The University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team will have its first repeat series this season against Miami University.
LAST TIME OUT UMD last took on MU in an early December series which ended 1-0-1. The first night ended in a 3-3 tie, with goals from sophomores Ben Steeves and Cole Spicer. Saturday night, Steeves was joined by Captain Luke Loheit and Blake Biondi. Their three goals secured the 3-1 win over the RedHawks. Steeves led the team with three goals and three points in the series.
NCHC OUTLOOK The Bulldogs have picked up three National Collegiate Hockey Conference points each of the past two weekends. UMD remains sixth in the NCHC, behind its last two opponents: Colorado College and Western Michigan University. MU is last in the conference, with four points. With six points on the line, this weekend could make a big difference for both organizations. The Bulldogs need any edge they can get in the middle of the standings, while the RedHawks could move within a point of the University of Nebraska Omaha.
STANDOUT SPECIAL TEAMS UMD has successfully killed off its past seventeen penalties, last giving up a power play goal in the first period against Air Force. Last weekend, the Bulldogs had eight successful penalty kills. On the man advantage, Steeves continues to impress. He's second nationally with ten power play goals and leads the NCHC. He's behind Arizona State University's Matthew Kopperud (11).
AWARD-WINNING GOALTENDING Fifth Year Matthew Thiessen (.904) had a 74-save weekend against WMU. Thanks to his two 37-save performances and .925 save percentage, Thiessen secured NCHC Goaltender of the Week. Senior Zach Stejskal (.912) and has split time between the pipes this season with Thiessen. Stejskal has backstopped UMD in four more games, 14 total. He earned all six starts in December, after Thiessen had six the month before.
FIRSTS CONTINUE FOR FISCHER Ever since he scored his unofficial first goal in the exhibition game versus St. Thomas, freshman Braden Fischer has had an offensive spark. He followed it up with his first collegiate points, two assists against CC. Finally, he scored his first goal last Friday. His redirection started the flurry of third period scoring that ultimately ended 6-3 in the Bulldogs' favor. Fischer has jumped into the role of fourth line center halfway through the season and made his impact known.
TAKE THE PLUNGE On Friday, UMD is partnering with Special Olympics Minnesota and Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union To promote their Polar Plunges across the state. The event is the Special Olympics largest fundraiser in the state. Duluth's Plunge currently has raised $34,000 and has over 400 people signed up. The event will take place February 17th. A Special Olympics Athlete of the Game will drop the puck prior to the game.
STUDENT ATHLETE ACTIVISM During the second game, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee will be hosting a hygiene drive in partnership with the Pre-Dental Club. They will be accepting both new/unopened donations as well as monetary contributions.
