Get ready for an intense hockey showdown as St. Cloud State takes on the mighty UND, ranked #3 in the nation! This highly anticipated series opener is set to ignite the Ralph Engelstad Arena, where UND previously swept St. Cloud State in a two-game series earlier this season.
But here's where it gets controversial...
As the puck drops at 7:07 p.m., UND's Josh Zakreski makes his return to the ice after a lengthy absence due to a lower-body injury. His first shift since October sees him score a goal, a welcome back gift from his teammates, who mob him in celebration.
UND takes an early lead, but St. Cloud State isn't backing down. In a back-and-forth first period, Adam Ingram breaks his goal drought, scoring his first of the season. Will Zellers follows suit, sniping his 15th goal of the season, only for St. Cloud State's Austin Burnevik to answer with a quick goal of his own.
The second period sees St. Cloud State take the lead for the first time, thanks to Burnevik's second goal of the game, assisted by the nation's top faceoff winner, Tyson Gross. But UND isn't done yet; they give up a goal in the neutral zone, allowing St. Cloud State to extend their lead.
And this is the part most people miss...
In the third period, UND makes a valiant effort to get back into the game. Cody Croal scores his seventh goal of the season, assisted by the ever-reliable Ellis Rickwood, who has three assists on the night.
As the final horn sounds, St. Cloud State holds on to a narrow 4-3 victory, snapping their 10-game winless streak against UND in the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
With this win, UND can secure at least a share of the Penrose Cup with two more regulation wins against St. Cloud State this weekend.
So, who will come out on top in this thrilling series? Will UND clinch the cup, or will St. Cloud State continue their winning streak?
Find out by following the live updates, and don't forget to tune in to Midco Sports, TSN2 in Canada, or stream the game on nchchockey.com/tv.
Let's get ready for some intense hockey action!
Pregame Lineups and Notes:
UND Forwards:
- Josh Zakreski, Ellis Rickwood, Will Zellers
- Cody Croal, Cole Reschny, Ben Strinden
- Dylan James, Ollie Josephson, Mac Swanson
- Cade Littler, Jack Kernan, Tyler Young
UND Defensemen:
- Abram Wiebe, E.J. Emery
- Jake Livanavage, Keaton Verhoeff
- Andrew Strathmann, Bennett Zmolek
- Sam Laurila
UND Goaltenders:
- Jan Špunar, Gibson Homer, Zach Sandy
St. Cloud State Forwards:
- Barrett Hall, Tyson Gross, Austin Burnevik
- Noah Urness, Nolan Roed, Gavyn Thoreson
- Grant Ahcan, Ryan Rosborough, Jack Reimann
- Adam Ingram, Verner Miettinen, Daimon Gardner
St. Cloud State Defensemen:
- Cooper Wylie, Max Smolinski
- Finn Loftus, Mason Reiners
- Thor Byfuglien, Tanner Henricks
- Josh Zinger
St. Cloud State Goaltenders:
- Yan Shostak, Patriks Berzins, James Gray
Officials:
- Referees: Nick Krebsbach, Justin Hills
- Linesmen: Kyle Stephens, Tyler Landman
- Supervisor: Mike Schmitt
Pregame Notes:
- UND forward Josh Zakreski returns after a long absence due to injury.
- UND shuffles all forward lines, with Anthony Menghini making way for Zakreski.
- St. Cloud State inserts Daimon Gardner into the lineup.
- St. Cloud State has a poor record against UND in the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
- UND can secure the Penrose Cup with two more wins this weekend.
Get your popcorn ready, hockey fans! This is one series you won't want to miss!
