The University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team traveled down to the Twin Cities for an exhibition game against the University of St. Thomas. The game was highlighted by Will Francis' return to the line up, despite ending in a 3-1 loss. 

The first period was largely dictated by the St. Thomas Ice Arena's tight playing surface. Both teams looked fast and play was physical, with opposing players everywhere. 

UMD led in shots on goal throughout the period, entering the first intermission ahead 10-7. Freshman Anthony Menghini and sophomore Ben Steeves combined for a third of the Bulldogs' shots in the first frame. 

Nearing the halfway point of the game, both teams subbed in new goaltenders. Sophomore Zach Sandy entered the crease for UMD, making his first appearance in net for the Bulldogs this season. Sandy replaced Matthew Thiessen, who stopped all 13 shots he faced.

One minute later, an unfortunate bounce ricocheted off the boards and onto a Tommy player's stick, launching him past the Bulldog defense and in on the net alone. The first shot dropped back down, only to be scooped up and sent home by Edina-native Liam Malmquist. 

UMD took two cross checking penalties in the middle frame, allowing UST to pull away in shots on goal with more offensive zone time. On the second kill, the Bulldogs had two short-handed opportunities. First, Menghini nearly outskated three Tommies, but was tied up at the last minute. Thirty seconds later, Carter Loney pounced on the puck and nearly got it on Kyler Kleven's stick as skated down the middle towards the net. 

Sandy played in last season's exhibition game against UST, stopping all nine shots faced. He ended the second period with nine saves, matching his previous total. 

In the third period, freshman Braden Fischer scored his first collegiate goal, although it would not officially count towards his season statistics. A shot from the point deflected to the opposite side of the net. Fischer skated in and took advantage of the wide open net. 

Despite coming within one, UMD ultimately couldn't get past the Tommies in goals. UST scored twice in the third period, following a takeaway and then again on the power play. 

The Bulldogs pulled Sandy with three minutes left, but the score remained 3-1. The sophomore netminder ended the game with 17 saves and a .850 save percentage.