5 things you might have missed from UND's 2-0 win over St. Thomas

The familiar roar of the student section, usually a sea of crimson, felt muted Friday night in St. Paul. While a dedicated contingent of UND fans and alumni filled Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, the focus was squarely on the ice where the Fighting Hawks secured a 2-0 victory over St. Thomas, extending their defensive dominance with a third consecutive strong performance. But beyond the final score, several subtle details unfolded that shaped the game and offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of both teams—details that matter to those of us here in Grafton and across North Dakota who take pride in our state’s hockey tradition. UND Athletics

What Happened

The game, a National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) matchup, was characterized by tight defense and stellar goaltending. UND’s Jan Špunar earned his seventh collegiate shutout, stopping all 19 shots faced from St. Thomas. The Fighting Hawks’ victory comes after a series of games where strong defensive play has been key to their success. However, the game wasn't without its disruptions.

A significant moment occurred in the third period when UND defenseman Carson Carels sustained a hit from St. Thomas defenseman Cole Miller, forcing him to leave the game. Carels, the No. 6 overall pick by the Calgary Flames in last summer's NHL Draft, entered the weekend as UND's time-on-ice leader. He got up and played the rest of the shift, skating off on his own power, but stayed on the bench for the remainder of the game. Shortly after, St. Thomas also lost defenseman Nick Williams to an injury, further emphasizing the physical nature of the game. There was no immediate update on Carels’ or Williams’ condition.

The Fighting Hawks’ defensemen stepped up admirably when called upon. Keaton Verhoeff, a sophomore, took on additional responsibility during a critical penalty kill scenario, while freshman Garrett Lindberg played the last minute-plus at 4-on-6. These moments showcased the depth and reliability of UND's defense corps. “We always say, to play penalty kill, you've got to earn trust on 5-on-5 shifts,” said Coach Jackson. “He’s taken a step there. You want to reward guys when they’re trying to play the right way.” Lindberg’s late-game appearance further emphasized the value placed on reliability and composure under pressure, qualities that are essential for success in high-stakes situations.

The game also brought attention to the new trapezoid rule, which continues to be a learning curve for goaltenders like Jan Špunar. “It’s pretty bad still,” Špunar said of his puck play around the trapezoid. “I’m still getting used to it. I’m still trying to play a puck, but sometimes, I can't.” While frustrating for him, it’s a chance to learn and grow, to find new ways to contribute to the team’s success. Špunar previously dealt with the trapezoid rule during his time in the Western Hockey League from 2022-24.

St. Thomas head coach Rico Blasi’s insights provided valuable context, emphasizing the importance of detail and effort in hockey. “Our work habits have to be the same,” Blasi stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the same level of intensity and focus. He also lamented defenders not tying up sticks on UND's goals, as well as not finishing plays on the offensive end. “You’ve got to make plays that are there,” Blasi said. “We were there; we just didn’t make them.”

Carels' Injury and Defensive Adjustments

Key Dates

October 2024: UND loses to rivals Minnesota.

November 14, 2024: UND defeats St. Thomas 2-0.

By the Numbers

Shots on Goal: UND - 23, St. Thomas - 19

Shutouts by Špunar: 7

Carels’ Assists this Season: 4

Games Shut Out by St. Thomas in Lee and Penny Anderson Arena: 2 out of 25

Community Reaction

The victory against St. Thomas was celebrated by fans from both camps, with a significant presence of UND alumni and supporters from the Twin Cities area. Zellers, a player on the team, acknowledged the significance of the win, referencing the previous losses to Minnesota and expressing the satisfaction of securing a victory in the Twin Cities. “Last time we were here in the Cities, it didn't go our way and we were pretty mad about that,” Zellers said. The Tommies’ students never got into the game. The shutout marks a significant achievement for St. Thomas, as it was only the second time they’ve been shut out in 25 games in Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, which opened Oct. 24, 2025.

What's Next

The series concludes with a crucial game on Saturday at 7 p.m., where St. Thomas aims to secure a split. UND, having demonstrated their defensive prowess, will look to maintain their strong performance and continue their winning streak. The upcoming game promises to be intense, with both teams eager to secure valuable conference points.

Maya's Take

Watching this game unfold, I was struck by the resilience of these young men. Losing Carels, a significant player, would have easily derailed many teams. But UND didn’t falter; they adapted, they trusted their teammates, and they persevered. That’s the kind of character that builds not just winning hockey teams, but also strong individuals—the kind of individuals who will be the backbone of our communities. It's a reminder that life throws curveballs, and it's how we respond to those challenges that defines us. I think about the importance of families facing adversity together—the strength and stability that comes from weathering storms as a united front. These young men are learning valuable lessons on the ice that will serve them well throughout their lives, lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment to a shared goal. And for those of us here in Grafton and across North Dakota, it's a source of pride to see these young men representing our state with such skill and determination.

Resources

For more information on UND Athletics, visit UND Athletics. To learn more about the NCHC, visit NCHC Hockey. For local news and community updates, check out Grand Forks Herald. Information on Grafton, North Dakota, can be found at GraftonND.com.

Who's Involved

Jan Špunar: UND Goaltender

Carson Carels: UND Defenseman

Keaton Verhoeff: UND Sophomore Defenseman

Garrett Lindberg: UND Freshman

Rico Blasi: St. Thomas Head Coach

Coach Jackson: UND Coach