The University of Minnesota Duluth travels for a two-game series against No. 17/19 St. Cloud State University this weekend. UMD aims to get their first National Collegiate Hockey Conference points, while SCSU looks to continue their winning streak.
IN RECENT HISTORY In 2022-23, the Bulldogs both ended the regular season and competed in the NCHC Tournament against the Huskies. SCSU emerged on top, with a 3-2 record through the two series. The teams traded 4-3 wins in the regular season. Then, the Huskies won the three-game postseason series, despite a dominant 5-1 victory for UMD featuring goals from current Bulldogs Carter Loney (2), Ben Steeves, and Dominic James.
SCOUTING THE HUSKIES Finnish forward and senior Veeti Miettinen leads SCSU in individual goals (7) and points (11) so far this season. His younger brother, Verner, joined the team this year as part of a eight-player true freshman class. Fifth year defenseman Dylan Anhorn leads in assists (8).
NCHC OUTLOOK SCSU have played two more conference games than UMD. With a 4-0-0 NCHC record, they also eclipse the other teams in conference points, with 12. The next three teams in the standings (DU, CC, NDU) each have 6 points, although only Colorado has played as many NCHC games as the Huskies. The Bulldogs are currently tied with Miami (0). Before winter break, UMD also play Omaha and Miami. SCSU will shift their focus to No. 12 Michigan (B1G) after this weekend's series, then return to the NCHC to faceoff against Miami as well.
BETWEEN THE PIPES Fifth-year Matthew Thiessen started both games last weekend for UMD, making a total of 70 saves. He posted his best single-game save percentage of the season Saturday night (.904). However, he's not the only one in the crease for the Bulldogs. Senior Zach Stejskal has appeared in six of the team's 11 games so far. The Huskies, on the other hand, have relied primarily on senior goaltender Dominic Basse. He has posted three shutouts so far this season. Both UMD netminders have been selected as NCHC Goalie of the Week, while Basse has yet to be selected.
POWER PLAY POWERHOUSE UMD continues outplay teams with the odd-man advantage. In the NCHC, the Bulldogs ranked first overall in both power play goals (15) and percentage (.357). Nationally, only one team has them beat in both categories, Michigan (B1G) with 20 PPG and .400 PP percentage. Princeton (ECAC) falls in-between the two schools with .385 PP percentage.For the second week in a row, UMD sophomore Steeves is tied with Northern Michigan's (CCHA) Tanner Latsch for most goals on the power play (6).
EARLY IMPACT This season's freshmen class have made themselves known on the ice. Forward Anthony Menghini leads his peers in goals (3), including one last Friday. Defenseman Aaron Pionk has the most points (7) and assists (6) of his class. Pionk is currently third in assists and tied for fourth in points on the team. Transfers Connor McMenamin (2-2-4) and Luke Bast (2 goals) have also made their mark early in the season.
TURNING IT AROUND ON THE ROAD This weekend is the Bulldogs second away series of the season. Late last month, they traveled to play Cornell. Their last road win came Oct. 21 against Bemidji State. UMD emerged on top, 5-4, thanks to an overtime-winning goal by sophomore Cole Spicer. That game was also the Bulldogs' last win, excluding their shootout win over Minnesota Nov. 4. Four of the next six games before winter break are on the road for UMD (Dec. 8 & 9 vs. Miami).
