UND shuts out St. Thomas with third straight defensive performance

The crisp November air seemed to carry a sense of quiet confidence as the North Dakota Fighting Hawks shut out the University of St. Thomas 2-0 Friday night in Lee and Penny Anderson Arena. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement – a clear indication that UND’s defensive resurgence is more than a fleeting moment. The victory marked the third consecutive game where UND has held an opponent to under 20 shots on goal, extending their winning streak to three games and signaling a potential shift in the team’s trajectory. UND, hailing from the heart of Grand Forks, is proving that commitment and resilience can build a formidable program.

A Defensive Masterpiece

The University of North Dakota (UND) Fighting Hawks hockey team delivered a defensive masterpiece against St. Thomas, shutting out their opponents 2-0 in Lee and Penny Anderson Arena. This victory was part of a larger trend, marking a third consecutive game where UND has demonstrated exceptional defensive play. UND coach Dane Jackson praised his team’s maturity and selfless play, noting their puck management and ability to make it difficult for St. Thomas to gain entry into their zone. The Fighting Hawks (6-3-1) dominated puck possession for significant stretches of the game, effectively stifling St. Thomas' offensive efforts.

Goaltender Jake Špunar was instrumental in the shutout, making several key saves throughout the night. A particularly impressive save came in the third period when he denied a one-timer attempt by Jakub Altrichter, moving from right to left to make the stop. Špunar also stoned St. Thomas defenseman Mason Poolman from on top of the crease and denied Attila Lippai’s follow-up a few minutes later. “Most important, we got the W,” Špunar said. “Shutout is nice. I’m happy for myself and my team. But the win is more important.” Even when caught out of the net, UND defenseman Brasen Boser blocked a shot by Justin Kipkie, preventing a potential goal.

Scoring and Key Moments

Will Zellers opened the scoring just 2:04 into the first period, capitalizing on a fortunate deflection off his foot after a point shot from Ethan MacKenzie. “Lucky enough, it came right to me and didn't go anywhere,” Zellers recounted. “It was right on my stick, so I was able to turn around, and those ones are tap-ins.” The goal stood as the only one for UND through much of the contest. Anthony Menghini added a crucial insurance goal early in the third period, capitalizing on a well-executed play by Ollie Josephson. “We’ve been working on getting to the soft areas in the O-zone,” Menghini explained. “I just found a soft area and Ollie made a great play and found me.” A dump-in got past St. Thomas captain Chase Cheslock on the end wall, allowing Ollie Josephson to pick it up in the corner and send a pass between three Tommie defenders to Menghini in the left circle.

First Win at Anderson Arena & Ending a Streak

The victory was significant not only for the team but also for the community. It marked UND’s first-ever win in Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, the one-year-old venue on the University of St. Thomas campus. This accomplishment came at the expense of ending St. Thomas’s three-game winning streak, dropping the Tommies to a 4-5 record. Despite UND's prolonged offensive zone shifts, St. Thomas defenders were strong in front of Will Ingemann (29 saves), making it difficult for UND to finish plays. The Tommies blocked 15 UND shots.

Defensive Renaissance

UND’s recent defensive performance is part of a larger trend. After allowing 15 goals in just three games in late October, UND has undergone a remarkable defensive transformation. This recent performance follows a strong showing last weekend against Western Michigan, one of the NCAA's top-scoring offenses, where they held the Broncos to just three goals and 35 shots across two games at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Key Dates

October 2023: UND allows 15 goals in three games.
November 2023: UND holds opponents to under 20 shots in three consecutive games.

Community Reaction and Local Pride

The win was met with enthusiasm from UND fans in Grand Forks and beyond. The Fighting Hawks’ success is a source of pride for the entire community, representing a commitment to excellence and a shared sense of identity. While the players celebrated on the ice, families gathered in homes across the region, cheering on their favorite team and reaffirming the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that define the spirit of North Dakota. The win serves as a reminder of the power of teamwork and the importance of supporting local institutions.

Maya's Take: More Than Just a Game

Watching this team’s defensive turnaround has been truly encouraging. It’s a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to adapt and the players’ willingness to buy in. What stands out most is the selfless play that Coach Jackson highlighted – players prioritizing the team's success over individual accolades. In a world that often glorifies instant gratification, it's refreshing to see young men demonstrating such maturity and commitment to a shared goal. The strength of any community, and any team, rests on the foundation of those values: selflessness, discipline, and unwavering dedication.

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of winning streaks, but it’s crucial to remember that sustained success requires more than just talent. It demands character, resilience, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. The challenges ahead will undoubtedly test this team’s resolve, but the foundation they’ve built – a strong defense and a commitment to teamwork – will serve them well.

Looking Ahead

While celebrating Friday's victory, UND coach Dane Jackson emphasized the need for continued improvement. “That will be our challenge tomorrow — to try to have the same puck management, the same kind of check-to-score mentality, but get a little better offensively to try to execute on those plays,” he said. The Fighting Hawks face a crucial test as they continue their season, striving to maintain their defensive intensity while finding ways to further enhance their offensive capabilities. St. Thomas University will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and continue their pursuit of improvement.

The Fighting Hawks’ recent defensive success offers a glimpse of the potential that lies within the program, and the community looks forward to witnessing their continued growth and achievements. With a strong foundation and a commitment to excellence, the future looks bright for UND hockey. City of Grand Forks stands ready to support the team and celebrate their successes, reinforcing the enduring bond between the university and its community.

For more information on UND Athletics, please visit the official website. To learn more about the University of St. Thomas, visit St. Thomas University.