UMD defenseman Ty Hanson releases a wrist shot through traffic in the slot on Saturday, Mar. 21, at Magness Arena in Denver, Colorado. Photo courtesy of UMD Athletics by Clarkson Creative

Last Saturday’s NCHC Conference Championship

Saturday’s star-studded matchup between the visiting No. 6 University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs and No. 4 University of Denver Pioneers required two overtimes to crown a winner. In the end, it was the Pioneers who came out on top to win the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship.

Denver wasted no time finding the back of the net, putting UMD down 3-0 by the 13:02 mark in the first period. The Pioneers’ first-period goals were fueled by Rieger Lorenz, Clarke Caswell and Boston Buckberger. Just before the end of the opening period, UMD’s Hobey Baker finalist Max Plante jammed home a rebound from his brother Zam to put the Bulldogs on the board before intermission.

Despite being down 3-1 entering the second period, UMD didn’t let that stop their comeback, as they capitalized on two power plays to tie the game at three. Just over four minutes into the period, Bulldogs defenseman Grayden Siepmann one-timed a shot short side past goaltender Jonny Hicks, cutting UMD’s deficit to one. With just under two minutes to play in the period, forward Kyle Gaffney fired a pass across the entire offensive zone to linemate Hunter Anderson, who one-timed the puck into the net, notching the game at three.

After a scoreless third period, the game required overtime to decide a winner.

Although UMD controlled the period, outshooting Denver 14-7 and killing off a Pioneer power play, neither team was able to end the game. However, 1:54 into the second overtime, Denver forward Kristian Epperson found himself alone on the backdoor and scored a tap-in to lift the Pioneers over the Bulldogs, 4-3.

Despite a high-scoring seven-goal championship game, both goaltenders gave their team every opportunity to win. UMD goaltender Adam Gajan turned away 29 of 33 shots, while Denver goaltender Jonny Hicks saved 41 of 44 shots.

“Great battle again against them, unfortunately, it didn't go our way," said UMD head coach Scott Sandelin for UMD Athletics. “Really proud of our team. Didn't have the best start, obviously, a couple mistakes ended up in our net. But our guys stayed with the game like they've been doing the last couple months and got it tied up. I thought after the first period, we were a pretty good hockey team and it was a heavyweight battle after that.”

UMD’s Next Challenge

UMD’s next stop will be this week in Albany, NY, where they will make their 16th trip in program history to the NCAA tournament as the No. 2 seed. Duluth’s first game will be against the No. 3 seed Penn State University at MVP Arena on Friday, Mar. 27, at 8:00 pm CT. The semifinal matchup will air on ESPN2.

UMD holds a record of 23-14-1, while Penn State sits at 21-13-2.

Friday’s clash between the Bulldogs and Nittany Lions will also be the first meeting in program history between the two teams. Additionally, the game will also be the first time UMD has played a regional in Albany.

Entering the tournament, some key players to keep an eye on for UMD include Max Plante (49 points), Zam Plante (46 points), Jayson Shaugabay (42 points), and Ty Hanson (33 points).

On the other side, some of Penn State’s threats include Gavin McKenna (51 points), Matt DiMarsico (42 points), Aiden Fink (38 points), and JJ Wiebusch (36 points).

“It's a good bracket,” said UMD head coach Scott Sandelin for UMD Athletics. “Obviously, no matter where you play this time of the year, it's good, so I think our guys will be looking forward to playing Penn State. It's a tough bracket but a good bracket.”

UMD Men’s Hockey Advances To NCAA Tournament