UND 2, UMD 1 (Video Highlights)

Tonight, I ended up going to the game as a fan. I didn't realize how much I miss with my head in my laptop. My wife was working and my usual babysitter was at the game, too. No way I was missing this game.

In my opinion, the UMD vs. UND games is one of my favorite series. Instead of sitting at home hoping my wife makes it home early enough to make it to the game, I decided to buy a couple of tickets and attend the game. That wasn't cheap by the way.

This season, my eight-year-old daughter hadn't been to a game so I  figured it was a good time to have a father, daughter evening, so I ended up taking her to the one of the best games of the year. Good for UND fans, not so good for our friends from Duluth.

This was very big win for UND. I've had a few people ask me about the penalty that led to the penalty shot. I don't know. If I had been officiating this game, I would've probably called a two-minute penalty. We can write it off as, "hey it's Todd Anderson."

Apparently, Todd Anderson made the wrong call on the play in question (per the rule book). As my buddy Ken says, the refs don't follow the rule book anymore. Of course, he's a Penguins fan.

UMD head coach Scott Sandelin wasn't pleased with the call: “I don’t agree with the call at the end. It was a penalty, but I don’t agree with the penalty shot at all,” Sandelin said. “I don’t care if that gets me in trouble. It certainly was a penalty and they capitalized. We had our opportunities, they had their opportunities. It was a good hard-fought battle.”

Humble Pie a la Mode

by Redwing77

The season is over and the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but that's not what is humbling to me.  I remember back in 2005 when all four Frozen Four teams were from the same conference.  WCHA fans crowed about how awesome the WCHA was and, well, the WCHA won the NC that year.  But was that truly great?

In college football the only people who were overjoyed by the Alabama vs. LSU National Championship game was the teams who were playing and their fans... and ESPN.  It might have been the lowest rated championship football contest in terms of TV ratings in the TV era.

All season long, NCHC fans crowed about how amazing the conference is.  And I put up with it.  After all, my team is in the NCHC and the NCHC did dominate over the season.  Certainly they deserved respect.

But then on USCHO I read an altogether astonishing statement:  "The NCHC is the SEC of college hockey."

Wait... What?

The NCHC is NOT the SEC of college hockey.  The SEC of college hockey doesn't exist anymore.  I'd argue the last time the SEC of college hockey existed was back when North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan were in the same conference along with Notre Dame and Michigan State.  Yeah.  The SEC of college hockey broke up in 1981.

This year the NCHC had 6 teams make the NCAA Playoffs.  Two made the Frozen Four.  It is certainly a great accomplishment.  In the end, however, Hockey East prevailed.  Hockey East has been around longer than the NCHC, even if the teams in the NCHC have storied histories.

I think we need to take a step back a little bit.  We are a strong conference with great teams and super competition.  However, we are 0-2 in National Championships as a conference.  In fact, as a conference, we've yet to get a team to the National Championship game.

Calling the NCHC the "SEC of college hockey" makes me chafe.  We do not want to be the SEC of college hockey.  I want the NCHC to be a dominant force, sure, but a respected one by all.  The SEC does not seem to hold much respect by those outside of ESPN and the fanbases of SEC teams.

C.C. vs. UND game 1; Links

Game one, Tigers vs. UND. A few changes on the lines for UND.

FRIDAY vs COLORADO COLLEGE TV: @MidcoSN Web: http://t.co/GFCx4X8ugT Radio: 96.1 FM (flagship), UND Sports Radio Network
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) March 13, 2015

North Dakota Looks to End Tigers Season - http://t.co/IKE2mEcH4K #NHL pic.twitter.com/3eQt7HQqep
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) March 12, 2015

All QF games this weekend are on NCHCtv. 1st 2 games: @WMUHockey at @MiamiOH_Hockey, 7:35pm ET @SCSUHUSKIES_MH at @UNO_Hockey, 7:37pm CT
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) March 13, 2015

Watch today's episode of "NCHC: Between the Boards" by @MidcoSN to get ready for #NCHCHockey Tournament action: http://t.co/P26dKpSKtE
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) March 13, 2015

As was feared, UND's leading goal scorer and NCHC defensive fwd of year finalist Mark MacMillan out for the season http://t.co/Us8zI91dti
— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) March 13, 2015

Yep, Zane McIntyre Is a Good Goal Tender

That's a lot of words to say that Zane McIntyre is a good goaltender. Seriously. I guess Lambert is done predicting a UNO meltdown?

Ryan Lambert, Puck Daddy -- Where North Dakota differs, and which comes as no surprise, is that they have both the highest shooting percentage and save percentage in the league. Looking at the roster, you'd have to say that maybe shooting 8.8 percent at evens is a little bit high even for a team that talented — and with Mark MacMillan potentially done for the year, even more so — but Zane McIntyre was always going to be stopping about .940 at evens. He's just that good, and given the fact that his team concedes an inordinate number of shot attempts (42.3 per game, third-most in the conference) he's utterly crucial to their ongoing success. If he was even a little worse, let's say he allowed an extra five goals in 32 games this season, we're not having a discussion about North Dakota being the top team in the country; their shot generation is decidedly middle of the pack on a national level, so the fact that they have 73 even-strength goals goes a long way.

Of course, only about 25 or 30 percent of most games is played at 5-on-5, so you have to consider special teams quality as well. Here too, North Dakota doesn't exactly impress in comparison with its conference rivals; its 20.9 percent conversion rate on power plays is fourth in the conference behind St. Cloud, Denver, and Colorado College (somehow). Its PK is, not surprisingly, the best by a decent margin, because McIntyre has an .872 save percentage when down a man. The NCHC average is .863. But North Dakota takes a lot of penalties (second-most in the conference) and draws the the third-most. Their power play opportunity differential for the season is plus-1.

All season long, I keep hearing how UND isn't as good as their record. Their record is inflated by their out of conference record. So, what about the other 22 games they have played so far? I guess UND winning the Penrose Cup is a mirage, didn't happen, right

Also, we heard from the SBN College Hockey experts that once UND got into the meat of their schedule they would come back down to earth a bit. That hasn't happened yet, either.

Let's not forget that UND has only lost twice in 2015. Breaking it down further, UND has won four games in a row and five-of-six games. They have a 3-1-0 record against SCSU, 2-0 record against WMU, 2-1-1 record against UNO and DU. They currently have a 1-1 record against UMD and MU.

Let's review, UND went tot he NCAA tourney last year. Of course, they were the last team in NCAA tournament, and  then promptly went to the Frozen Four. That was a fluke I guess. UND returns most of the team from last year and some of the pundits are shocked.

I think the NCHC is a tough conference and UND has proven they deserve the recognition they have gotten this year. I also don't think the UND hockey team is afraid to play anyone in the country. Not this team.

SCSU vs. UND Lines (Twitter Links)

Same lineup for UND as last week. There are no changes. Todd Anderson is one of the officials tonight, so it could be a long night.

@stoneySioux @siualbert @EricBoettner1 @locofrijole @SchlossmanGF @Buccigross I am out front in predicting a sweep http://t.co/hWnDU5L02e
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) February 26, 2015

NCHC Power Rankings: Welcome to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Power Rankings. Three of us will be ... http://t.co/hd3HvPk0Xf
— Inside Hockey (@insidehockey) February 26, 2015

Should the NCAA use video review on majors? From @goon48 at #THW: http://t.co/1fXcjmInGU
— Scouting The Refs (@ScoutingTheRefs) February 25, 2015

Game Day at UND. @SCSUHUSKIES_MH @TheNCHC #BHuskiesProud https://t.co/fLuyXO8iRg
— SCSU HUSKIES (@SCSUHUSKIES) February 27, 2015

UND vs. WMU - Game Two Lines

No changes from last night's lineup. From today's NCHC press release: With a 3-1 win at Western Michigan Friday night, top-ranked North Dakota moved into sole possession of first place in the NCHC after No. 6/6 Miami and No. 5/5 Omaha both fell as the three entered the weekend tied for first. UND also extended its unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1) and improved to 9-3-0 on the road this season with its .750 road win percentage fourth nationally and first in the NCHC. UND is now 8-6-1 on Fridays this year but an NCAA-best 13-0-2 on Saturdays (.933).

Friday before the Storm Links

It's crunch time, the final push to the NCAA playoffs. Selection Sunday, the regionals... Some college hockey teams are fighting for their playoff lives. This is is the best time o the year.

UND vs. WMU, A Series Preview http://t.co/12v2VI0O0p pic.twitter.com/V9WR96FANc
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) February 20, 2015

NCHC Hockey: Officiating Has to Be Better http://t.co/QFZJ4W5DPf pic.twitter.com/8YOCdXQukO
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) February 18, 2015

@davidlukeramsey opines on #GoldPan series: http://t.co/xYCbBqq8KV #DUvsCC @csgazette @TheNCHC #collegehockey #NCAAHockey #NCHCHockey
— Joe Paisley (@Paisleyhockey) February 20, 2015

As part of #HWAA, today is #HockeyJerseyDay. Here's our favorite jerseys! Whose sweater are you sporting today? pic.twitter.com/HXqtqQXJDF
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) February 20, 2015

.@DUCoachMonty and the Pios are on the ice at Magness Arena for today's morning skate! #DUGameDay #DU1NATION #DUvsCC pic.twitter.com/pem6aI4rgz
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) February 20, 2015

Andrew MacWilliam on the ice at morning skate after his first NHL recall. #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/gccpVpqveI
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 20, 2015

Details on MacWilliam's recall are available here → http://t.co/imCAlk0vzA #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/47lQGgMxDC
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 19, 2015

Includes F Luke Johnson. #Blackhawks RT @SBNCollegePuck: The second installment of our Top NHL Prospects list: #81-90 http://t.co/cgqmh4wC42
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) February 20, 2015

NCHC Hockey: Two Reviews, One Wrong, One Right

When the NCHC was formed, the league was going to do things better. That was one of the premises of breaking away from the WCHA schools. That status quo was no longer acceptable and needed to be changed.

One of the big selling points of hiring head of officials Don Adam was that the NCHC was going to work on training their on-ice officials. Almost two years into this new league, the NCHC is still plagued by many of the same issues that were front and center in the in the old WCHA. You have a great on-ice product that's officiated by sub-standard officials.

In my opinion, the NCHC has officials that shouldn't be reffing games at this level. This past weekend, NCHC officials Timm Walsh, Nick Krebsbach were absolutely brutal. Words can't explain what transpired. So, you have a video to watch.


First, you have a legitimate goal that should have counted. As you can see by watching the video, that the puck was clearly over the line.

There's no reason that goal shouldn't have counted. Watch the video, the puck was clearly over the line and in the net. The argument of the ref was going to blow the whistle, doesn't cut it in this instance.You have a puck that's not frozen and in play. If the refs were going to blow the whistle, there's no reason to spend five minutes reviewing the play. Right?

The second play, the puck is clearly not in the net and the refs take quite a bit of time to review the play.

UND vs. DU Game One Lines - Links

Pretty much the same lines as last time out.

UND and DU Set to Faceoff http://t.co/DABryDmbwz pic.twitter.com/nWno12njb4
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) February 12, 2015

North Dakota vs. Denver, A Series Preview - http://t.co/VOr88BmWoT #NHL pic.twitter.com/45th78CNZF
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) February 13, 2015

Fans can vote for UND's Mark MacMillan and Nick Mattson for the Senior CLASS Award: http://t.co/I7EkM1C16R #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/sWqcdUhBZb
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) February 13, 2015

http://t.co/e4GQr5zK1P has a piece on Brock Boeser's commitment to UND http://t.co/RGWU1DVma5
— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) February 13, 2015

During Jim's absence, we have the utmost confidence in Dave Carle's ability to lead our student-athletes this weekend as they face UND (2/2)
— Ryan Peck (@Ryan_Peck) February 13, 2015

UND set to Take on Pioneers

Gwozdecky is gone, rivalry is not

While you’re checking out some of those YouTube videos, you’ll probably find a video of head coach George Gwozdecky walking across the ice after getting kicked out of a game.

While coach Gwozdecky is no longer at Denver, he wasn’t re-signed after the 2012-13 season. The rivalry hasn’t cooled off in his absence.

If you look over the record books, you will see that there’s a lot of history between the two teams. In their last 15 games against the Pioneers, UND has a 9-5-1 record. Four of those games have been in the playoffs. UND won all four games.

Historically, the games have been entertaining and full of drama. The players from both teams love playing in the series. It’s one of those series that the UND players look forward to playing in.

“I think it’s such a great rivalry between two programs,” sophomore defenseman Troy Stecher said. “It’s an up paced game. Their D-Core is pretty offensive. We like to think that our D-Core can jump up in the play as well. I think it’s going to be a weekend of chances going back and forth.”

“It’s a tradition I think or a history thing,” senior caption Steph Pattyn said. “It’s definitely a rivalry. Something that has always been. A lot of it has to do with the history of the two programs. Denver is a good program. The coaches definitely instill in us to go hard this weekend.”

(Read the rest of the story)

UND vs. DU, College Hockey's Hatfields and McCoys - http://t.co/ys06MZTB4D #NHL pic.twitter.com/R1pqBlI13p
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) February 12, 2015

The Pios are practicing at Joy Burns Arena this morning prior to making the trek to North Dakota later today #DUvsUND pic.twitter.com/QaSgcrrEko
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) February 12, 2015

UND Hate Week in Omaha :)

Ah yes... It's "Hate UND Week" on ESPN 590 AM Omaha. So, if you haven't heard this, you might want to listen to it at the 31:00 mark of the embedded broadcast.

For some interesting hockey analysis from a UNO fan's perspective  you can check out MAV PUCK.

This should be a good series of hockey, both teams hate each other and it should be a rough series. Both games will be on TV and for those with DirecTV, you will be able to watch Friday's game on CBSSN and Saturday's game on Fox College Sports.

If you haven't seen it, Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy has been taking hacks at UNO all season long.

Meanwhile, the poor-but-they-keep-winning-anyway Omaha Mavericks swept Denver.

Omaha will fall off, but might have enough points banked that it doesn't make a difference. North Dakota is better but still not great.

Good News for UND Hockey Fans: MidcoSN Adds Saturday's Game at Omaha

This is very good news for UND hockey fans. Friday's game in on CBSSN and Saturday's game is on FCS and MidcoSN.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Midco Sports Network (MidcoSN) announced today that it will add North Dakota’s men’s hockey game at Omaha on Saturday, Jan. 31, to its live television broadcast schedule.

MidcoSN has reached an agreement with NET Nebraska in Lincoln and will air its production of the game on Midco Sports Network channel 622 (HD) and 26 (SD). Dave Ahlers and former UNO hockey player David Brisson will call the action beginning at 7 p.m.

Friday’s game can be seen live nationally on CBS Sports Network, which is also available to DirecTV and DISH Network subscribers. Ben Holden handles the play-by-play and is joined by analyst Dave Starman and rinkside reporter Shireen Saski.

With 10 games remaining in the regular season, top-ranked North Dakota trails fifth-ranked Omaha by one point for first place in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) standings.

Related articles

• NCHC Power Rankings(insidehockey.com)

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(Video) Drake Caggiula penalty - Blown Call

This is pathetic, Denver forward Daniel Doremus pulls the ole horse collars on Drake Caggiula. Of course Caggiula gets the retaliation penalty. Check out Doremus' embellishment in what would make Ryan Kessler blush. At the end watch the old wave off by head coach Dave Hakstol.

UND vs. SCSU lines game two

North Dakota Forward Lines

9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark MacMillan (A) –15 Michael Parks (A)
21 Brendan O’Donnell–27 Luke Johnson–17 Colten St. Clair
28 Stephane Pattyn (C)–13 Connor Gaarde (A) –3 Tucker Poolman
11 Trevor Olson–10 Johnny Simonson–14 Austin Poganski

North Dakota Dense Pairings

20 Gage Ausmus–2 Troy Stecher       
5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
4 Keaton Thompson–24 Jordan Schmaltz

UND Goalies

31 Zane McIntyre
33 Cam Johnson

Huskies Forward Lines

9 Joey Benik–22 Jonny Brodzinski–13 David Morley
16 Jimmy Murray–11 Kalle Kossila–63 Patrick Russell
18 Garrett Milan–17 Judd Peterson–2 Jarrod Rabey
27 Nick Oliver–37 Joe Rehkamp–21 Brooks Bertsch

Huskies Defense Pairings

28 Andrew Prochno–40 Tim Daly
5 Nathan Widman–12 Ethan Prow
7 Niklas Nevalainen–26 Mika Ilvonen

Huskies Goalies

35 Charlie Lindgren
45 Rasmus Reijola
33 Joseph Phillippi

Related articles

• North Dakota vs. St. Cloud State, Series Preview(thehockeywriters.com)

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ASU Adding Hockey College Hockey, Good or Bad?

I saw the comment above in the Grand Forks Herald chat and I had to include it in my blog post.

First, I think with the announcement that Arizona State University adding hockey is grounds for celebration. Hey, the more the merrier. I don't look at it as gloom and doom. After college hockey blew up a few summers ago with re-alignment many people were predicting that gloom and doom. I don't think that's the case. If you look at the USCHO poll, the top-20 teams are mostly Division II schools and mid majors. Gone from the top-20, traditional powers like Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin.

Think about this, Union College won the NCAA title last year, they're a Division III school. So I don't believe that adding another Big-Five school is going to ruin college hockey.

Jeff Cox, SBNCollegeHockey --- However, college hockey has always been a niche sport in the colder regions of the country. It has thrived with smaller schools playing up and having success such as 2014 NCAA Champion Union College and Minnesota-Duluth in 2011. Little-known schools nationally such as Northern Michigan, Lake Superior, RPI and Bowling Green won national titles in the 80s and 90s. The current No. 1 team in the nation and winner of three national titles, Michigan Tech, is a small school located in the upper peninsula that certainly wouldn't even sniff such success in football or basketball.

When Penn State elevated its successful club program to the NCAA level a few years ago, we saw the dismantlement of the CCHA and the fraction of the WCHA into the Big Ten, NCHC and a revamped WCHA. Depending on which rumor you believe, the Sun Devils seem destined for the NCHC or WCHA, both could be argued as logical choices for the newest member of college hockey's fraternity.

None of this is a knock on Penn State or Arizona State. Both, rightfully so, are entitled to look out for their best interests. No school, big or large, is necessarily tasked with looking out for the interests of any other institution outside of their own. But, college hockey is a small fraternity and one that needs to keep all its members to ensure future success. The small schools with a rich hockey history have been vital to the sport. Going forward it is imperative that College Hockey Inc. and other powers that be in the sport maintain balance in expansion with keeping the glorious history of the sport alive.

Related articles

• ASU to Add Division I Hockey(ndgoon.blogspot.com)

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• The Student Section: Regular Season Episode #6(hockeywilderness.com)

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North Dakota vs. Miami Lines - Game One

UND Forward Lines

28 Stephane Pattyn–27 Luke Johnson–11 Trevor Olson
16 Mark MacMillan–9 Drake Caggiula–15 Michael Parks
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–14 Austin Poganski
29 Bryn Chyzyk–10 Johnny Simonson–17 Colten St. Clair

UND Defense Pairings

6 Paul LaDue–24 Jordan Schmaltz
20 Gage Ausmus–2 Troy Stecher
4 Keaton Thompson–3 Tucker Poolman

UND Goalies

31 Zane McIntyre
33 Cam Johnson
30 Matt Hrynkiw

Miami RedHawk Forward lines

22 Kevin Morris–26 Justin Greenberg–33 Andrew Schmit
14 Cody Murphy–25 Blake Coleman–42 Conor Lemirande
95 Anthony Louis–9 Sean Kuraly–12 Alex Gacek
10 Alex Wideman–7 Austin Czarnik–11 Riley Barber

Miami RedHawk Defense Pairings

58 Louie Belpedio–8 Matthew Caito
5 Chris Joyaux–28 Ben Paulides
27 Scott Dornbrock–2 Taylor Richart

Miami RedHawk Goalies

1 Jay Williams
35 Ryan McKay

Related articles

• North Dakota vs. Miami, Series Preview(thehockeywriters.com)

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UND sweeps UW in Madison

North Dakota Sweeps Bucky

The University of North Dakota swept the Wisconsin Badgers in convincing fashion beating them 4-3 on Friday night and then blitzing them 5-1 on Saturday night.

On Saturday, North Dakota goalie Zane McIntyre stopped 23-of-24 shots and UND got five goals from five different players (Luke Johnson, Drake Caggiula, Brendan O’Donnell, Troy Stecher, Gage Ausmus) to finish the sweep against the Badgers.

From the historical stats department: With Saturday’s victory over Wisconsin, UND (7-1-1) is unbeaten in eight games (7-0-1). With the road win, UND improves 5-0-0 on the road for the first time since the 1980-81 season.

Finally, UND is 6-0-1 in their past seven games against the Badgers.

Wrapping up another @UNDMHockey sweep #NDProud #SiouxSweep pic.twitter.com/S4EJSHLZ0S
— Stay A Sioux (@StayaSioux) November 9, 2014

Related articles

• (Video) Zane McIntyre's 10-Bell Save(ndgoon.blogspot.com)

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(Video) Zane McIntyre's 10-Bell Save

I thought the goaltending was pretty good this weekend. Defensively, UND was also pretty good all weekend long. UND has only given up two even strength goals since the season opener against Bemidji State.

UND allowed 3 even-strength goals in the season-opener, has allowed 2 even-strength goals in the five games since.
— Brad E. Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) October 26, 2014

Highlights of North Dakota's 2-2 tie with Providence on Satur... http://t.co/i7USlaRNv5
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) October 26, 2014

Drake Caggiula Is Set to Play This Weekend against Providence

For those that are wondering, junior forward Drake Caggiula will be playing this weekend... Last Saturday, during the third period of UND’s game against Colorado College, Caggiula was hurt (took hit to the head) and went to the locker room with the trainer Mark Poolman. Because of the injury, Caggiula didn't return to the game.

Fast forward to this week. According to UND head coach Dave Hakstol, Caggiula is practicing this weekend and is set to go this weekend against the Providence Friars.

Check out the latest addition to the UND locker room remodel.

More cool improvements to the @UNDMHockey locker roon. pic.twitter.com/yqZ9jjMO7m
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) October 22, 2014

This weekend's series between No. 3 UND and No. 5 Providence will be the first matchup at REA between two top-5 teams since 10/08/11 vs. BC.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) October 20, 2014

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• Three Questions Facing the UND Hockey Team

Tonight's UND Exhibition Game not on FCS

I've had a few people ask me if tonight's UND hockey game is on Fox College Sports. It will not be on FCS. Brad Schlossman had this on his blog this morning.

NOTE: Tonight’s game will be on Midco Sports Network. Before you ask, no, it will not be on FCS. Yes, UND, FCS and Midco are still working on an agreement so other games will be on FCS, but it is not done yet. I’m expecting something soon. Tonight’s game also will be on nchc.tv. Okay, so, let’s carry on….)

It does appear that UND games will make a return to Fox College Sports soon.