UND beats No. 5 Western Michigan to complete unbeaten weekend

The roar of the Ralph Engelstad Arena crowd Saturday night wasn’t just celebrating a victory; it was a collective exhale. After a shaky start to the season, the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks hockey team delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over No. 5 Western Michigan, capping off an impressive weekend that included a tie against the high-powered Broncos. It’s a moment of renewed hope for a team and a community that deeply values the tradition and excellence of UND hockey—a tradition built on grit, determination, and the unwavering support of loyal fans. UND Hockey

The Fighting Hawks (5-3-1), who entered the series on a three-game losing streak and had allowed a concerning 15 goals in that span, answered their critics with a pair of convincing performances. What was once a porous defense held the nation’s top scoring offense to just three goals across two games. Western Michigan, averaging an eye-popping 5.7 goals per game entering the weekend, managed a mere 35 shots on goal – the fewest for the Broncos in 17 seasons. The team’s struggles to score at even strength also seemed to dissipate, as UND managed four goals despite their potent power play being shut out for the first time this season. This weekend’s performance signals a potential turning point for a team striving for excellence and demonstrating the heart of champions.

“The last couple of weeks have been hard,” UND coach Dane Jackson acknowledged. “We’ve got a lot of pride in our program. To get swept by Minnesota and go down to where all of our fans were in Austin and not get a win… the guys care a lot about the program. They care what we're trying to do here and you feel like you're letting people down.” Jackson’s words resonate deeply within the UND hockey family, where tradition and commitment run deep. The program has long been a source of pride for the entire region, and this weekend’s resurgence offers a welcome return to form.

The dynamic trio of Cody Croal, Garrett Lindberg, and Ollie Josephson spearheaded the offensive effort. Croal tallied two goals and three points, earning him first-star honors. Lindberg scored his first UND goal and added two points, while Josephson contributed an assist. This line was specifically tasked with shutting down Western Michigan’s top line – Adam Benák, William Whitelaw, and Bobby Cowan – and they succeeded admirably, holding Whitelaw scoreless both nights and limiting the Broncos’ top line to just one goal from Benák. “We just knew we had to keep it simple and not let them behind us,” Lindberg shared. “I think we did a pretty good job.” NCAA Men's Hockey

What Happened on the Ice

The game wasn't without its drama. Following an empty-net goal by Croal, Benák attempted to slash him in the throat, igniting a brief scrum. Benák was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. While Jackson downplayed the incident, stating it wasn't malicious, he emphasized the recklessness of the play. “He’s ginger and sore,” Jackson said of Croal, who was unavailable for post-game interviews due to treatment. The incident underscored the intensity of the matchup and the competitive spirit driving both teams.

UND’s home-ice advantage was evident throughout the series. The Fighting Hawks are now 4-0-1 at Ralph Engelstad Arena this season and boast an impressive 15-2-2 record at home since last Thanksgiving. That consistent success at home is a testament to the unwavering support of the Grand Forks community and the team's ability to thrive in a pressure-filled environment. Grand Forks, North Dakota

Forward Anthony Menghini echoed the team’s sentiment, stating, “It’s a great feeling. We kind of found our stride this week. It’s a good feeling inside that locker room. We know when we stick together and play like that, we’re going to be a really good team.” This renewed sense of unity and purpose is crucial as the Fighting Hawks navigate the challenges of the NCHC season.

Community Reaction and Reflections

The victory resonated deeply within the Grand Forks community, a place where UND hockey is more than just a sport—it's a shared identity and a source of immense pride. The atmosphere in Ralph Engelstad Arena was electric, fueled by the anticipation of a winning weekend and the hope for a successful season. Social media erupted with celebratory messages, highlighting the team’s resilience and the unwavering support of the fans. The win provided a much-needed boost to morale, especially after the recent struggles.

“We’ve had a lot of hard practices and very succinct meetings about the standard and what we’ve got to do and where we’ve got to improve,” Jackson explained. “The guys took it. They didn’t (complain). They did the hard practices with fervor. They listened to the meetings and took what we were saying and put it in action.” This willingness to embrace constructive criticism and commit to improvement speaks volumes about the character of the players and the leadership of the coaching staff.

What's Next for the Fighting Hawks

The Fighting Hawks will travel to St. Thomas next weekend for the first-ever meeting between the two teams since the Tommies joined the National Collegiate Hockey Conference this summer. This series presents a unique challenge, as UND will be facing an unfamiliar opponent with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The team’s recent momentum and renewed confidence will undoubtedly be crucial as they embark on this new chapter. Learn more about the NCHC

Jackson emphasized the importance of maintaining this positive trajectory. “We feel we have a lot of guys who are character-filled guys,” he said. “When you go through hard stuff, that’s how you get better. We’ve gone through a hard thing. We’ve come out… not through it… but we’re working through it. We’re a better team because of the hard times we’ve battled through.” This perspective highlights the invaluable lessons learned during adversity and the team's commitment to continuous growth.

Jessica’s Take: More Than Just a Win

Watching UND pull out this weekend’s victories felt like more than just a couple of wins on the scoreboard. It felt like a restoration of faith—faith in the team, faith in the program, and faith in the enduring power of commitment. We’ve all seen teams struggle, and we’ve all felt that disappointment when things aren’t going as planned. But what I admire most about this group is their willingness to face those challenges head-on, to embrace the hard work required for improvement, and to do it with a sense of humility and grace.

The incident with Benák’s reckless stick was a stark reminder that competition can get heated. But it also underscored the importance of sportsmanship and accountability – qualities that extend far beyond the ice rink. As a community, we have a responsibility to support these young men, not just in their successes, but also in their moments of challenge. We need to model the values of respect, integrity, and perseverance that we want to see reflected in their play.

What I’ll be watching for moving forward is how UND maintains this momentum. Can they translate this weekend’s success into consistent performance against a tough NCHC schedule? And more importantly, can they continue to build on the lessons they’ve learned—the lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence? The future looks bright for UND hockey, but it’s the character of this team that truly inspires me.

For those interested in supporting UND hockey and the broader athletic programs at the University, resources are readily available. Visit the UND Foundation to learn about donation opportunities and ways to get involved. The Ralph Engelstad Arena provides information on upcoming events and ticketing. And, of course, staying connected with the University of North Dakota website offers a wealth of information about the institution and its commitment to excellence in all areas.

The Fighting Hawks’ journey this season promises to be one of resilience, determination, and unwavering community support. As they face new challenges and strive for continued success, the spirit of UND hockey will undoubtedly continue to inspire and unite the Grand Forks region.

The next game against St. Thomas is a chance to prove that this weekend’s performance wasn’t a fluke, but rather a sign of things to come. With a strong foundation of character, commitment, and community support, the Fighting Hawks are poised to make a significant impact on the NCHC and beyond.

The victory against Western Michigan was more than just a game; it was a testament to the enduring power of perseverance and the unwavering spirit of UND hockey. It’s a moment to celebrate, a moment to reflect, and a moment to look forward to the exciting season ahead.