Goon's Takeaways: CC Beat UND 3-2 in OT

Friday night in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota hockey team opened their two-game conference series against the Colorado College Tigers. This is the last series before the new year. UND would take a two-goal lead with goals from Dylan James and Louis Jamernik V. Then the momentum swung in CC's favor. 

At the 18:10 mark of the second period, UND was the power play when graduate forward Hunter Johannes took an ill-advised, undisciplined penalty in the O-Zone to negate UND's power play. Head coach Brad Berry was unhappy with the undisciplined play in the post-game press conference. It was a bad penalty to take. 

"When you're on a power play trying to score a goal, that's not the time to take a penalty," Berry said. "That's not being team first." It was a bad night for the hometown team; they were a step slow and looked out of sorts. 

"We got away from our game, our identity at North Dakota, Louis Jamernick V said. "That's playing hard, fast, winning puck battles."

 "It kind of got away from us as far as our game," Berry said. "It crept into the second for sure. Not enough guys going tonight. The Jamernik, Schmaltz, and James line were very good for us; they were our top line tonight and played a simple north game. They played fast and played direct, and I didn't think enough of our guys did." 

The Tigers scored three unanswered goals by Noah Laba and Max Burkholder to win 3-2 in OT. It was UND's second straight 3-2 loss in overtime and the first time this season they've dropped back-to-back games. The frustrating thing for the UND players and their fans is that UND held CC to zero shots in the final 22 minutes of the contest (third period and OT) until CC's Laba scored the game-winning goal. 

The Tigers 3-2 OT win snapped a 15-game unbeaten streak for UND, who hadn't lost to the Tigers since Mar. 1, 2019. 

You can watch the highlights below if you haven't seen the game. 

             

Goon's Takeaways: DU Beats UND 3-2 in OT to Get the Series Split

When the weekend started, many in NoDak would have agreed that a series split with Denver (7-5 W, 3-2 OT L) would've been an acceptable result. The Hawks hadn't swept in Denver for 20 years, and taking 4-of-6 points would be a great result, considering that point. 

Not so fast. The loss ended an eight-game winning streak by UND. In the post-game press conference, the UND players weren't satisfied with taking 4-of-6 points. 

 "They weren't too happy about last night, so we knew they were going to bring it and there were going to be some emotions out there tonight," UND defenseman Keaton Pehrson told the media following Saturday's game. "We expected that."

If you didn't see Saturday's game, no problem; the highlights are embedded in the YouTube video below.

 

Here are some of the things that stuck out for me this weekend. After watching both games,  I think it was a good hockey weekend for UND. Obviously, a much better for UND would have been a sweep, but that is a very tall task. You could see the guys were a little tired at the end of the second and third periods. 

The players UND acquired through the NCAA Transfer Portal have paid big dividends through the first half of the season. It's not an understatement to say that junior forward Cameron Berg had a big weekend for UND against the Pioneers. Berg scored three goals on the weekend and five goals in his last four games. That translates to seven points during those four games (4g-3a--7pts). He also has five multi-point games. In 16 games, Berg has scored (7g-9a--16-pts), he's also a plus-seven. Four of Berg's 7 goals have come on the power play. Berg is second in the NCHC in faceoff wins 169-101 (.626). 

Another NCAA Transfer Portal acquisition, Hunter Johannes, has scored (7g-5a--12pts) in 16 games. He is a plus-10. Until Saturday night, he hadn't scored a goal on the road. He finally broke through at the 3:08 mark of the third period.  

Sophomore forward Jackson Blake is on fire. He is on a seven-game scoring streak (5g-7a--12pts). In 16 games, Blake has scored (11g-11a--22pts), which leads UND. He is a plus-six. Blake is tied for fourth in the NCHC in points with 22.  

UND closes out the 2023 part of the schedule this weekend against Colorado College. They play the next six games at home (seven if you count the exhibition game against the U18 team). UND has 20 regular season games, 12 at home and eight on the road. UND is 8-1-1 at home and 4-2 on the road. 

They Said what?

With Nick back at the helm at Let's Go DU. Much better. 

The Grand Forks Herald: UND Drops Series Finale in Overtime

UND Forward Ben Strinden Checks in at Number Three in NCHC Top 5 Plays of the Week

Last Saturday, in the third period of UND's non-conference tilt against the Bemidji State Beavers, sophomore forward Ben Strinden scored his third goal of the season giving UND a comfortable 3-0 lead. It was a backhand finish, he faked the goalie and put the puck in the net. UND would win the game 5-0, and sweep the Beavers, (3-2 W and 5-0 W). Strinden has really picked up his game and it has shown on the score sheet, too. He's tied for sixth on the team in blocked shots.

   

True to form, in this week's NCHC Top 5 Plays of the week, Miami University's goalie Logan Neaton amazing save against Mercyhurst was fifth in the Top 5 Plays of the Week, and it was hard to see to see his magnificent save, because Maimi's highlight video was blurry. Miami University should be embarrassed for putting out such a substandard product. Think about it. Many of us, including me, reupped our NCHC.TV subscription for $112.00. Is this video worthy of that price? Apparently, they didn't get the memo in Oxford, OH. I've talked about this subject extensively, and in some instances the webcast quality from some member schools hasn't improved.  

During the sprint of 2022, the NCHC tweeted this out.

We will work with select schools to improve their stream quality

Staying with @SIDEARMSports allows https://t.co/ZyUdpPrI2J to be accessed worldwide (ESPN+ is U.S. only), allows us to combine our 2 sites into 1, & all our teams also have SIDEARM sites so we can share data/video

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) May 19, 2022

During the 2023-24 college hockey season, fans who purchase the NCHC's Annual Pass will pay $112.00. In this economy, that is a lot of money. I am not expecting a lot of improvement from the usual suspects that have put out a subpar product. Again, there is supposed to be a minimum standard. I'm betting that Arizona State will have a decent product; if their PAC12 hockey videos are any indication.

Goon's Takeaways: UND Sweeps BSU 5-0

On Saturday night, the University of North Dakota hockey team beat the Bemidji State Beavers 5-0 to win their seventh game in a row. They also completed their third sweep in a row to improve to 11-2-1 (.821), (4-0-0 NCHC). Next weekend, the Fighting Hawks travel to Denver to take on the Pioneers. 

Barring any unforeseen events, UND will remain the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. Not that it matters. While it's probably too early, UND is ranked 6th in the Pairwise Rankings. No, I will not be doing any silly Bracketology posts. UND has played 10 non-conference games this season and has a 7-2-1 (.750) record. 

Sophomore forward Dane Montgomery scored his first goal of the year. Assists Griffin Ness and Bennett Zmolek. That was Montgomery's second career goal and first one at Ralph Engelstad Arena. On the lineup sheet, Montgomery was listed as the extra forward, but he ended up playing instead of freshman forward Michael Emerson.

First in the Ralph for Dane! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/QeqEtzv6H0

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 26, 2023

Ludvig Persson was fantastic in the net and made this beautiful save in the first period. Perrson would end the night with a 29-save shutout, his third of the season. Perrson is 11-2-1 with a 1.85 GAA and a .924 save percentage. Persson's three shutouts are tied with Dominic Basse and Freddie Halyk.  

Ludvig with the quick moves!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/9c5Kddq9bO

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 26, 2023

At the 5:13 mark of the second period, UND would finally score on the power play with this goal by Jackson Blake. Assists Jake Livanavage and Cameron Berg. That was Blake's 10th goal of the season. 

The banks are open late on Saturday in Grand Forks!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/ZShLbeyVHB

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 26, 2023

UND forward Ben Strinden would score an unassisted goal to give UND a 3-0 lead.

Pretty pretty for Ben Strindy! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/2fqs3KJcs3

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 26, 2023

One minute later, Jackson Kunz would score his first goal of the season to give UND a 4-0 lead. Assists Logan Britt, Ludvig Persson. That was Persson's first point of his collegiate career.

Kunz rips home his own rebound!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/MuLSfNStDv

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 26, 2023

Defenseman Garrett Pyke would score his first goal in a UND uniform assists Riese Gaber, and Jackson Blake. 

Pyke with his first in the green and white!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/97Quzlkenl

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 26, 2023

• Jackson Blake has made a huge impact in his short time at UND. In 52 games, he's scored (25g-33a--58pts), and he's also a plus-seven. Seven of his 25 goals have been scored on the power play. 
• Blake has five multi-point games that leads UND. Riese Gaber has four. 
• Gaber (7g-6a--13pts) was held to one point on the weekend. 
• UND has a record of 37-5-7 all-time against Bemidji State., The Hawks are 26-3-4 against the Beavers in Grand Forks. 
• UND has won seven straight games for the first time since 2021-22. This is also the best start for UND since the 2019-20 season. 

Goon's Takeaways; Game One: UND Beats BSU 3-2 in OT

The University of North Dakota hockey team kicked off their Thanksgiving weekend with a non-conference tilt with the Bemidji State University Beavers. 

Statistically, entering the weekend, this looked like a series that could be very one-sided. BSU entered Friday's game with the worst penalty kill in college hockey at 65.8 percent. The Beavers goaltending had also played poorly during the first 12 games of the season as they entered the game with the worst save percentage in college hockey. 

 Looking at the stats, you would think the UND hockey team would be licking their lips with the prospect of filling the Beaver goal with pucks. Through two periods, the game played out differently. 

None of this mattered; hockey is played on the ice and not on paper. The Hawks came out of the gates a step slow, looking like they were feeling the effects of a big Thanksgiving hangover. The Beavers beat them to pucks and kept them on their heels. 

Forward Kasper Magnussen gave the Beavers a quick 1-0 lead 1:19 into the first period. Assist Lleyton Roed and Carter Jones.

Kasper Magnussen puts @BSUBeaversMHKY up 1-0 on No. 1 UND!

📺: https://t.co/FUbYbgZoLj #CCHAHockey | #BeaverTerritory pic.twitter.com/ezA6OFHfAw

— CCHA (@CCHAHockey) November 25, 2023

Forward Jackson Jutting would score the Beavers second goal at the 17:30 mark of the first period to give them a 2-0 lead.

Jackson Jutting makes it 2-0 @BSUBeaversMHKY in Grand Forks!

📺: https://t.co/FUbYbgZoLj #CCHAHockey | #BeaverTerritory pic.twitter.com/7u8DOpoWQR

— CCHA (@CCHAHockey) November 25, 2023

Cameron Berg would score UND's first goal of the game with a goal at the 18:05 mark of the first period. 2-1 Beavers.

Good ping. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/suOyI7xarK

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 25, 2023

Berg would score his second goal of the year to tie the game at 2-2. Berg took a pass from Hunter Johanness and shot from above the right faceoff circle. With his two goals, Berg doubled his season goal total. He now has four goals on the season.

🍔🍔#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/1I5eCUt4n9

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 25, 2023

Jackson Blake scores the game-winning goal 50 seconds into Overtime to give UND a 3-2 win. Assists Jake Livanavage and Owen McLaughlin. UND has played in three overtime games and has a 2-0-1 record. Blake has scored both of UND's game-winning goals. Both overtimes combined lasted a minute and 10 seconds.

Not bad, not bad at all. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/z6E7786yw3

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 25, 2023

Video evidence confirms that the game-winning goal was offside. BSU didn't challenge the play. With the win, UND improved to 10-2-1 (.807), with the loss, BSU dropped to 5-8-0.

Why not challenge? pic.twitter.com/C3WOrWakP2

— Beaver Territory 🦫 (@BeavTerritory) November 25, 2023

Flyers Bobby Brink Scores After Three-Game Hiatus

Philadelphia Flyers rookie Bobby Brink was a healthy scratch for the past three games. On Sunday, he returned to the Flyers lineup and made the most of his opportunity.

Bobby Brink will be a healthy scratch Saturday. John Tortorella wants to get him back in, but also wants to be fair to his team as it’s on a three-game win streak.

Tortorella reiterated Flyers will balance winning and development of young players all season.

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) November 17, 2023

At the 1:05 mark of the second period, Columbus Bluejackets forward Kirill Marchenko was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for tripping Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim. The Flyers wasted no time; six seconds into the power play, Brink would score his 4th goal of the season to give the Flyers a 2-1 lead.  For those keeping track at home, that's his fourth goal of the season.

BOBBY BRINK WITH A SNIPE ON THE POWERPLAY!!! #Flyers pic.twitter.com/hH6NMFldUx

— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) November 19, 2023

UND Hockey: UND Sweeps UMD With 2-0 Win

The UND hockey team started the National Collegiate Hockey Conference schedule on the right foot by sweeping the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (4-2 W, 2-0 W) at Amsoil Arena. Saturday night, UND played disciplined hockey, taking two minor penalties and only giving the Bulldogs third-ranked power play one opportunity. 

Saturday's game was a typical NCHC conference matchup. It was a meat grinder. There was some heavy hitting and not a lot of room to roam. I thought UND's defense limited the Bulldogs offensive opportunities and they didn't get a lot of good looks. When the Bulldogs were able to get a shot on net, Ludvig Persson was solid in the net. 

Speaking of the Persson. In 10 games, Persson has a (7-2-1 record, 1.90 GAA, and a .925 save percentage). He also has two shutouts. He's also been the NCHC goalie of the week three times. He was also the NCHC goaltender of the month for October. 

Saturday, there wasn't a lot of scoring, but it was enough to send the Hawks back down Highway 2 with smiles on their faces. Love the Tweet from the UND SID Alec Johnson.  

Can't spell Bulldogs without two L's. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/0QpZl5Z0nC

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 12, 2023

Senior forward Louis Jamernik V had a pretty good weekend for UND. He scored his first and second goals of the season against the Bulldogs. Saturday, Jamernick scored his second goal of the year at the 7:38 mark of the first period. That was also his first power play marker of the year. Jamernik has now scored in three straight games against the Bulldogs. 

🎵 Louis, Louis! 🎵#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/d2YVYThTZA

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 12, 2023

Perusing social media and the message boards, some have said that Riese Gaber has taken a step back this year. Gaber put all of that to bed with his fifth goal of the season. His goal gave UND a 2-0 lead. On Saturday, Gaber had his third multi-point game of the season.

A thing of beauty!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/MRBRrro6en

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 12, 2023

Controversial Call Late? 

With 4:06 remaining in the game, UMD Darian Gotz was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for contact to the head. Many in the Bulldog fanbase and the UMD hockey media disagreed with the call. You can watch the video below and decide for yourself. 

FINAL: North Dakota 2, Minnesota Duluth 0.

UMD winless in its last six games (0-5-1).

Bulldogs forced to kill a questionable major penalty for the final 4:06 after the "hit" went uncalled on the ice. I'll have more on that in my game story later.

— Matt Wellens (@mattwellens) November 12, 2023

The explanation given to the News Tribune by the NCHC was Gotz’s elbow extended and made contact with the chin of Johannes. Sandelin said he was told by the officials the review was “definitive.”

You can look at the video and decide for yourself. If your team is trying to get back into the game, don't make that play. It was unnecessary and ended up hurting the Bulldogs in the end. 

pic.twitter.com/bwJhi0X4VC

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) November 12, 2023

 

This team is a lot more confident than last season. There's a very different attitude in the UND locker room this season. To quote Brad Elliot Schlossman, "This team is pretty good." I would agree, defensively and offensively. 

"We're a confident group," Gaber told the media after the game. "We've got a lot of weapons. We showed that this weekend. We're just going to keep going and doing our thing."

All you have to do is look at the stats to see this team is doing a lot better on the ice.  It starts with the defense and goaltending. 

UND is ranked 7th nationally in save percentage .922, and 11th in goals against. Through ten games, UND is the top-ranked defensive team in the NCHC. Again, yes, it's early. 

They're playing more disciplined, they're 15th nationally in Penalty Minutes. They're ranked 3rd nationally in shorthanded goals scored.

Speaking of things that make me smile, I re-read Bruce Ciskie's pre-season predictions and it seems he underestimated the UND hockey team. I know it's early, but the eight D-men in question have performed pretty well against a really tough schedule. 

In four games against UND, Grand Forks native Cole Spicer has yet to record a point against the hometown team. Obviously, he's got a few more kicks at the can, but it's something that I noticed. 

UND has won five straight games at Amsoil Arena. That's a feat that hasn't been accomplished since November 29, 1968. 

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

Highlights From Minnesota vs. North Dakota Game 2

On Saturday night, the University of North Dakota Hockey split their weekend series with the Minnesota Gophers (0-4 L, 2-1 W). Here are some highlights from Saturday's game. It was a much better effort for UND on Saturday night. 

Gophers Break Through with a Goal

 

The Gophers would get one back with a goal from Jaxon Nelson. That's all the scoring we would have. UND would hold on in the end to take game two of the series against their Big-Ten foe Minnesota.  With the win, UND improved to 3-1. Up next the Minnesota State Mavericks. 

📢 Jaxon Nelson gets the Gophers within 1.#MidcoSports | @GopherHockey pic.twitter.com/PgLf6xDiQa

— Midco Sports (@MidcoSports) October 22, 2023

Jake Livanavage Scores His First Collegiate Goal

Another night of firsts: Jake Livanavage scores his first career goal and it's 2-0 UND. Assist from Riese Gaber and Dylan James.

.@JLivanavage On the backhand 🚨#MidcoSports | @UNDmhockey pic.twitter.com/gBZa9kEybs

— Midco Sports (@MidcoSports) October 22, 2023

Jayden Perron Goal 

Jayden Perron scores UND's first goal of the weekend, a tip-in goal. That's goal number two on the season for the freshman forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Perron with the tip and we are off-and-running!#UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/rSpzOhJwOh

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 22, 2023

Ludvig Perrson Comes Up Big 

UND goalie Ludvig Perrson with an amazing save. That's using your head, right?

Now that's using your head, Ludvig! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/on9yTSRRE2

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 21, 2023

Student Lineup Early 

The UND students were at the Ralph early waiting in line.

More than an hour before doors open at @TheREA for No. 5 @UNDmhockey 🆚 No. 1 @GopherHockey. Here’s how the student entrance is looking before game two. pic.twitter.com/zAS0LzD2tF

— Taylor Budge - Midco Sports (@TBudgeMidco) October 21, 2023

Frozen Faceoff: The Brackets are Set

Updated #NCHCHockey Tournament bracket with #FrozenFaceoff field set: https://t.co/ac6Y2BpQhb

Semis on Friday, 3/18 pic.twitter.com/OtP4lIWkJt

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) March 13, 2016

With the win, UND improves to 30-5-3 (.828). This is the first time since the 2010-11 season that UND has won 30 games.

UND hasn’t lost a game this season when they’ve entered the third period with a lead. With the win, UND improves to 23-0-2 when they lead after two periods.

Over the past three seasons, UND has a 15-1-1 record against the Tigers.

With three assists, freshman forward Brock Boeser now is two points shy of 50 points.

With the win, UND goalie Cam Johnson improved to (20-3-1, 1.58 GAA and .938 save percentage). Johnson is leading the nation in goals-against average and is second in save percentage.

(Final Box Score)

Dave Starman Breaks down Poganski's Penalty Shot

On Friday night, I was watching the Bulldogs and Huskies game on CBSSN and between periods hockey analyst Dave Starman broke down the Austin Poganski penalty shot. I don't think our friends from Minnesota-Duluth are going to be very happy with Starman's analysis.

NCHC Suspends Troy Stecher

Junior defenseman Troy Stecher has been given a one-game suspension by the NCHC for game-ending checking from behind penalty. Almost immediately following the game, there were whispers about Stecher missing this Friday's game against the UNO Mavericks. This is a big loss for UND, but there's enough depth to make it through the weekend.

This is a dangerous hit, and the type of hit we would like to see illuminated from all levels of hockey. If you watch the video embed above above, at the end of the video, is the hit in question.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) has issued a one-game suspension to North Dakota junior defenseman Troy Stecher, in accordance with the conference’s supplemental discipline policy, the NCHC announced Tuesday, Feb. 23. The suspension stems from an illegal hit during UND’s game against Minnesota Duluth on Saturday, Feb. 20.

Stecher was suspended after the review of a play in which a hit was delivered to the back of a Minnesota Duluth player at 20:00 of the third period Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks. A major penalty for checking from behind and a game misconduct were assessed on the play.

Stecher will be required to serve the suspension during UND’s next game, which is Friday, Feb. 26 at Omaha. Stecher is eligible to return for the Fighting Hawks in the series finale with the Mavericks on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Baxter Arena in Omaha.

(A Look Back) NCHC Hockey: All Jammed up with Three Weeks to Go

Exactly on year ago today, I wrote this post. Surprisingly, the numbers are very similar. We all now how last season ended. UND actually has 6 more points and a couple of more wins.

Looking at the standing, it couldn't get any tighter than it is right now. Three teams are tied for first place with three weeks to go in the regular season.

(Video) BSU's Billett knees SCSU's Robby Jackson Share

Bemidji State University defenseman Dan Billett was assessed a five-minute major for this knee-on-knee hit on St. Cloud State forward Robby Jackson. It will be interesting to see if the WCHA suspends Billett for a game or two. Remember, it's the WCHA and they're not known for a lot of suspensions.

WMU No Goal

WMU no goal pic.twitter.com/rYqdNAiMXI

— James Lambert (@rivermen123) January 30, 2016

Tonight, the Western Michigan Broncos were convinced that they had scored a goal and requested that the on-ice officials review the play. Fair enough, that happens.

Moving right along, the on-ice officials reviewed the play in question and spent something like 7-8 minutes reviewing a play that was obviously not a goal. It didn't cross the line. What were the on-ice officials looking for? UND radio play-by-play announcer said he saw the play once and knew that it wasn't a goal.

I know, it's easy to bag on the officials, they're human, they make mistakes. But if you can review something for a few minutes and not see a good goal, there's no need to spend any more time staring at a screen trying to glean if there was a goal scored. It's not there. Personally, I think there are too many reviews in the NCHC now.

UND v.s UMD lines - Game 1

UND freshman forward Shane Gersich is back in the lineup. Freshman defenseman Christian Wolanin is a healthy scratch for a second game in a row. Hayden Shaw remains as UND's sixth defenseman. UND fans will get their first look at Derek Shepherd.

Finally, if you have Midco Sports, both games will be on TV this weekend.

Piggybacking on @SchlossmanGF's note, there will be 4 teams with 0/1 loss at break. First time since ???. pic.twitter.com/5BaK6Mtuxg

— Todd Milewski (@ToddMilewski) December 11, 2015

Pioneers vs. Fighting Hawks, and Links

It would appear that UND freshman forward Shane Gersich is in the proverbial dog house. Tonight, the Pioneers go with Tanner Jaillet. In his last three starts, UND goalie Cam Johnson is (3-0-0, 1.74 GAA, .937 SV%).

Drake Caggiula Relishes Series with Pioneers - https://t.co/EGVmfaYa3s #hockey #THW pic.twitter.com/n5pmMyXRzs

— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) December 5, 2015

VIDEO: This would be evidence UND hockey fans are not taking to new nickname https://t.co/i9jt1ytI0t

— Mike McFeely (@MikeMcFeelyWDAY) December 5, 2015

(Video) Fighting Hawks fly Past Huskies 4-3

On Friday night, the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks slipped past the SCSU Huskies 4-3. After going three years without a nickname, it’s hard to get used to.

Second, wrap your fingers around this. UND went 2-for-3 on the power play tonight. UND also held SCSU to 1-for-5 on the power play.

I don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but in their last five games against SCSU and Charlie Lindgren, UND is 4-1 and have outscored the Huskies 15-10.

Freshman forward Rhett Gardner has scored (3g-1a-4--pts) in his last three games. Gardner also had his first multi-point game of his college career (1g-1a--2pts).

UND vs. MU Lines - Games Two

Will there be a traditional circle of sticks at the end of the game? There's only been one series sweep since UND and Miami joined the NCHC. Also, UND junior defenseman Paul LaDue is out of the lineup with an undisclosed lower-body injury. We will try to get a time table tonight.

Miami vs. North Dakota (The Battle of the Hawks?)

I thought I would throw the Hawks reference in there. I know some have mentioned how hard it's going to be to call a hockey game with two sets of hawks on the ice. Good news for UND, they get Tucker Poolman back tonight.