The University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team broke its winless streak with a 6-5 overtime win over No. 16/17 St. Cloud State University. After coming back from two two-goal deficits, UMD was able to secure a win for sophomore goaltender Zach Sandy in his first collegiate start.

"It was a gutsy win by our team," Head Coach Scott Sandelin told the media after the game. "I'm happy for [Sandy]. He made two big saves in overtime. It's great, obviously, to get a couple points." 

Sandy has previously seen action as a Bulldog, sharing the crease for two exhibition games against St. Thomas, but tonight was his first official start. In his debut, the sophomore posted a .868 save percentage. Sandy made 33 saves, over half of which were in the first period. After the game, he said to the media his focus was on giving his team the chance to win.

SCSU had the lead until the very end tonight. Even while chasing on the scoreboard, UMD remained close. The Bulldogs not only shutdown two early one-goal leads, but then also came back from two two-goal deficits in the second half of the game. 

The Huskies gained and extended two of their leads with power play goals. They converted on the power play twice in three opportunities. 

UMD, despite their early season dominance on the man advantage, has been looking for power play goals. Tonight, they scored one when it mattered most. With 22 seconds left in overtime, SCSU was called for interference. Playing four-on-three, the Bulldogs were patient. Ben Steeves, the team's leading scorer, waited until he had an open shot to secure the win and score his thirteenth power play goal of the season. 

Tonight was high-scoring on both sides, but a handful of Bulldogs stood out with multi-point performances. Steeves not only scored the overtime winner, but he tied the game 2-2 at the beginning of the second period. With an additional assist, he was one of two UMD skaters with three points.

He was joined by freshman Aaron Pionk, who helped close the gap in the third and assisted on both of Steeves' goals. Fellow freshman Braden Fischer picked up two assists, although his first period goal was overturned for goaltender interference. Alternate captain Quinn Olson tallied two assists as well, joining in on the Bulldogs' last two goals. 

Tonight's victory meant UMD's National Collegiate Hockey Conference Quarterfinal opponent is still undecided. Since the Bulldogs are seventh in the conference, they will face whoever ends up second. Denver currently occupies that spot with 42 points, but SCSU and Colorado College follow closely behind with 41 points. 

UMD faces off against SCSU again on Saturday, March 9 at 6 p.m. in the last game of the regular season. The game is also Senior Night and fans are encouraged to attend the pregame ceremony to honor the program's 7 seniors and graduate students.