Fighting Hawks Host St. Thomas in Crucial Regular Season Showdown
The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's hockey team is gearing up for a crucial matchup this weekend, as they host the St. Thomas Tommies in a two-game series at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The series begins Friday, February 17th, at 7:07 PM CT and concludes Saturday, February 18th, at 6:07 PM CT.
This matchup carries significant weight in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) standings. Both teams are vying for a playoff spot, making each point crucial in the final stretch of the regular season.
Fighting Hawks Look to Continue Momentum
The Fighting Hawks enter this weekend on a high note, having secured two crucial wins against the Omaha Mavericks in their last series. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, with contributions from top players like Riese Gaber and Jackson Kunz. UND's defense, led by the steady presence of Jake Sanderson, has also been strong, limiting opponents' scoring opportunities.
St. Thomas Aiming for an Upset
The St. Thomas Tommies, while currently sitting outside of the playoff picture, are not to be underestimated. They are a young, energetic team that can create scoring chances against any opponent. Key players like Lucas Wahlin and Noah Cates have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and the Tommies are capable of pulling off an upset.
Key Factors to Watch
- Special Teams: Both teams have strong special teams units. The Fighting Hawks are currently ranked 9th in the nation on the power play, while the Tommies possess a potent penalty kill. Expect the outcome of the series to hinge on which team can capitalize on their man-advantage opportunities.
- Goalkeeping: The goaltending matchup will be a key factor. UND's Drew DeRidder has been a brick wall in net all season, while St. Thomas' Josh Eidsness has proven himself to be a capable netminder. The goalie who performs better over the two games could be the difference-maker.
- Home Ice Advantage: The Fighting Hawks have been a tough team to beat at home, particularly at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. They will look to use the energy of the home crowd to their advantage.
Don't Miss the Action
This is a series that hockey fans won't want to miss. The Fighting Hawks and Tommies will be battling tooth and nail for every inch of ice, making for an intense and entertaining matchup. Catch the action live at the Ralph Engelstad Arena or on your local broadcast.
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Go Hawks!