No. 10 UND rolls No. 5 Western Michigan, 4-1, to cap unbeaten weekend

The North Dakota Fighting Hawks (UND) delivered a powerful performance on Saturday night, defeating the No. 5 Western Michigan Broncos 4-1 in front of a sellout crowd of 11,622 at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D. The victory caps off an unbeaten weekend for the Fighting Hawks (5-3-0, 1-0-1 NCHC) to begin conference play and halts the team’s winless streak at four.

A Weekend of Redemption for the Fighting Hawks

The weekend series against Western Michigan was particularly significant for UND, coming off a difficult stretch that saw them lose four consecutive games. This losing streak, coupled with road losses to Minnesota and Austin, had weighed heavily on the team and its fans. The atmosphere in Grand Forks had been tense, and the pressure to perform was palpable. The series against Western Michigan, a perennial powerhouse in college hockey, provided an opportunity for UND to reset and demonstrate their potential. Western Michigan entered the weekend as the nation’s top scoring offense, averaging a staggering 5.7 goals per game. Containing such a potent attack was a critical test for UND’s defense, which had been struggling to find its footing in recent weeks.

A Dominant Performance

Junior forward Cody Croal led the way for UND, scoring two goals and dishing out an assist for his first-career game with three points. Sophomore captain Cole Reschny and junior forward Gavin Lindberg each contributed a goal and an assist, showcasing the team’s depth and offensive firepower. Sophomore goaltender Jan Špunar made 17 saves on 18 shots against to improve to 3-2-1 on the season and hold the nation’s top scoring offense to just three goals over the two games. Špunar’s performance was crucial in securing the victory, demonstrating his growing confidence and importance to the team.

Early Momentum for UND

The game started with a flurry of activity, as UND quickly seized the initiative. Just 1:14 into the contest, Gavin Lindberg sniped home his first goal of the season off a beautiful feed from Ollie Josephson. This early goal set the tone for the game, energizing the crowd and putting pressure on the Broncos. The Hawks doubled their advantage with another pretty connection – this time between Mac Swanson and Cole Reschny for the captain’s fifth of the season to make it 2-0 NoDak after one period. This strong start was a direct response to the team's previous struggles, showcasing their renewed focus and determination. The quick goals also signaled a shift in momentum, allowing UND to dictate the pace of the game.

Croal Extends the Lead

The second period saw UND further solidify their lead. Near the midway point of the frame, Cody Croal extended the advantage to 3-0 with a nifty backhander over the goaltender for his fourth of the season and the only scoring of the middle frame. The backhander demonstrated Croal's skill and creativity, while also frustrating the Broncos' defense. This goal was particularly important as it effectively shut down any hopes of a Western Michigan comeback in the second period.

Western Michigan Responds, Croal Seals the Deal

Western Michigan clawed back to 3-1 in the third, but Croal iced the game with his second of the net to secure the 4-1 victory and four points for the Hawks in the NCHC standings. The Broncos' goal, scored by Adam Benak, briefly injected some life into their offense, but Croal’s response was swift and decisive. The final goal, an empty-netter, was a fitting end to a dominant performance by UND.

Key Stats and Standout Moments

North Dakota improved to 33-17-2 all-time against Western Michigan and 15-8-1 in Grand Forks. Cody Croal’s performance was a career highlight, and Cole Reschny’s two points pushed him over the double-digit point mark for the season, making him the first UND player to achieve this milestone. Gavin Lindberg’s first goal as a Fighting Hawk was a significant moment for the sophomore forward. Ollie Josephson recorded an assist to give him points in three straight games (3A). Jan Špunar’s stellar goaltending performance was instrumental in the victory. UND improved to 4-0-1 at home this season – their best start since 2020-21. The Hawks are also 4-0-0 this season when scoring first and when leading after one.

A Historic Series

The series against Western Michigan is a long-standing rivalry in college hockey, with UND holding a significant historical advantage. The Broncos' struggles this weekend highlight the changing dynamics of the NCHC, with UND emerging as a force to be reckoned with. The Broncos' inability to score at will, particularly on the power play, underscores the improvements made by the Fighting Hawks’ defensive unit.

Power Play Woes

While UND’s offensive performance was impressive, the team’s power play struggled, going 0-for-5. This marked the first time this season without scoring a power play goal, a statistic that underscores the need for improvement in this area. Despite the lack of power play success, the team’s ability to score at even strength demonstrates their versatility and resilience.

Statistical Breakdown

Shots were 28-18 UND, demonstrating their offensive dominance. Faceoffs were 31-15 UND, with Cole Reschny leading everyone at 10-4, showcasing his skill and importance in controlling the game's tempo. These statistics further reinforce the notion that UND controlled the game from start to finish.

Looking Ahead

North Dakota will hit the road next weekend for a league series against St. Thomas beginning on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. (CT) on NCHC.tv and the Fighting Hawks Radio Network. This series presents another opportunity for UND to build on their momentum and continue their climb in the NCHC standings. The St. Thomas Tommies, while new to the NCHC, are a competitive team, and the series promises to be a challenging test for the Fighting Hawks.

Additional Details and Reactions

Following the game, a brief scrum erupted after Cody Croal scored the empty-netter, with Adam Benak being called for a five-minute major and a game misconduct. While the incident was heated, both coaches downplayed its significance, attributing it to the intensity of the rivalry. Anthony Menghini, a UND forward, expressed his excitement about the team's current momentum and their ability to stick together through adversity. Coach Jackson emphasized the importance of hard practices and succinct meetings in addressing the team's earlier struggles, highlighting the players’ willingness to embrace change and improve.

Analysis from the Grand Forks Herald

According to Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald, UND’s defensive performance was a key factor in the victory, effectively containing Western Michigan’s top line. William Whitelaw, who entered the weekend on a seven-game point streak, was held scoreless both nights. The Herald also noted that UND’s red-hot power play was shut out for the first time this season, but the team still managed to score four goals. Schlossman highlighted the team's resilience and their ability to bounce back from a difficult start to the season. The article also mentioned that UND is 4-0-1 in Ralph Engelstad Arena this season and 15-2-2 at home since last Thanksgiving, demonstrating the team's strong home-ice advantage.

Western Michigan's Struggles

Western Michigan’s struggles this weekend were a stark contrast to their dominant performance earlier in the season. Their inability to score goals, particularly at even strength, exposed vulnerabilities in their offense. The team’s average of 42.4 shots per game had plummeted to just 17 and 18 over the two games against UND, indicating a significant drop in offensive production. The Broncos' coaching staff will need to address these issues quickly if they hope to remain competitive in the NCHC.