while and told them this isn't just me. It was the players in the locker room- the players that came before them - an amazing coaching and support staff. We have a great staff here. It's a team award, but I told them I'll hand this puck in right now and trade it for championships and banners."

With Saturday's win, UND tied the program record for the longest regulation unbeaten streak, reaching 21 games. UND has not lost a game in regulation since November 3, 2023 (against BU, 3-2 loss). In 2024, UND improved to 8-1-1 (.850).

Since moving to the NCHC, UND has owned the RedHawks. After Saturday's win, UND is 29-8-1 (.776) all-time against the RedHawks and 12-4-2 in Oxford, OH. 

Goon's Takeaways: UND Rallies, Wins 5-4 in OT

Good teams find ways to win games. On Friday night, it was an adventure that didn't lack excitement. Entering this weekend's series against the RedHawks, some probably thought this series was an easy six points. As we've discovered over the years, you can't take any NCHC team for granted. Any team can win on any given night. That's why UND head coach Brad Berry has called this league the gauntlet. On Friday night, the UND Hockey team flirted with defeat. 

The UND hockey team didn't have their A-game in the first period. They came out a step slow and let the opposition forwards roam in the UND D-zone. The two teams traded goals, by Miami's Thomas Daskas and UND's Jake Livanavage. Lucky for NoDak, the score was only 1-1 after one period of play.  

In the second period, the RedHawks outscored the Fighting Hawks 3-1 and took a 4-2 lead into the third period. 

In the final 20 minutes, UND went to work. They chipped away and fought back, scoring two goals by Logan Britt and Riese Gaber in the final 10.33 to tie the game with just under a minute remaining in regulation. 

At the 1:24 mark of the 3-on-3 overtime, Jackson Blake completed the comeback with his third game-winning overtime goal of the season. That leads UND. 

 

With the win, UND head coach Brad Berry is one win away from his 200th win and its 20th win of the season. Berry's teams have won 20 or more games five times in his nine seasons as the UND head coach.  All-time, Berry is 199-98-33 (.653).

With the comeback win in overtime, UND extended its impressive run without a regulation loss in 20 games, one game shy of tying the program record.

When UND play-by-play announcer Tim Hennesy brought it up during the post-game radio interview, Berry played it off. Rightfully so, Berry is more focused on team goals than personal success. 

With the win, UND improves to 28-8-1 all-time against Miami and 11-4-2 in Oxford, OH.

Goon's Takeaways: UND Sweeps Miami with 5-1

The University of North Dakota Hockey team completed the weekend sweep of the Miami University RedHawks with a 5-1 victory. Here's my rundown from the two-game conference sweep. With the 4-0-0 start in conference play, UND is sitting in second place in the NCHC standings. UND is currently on a five-game winning streak outscoring their opponents 22-11. 

The captain Riese Gaber would get UND on the board first with this beautiful goal at the 8:27 mark of the first period. Assists Garrett Pyke and Louis Jamernik V. That was goal number six on the year for Gaber. In the post-game press conference, Riese Gaber could barely speak and it was later revealed by head coach Brad Berry that he was under the weather. His linemate, Owen McLaughlin sat out Saturday night's game with an illness. 

No. 6 for the captain! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/hfNZ6bRVit

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 19, 2023

Just a short 2:29 later, the RedHawks would answer the Hawks goal with a goal from PJ Fletcher. Miami forward Max Dukovac with the lone assist. That was all of the scoring for Miami, Ludvig Persson would stand strong in the net and lead UND to a 5-1 Victory. (This past weekend, Miami didn't post their goal videos on their X page.)

Miami evening the score didn't deter UND's scoring. The Hawks seemed to find another gear and went to work. At the 14:52 mark of the first period, UND forward Griffin Ness scored his first goal of the year with the help of RedHawks forward John Waldron who deflected Ness's shot into his own net. That would prove to be the game-winning goal. Jackson Kunz, and Dane Montgomery would get the assists. That was Montgomery's first point of the year. 

After Ness's goal, I tweeted this out: For some reason, I thought of the song, "I get by with a little help from my friends" seemed appropriate. Griffin Ness scores his first goal of the year.

First of the year for ol' Nessy!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/JabtepS9NA

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 19, 2023

Gaber would score his second goal of the game with a beautiful breakaway goal to pad UND's lead. For those keeping track at home, that was goal number seven on the year. Gaber now has (7g-5a--12pts) on the season, with his two makers on Saturday, Gaber now has (53g-54a--107pts) for his career.

Whoop! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/oNlQkX9os2

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 19, 2023

Not to be outdone, Jackson Blake would score his 8th goal of the year 4.4 seconds remaining in the first period. Blake would also draw a penalty on the play. It was similar to Gaber's goal. Blake would pick up a loose puck off a RedHawk's turnover in the neutral zone and break in score on the RedHawks goalie Logan Neaton.

We promise you this isn't the same replay as the previous goal. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/a0cr0uQZzb

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 19, 2023

There was not scoring in the second period and Miami would make a push. The RedHawks outshot the Hawks 8-3. UND goalie Ludvig Persson was stellar between the pipes stopping grade A chances. Exhibit A, Persson stones Matthew Barbolini to preserve UND's 4-1 lead.

Oh my, Ludvig! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/yw6cO3czuE

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 19, 2023

Persson's teammates might want to take him out for supper after the game. He was stellar. He's stopped 21-of-22 shots, and a few of them were tough saves. Jaden Perron would score the Hawks fifth goal of the game with a beautiful shot from the slot.

Labeled. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/FtVGLRgUEr

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 19, 2023

 I know it's early, and I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think Virg Foss is onto something. This team is very good, and has all the pieces to go deep into the NCAA playoffs. Yes, anything can happen in a one-and-done tourney. This team is significantly better than last year's team. Defense and goaltending are noticeably better. The forward group is better with the additions of Cameron Berg, Hunter Johannes, and Jayden Perron. This "could' end up being a special year.  

Virg Foss; "I'll stop short of predicting a league and NCAA title for this team at this point in the season. I do believe the ingredients are there on this team to reach such lofty goals."
I would concur. https://t.co/LtKx3JrwjF

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) November 18, 2023

Earlier today, I tweeted that senior forward Carson Albrecht had gone 37 games without being penalized. Looking at the stats, he hadn't been assessed a penalty since March 12, 2022. On Saturday, Albrecht was assessed two minor penalties. I may want to hold off praising players for individual efforts in the future.

Carson Albrecht just got his first penalty, a 2-minute minor, since March 12, 2022. That's a span of 37 games.

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) November 19, 2023

UND Beats Miami 6-4 in Game One

The University of North Dakota hockey team opened their conference schedule at home with a 6-4 win against the Miami RedHawks. 

UND Scored two in the first period, three in the second period and one in the third period. At the 11:59 mark of the first period, graduate forward Hunter Johannes would get UND on the board with this beautful goal from the top of the circles. That was goal number six of the year. Assists Cameron Berg and Jackson Blake.

On the prowl again!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/yh12Z4PB7k

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 18, 2023

At the 14:32 mark of the first period, freshman forward Jayden Perron would give UND a 2-0 lead with his sixth goal of the seasons. Assists by Hunter Johannes, Cameron Berg. Perron has yet to record an assist, he has 6 goals in 11 games. Johannes now has two multi-point games on the season. Last season, he has seven multi-point games with Lindenwood. 

Follow your shot, kids!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/2uA4KdPgec

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 18, 2023

At the 7:52 mark of the second period, Owen McLauglin give UND a 3-0 lead. Assists Jackson Blake and Riese Gaber.

Their connection is special. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/vB4kMpnyhF

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 18, 2023

Miami would get two quick goals less than a minutes apart by PJ Fletcher, and Matthew Barbolini. Unfortunately, the RedHawks didn't post the goals on their Twitter page.

At the 12:42 mark of the second period, UND would take a two goal lead with a goal from Jackson Blake. The RedHawks would challenge the goal for a handpass, but the goal would stand.

Oh nothing, just Jackson's third game this season with at least three points. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/XmjrfwawwQ

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 18, 2023

Less than two minutes later, senior forward Carson Albrecht assist Owen McLaughlin. In the pregame, I was talking to Virg Foss and he said that Albrecht was going to score tonight. He's also add an assist later in the game.

200-foot player! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/LgQD3Knyh1

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 18, 2023

UND didn't take long to open the scoring in the third period. Seven seconds in sophomore forward Dylan James would give UND a 6-2 lead. That would close out the scoring or UND. Albrecht would pick up the assist.

DJ, turn it up! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/QQPToGSdEQ

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 18, 2023

Miami would scored to goals in the final two minutes of the game to make the score 6-4.