The University of North Dakota (UND) men’s hockey team had a tough loss to No. 7 St. Cloud State University in the first round of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference playoffs. The final score was 3-2 in overtime, ending UND’s season. This was a disappointing end to a successful season, but the team can hold their heads high as they played a great game.
UND’s Season Highlights
Despite the loss, UND had a successful season, finishing with a record of 20-6-1. The team showed their strength and resilience throughout the season, with a number of highlight-reel moments. Here are some of the top highlights of UND’s 2022 season:
- Winning the Penrose Cup: UND won the Penrose Cup, awarded to the top team in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference regular season. This was UND’s third Penrose Cup in the last six seasons, showing their consistent success.
- Strong Goaltending: UND’s goaltending was a key factor in their success this season. Adam Scheel had a save percentage of .929, which ranked second in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. He also had three shutouts, which tied for first in the conference.
- Offensive Firepower: UND’s offense was also a key factor in their success this season. The team scored 3.6 goals per game, which ranked third in the conference. Players like Shane Pinto and Jake Sanderson led the way with their impressive performances.
The Game Against St. Cloud State
The game against St. Cloud State was a hard-fought battle from start to finish. St. Cloud State got on the board first, with a goal from defenseman Nick Perbix in the first period. UND responded with two goals in the second period, from forwards Jackson Kunz and Griffin Ness.
St. Cloud State tied the game in the third period, with a goal from forward Chase Brand. The game went into overtime, with both teams fighting hard for the win. Unfortunately for UND, St. Cloud State scored the game-winning goal in overtime, ending UND’s season.
Looking Ahead
While this loss is a tough one for UND and their fans, the team can take pride in their successful season. The team showed their strength and resilience throughout the year, and they have a bright future ahead of them.
UND will lose some key players to graduation and the NHL, but they have a talented group of players returning for next season. With their strong goaltending and offensive firepower, UND will be a force to be reckoned with in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
UND’s loss to St. Cloud State was a disappointing end to a successful season. However, the team can take pride in their accomplishments and look forward to a bright future. With their talented group of players and strong coaching staff, UND is sure to have continued success in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
How UND’s Season Could Have Ended Differently
UND’s season may have come to an end with a tough loss, but there were some key moments that could have changed the outcome of the game. Here are a few scenarios that could have led to a different result:
- Capitalizing on Power Play Opportunities: UND had four power play opportunities in the game, but they were unable to convert on any of them. If UND had been able to capitalize on even one of these opportunities, the game could have had a different outcome.
- Preventing Late Goal in the Third Period: St. Cloud State’s game-tying goal came with just over five minutes left in the third period. If UND had been able to prevent this goal, they would have won the game in regulation.
- Stronger Start to Overtime: St. Cloud State scored the game-winning goal just 1:15 into overtime. If UND had come out stronger in overtime and prevented this goal, they could have gone on to win the game.
These scenarios show that small details can make a big difference in the outcome of a game. While UND may have come up short in this game, they can learn from these moments and come back stronger next season.
UND’s Strong Team Culture
One of the reasons for UND’s success this season was their strong team culture. The team was led by head coach Brad Berry, who emphasized the importance of teamwork and a positive attitude. The players bought into this culture, which helped them overcome challenges throughout the season.
UND also had strong leadership from their senior players, who set the tone for the rest of the team. Players like captain Ethan Frisch and alternate captains Jasper Weatherby and Matt Kiersted provided leadership both on and off the ice, helping to create a positive team environment.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
While UND will lose some key players to graduation and the NHL, they have a talented group of players returning for next season. Players like Shane Pinto and Jake Sanderson will be expected to take on larger roles, and there are several promising newcomers who will join the team.
UND will also have strong goaltending, with Adam Scheel returning for his senior season. If UND can continue to build on their strong team culture and develop their younger players, they will be a strong contender in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference next season.
Conclusion
UND’s loss to St. Cloud State was a tough end to a successful season, but the team can hold their heads high. They had a number of key moments that could have changed the outcome of the game, and they showed their resilience and strength throughout the season.
Looking ahead, UND has a bright future. With their strong team culture and talented group of players, they are sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference next season.
