2025-26 University of North Dakota Hockey Season

[Dustin]

9 minutes ago, Blackheart said:

Any chance UND looked past UW a little anticipating a matchup with DU or Michigan?

It shouldn't happen, but I am sure it does.  It happened to me as a fan, so I don't see why it couldn't happen to a player. 

[OopsSioux]

North Dakota did not play their best.  I'm not sure this team was actually better than any of the remaining teams.  I also don't think they were worse.

E.g.  If both teams, Wisconsin and North Dakota, play their respective best over 10 games I believe the end result would be somewhere nearing a .500 result.  Probably 6-4 one way or the other.  In a one and done scenario it's anyone's guess.  

We can stand here and say "Michigan severely outplayed Denver and lost" or "Denver got lucky and had spectacular goaltending".  But, the truth is Denver is exceptional at playing their style of game and adjusting their game as necessary. They slowed it down when they needed to and pushed for goals when they needed them as well.   Michigan showed flashes, had their chances, and easily could have won the game. They also got goalied to an extent but you can't take that from Denver as that is how they decided to play.  Denver clearly didn't want to go toe to toe in a wide-open game with Michigan.  It was by design and Carle and the pioneers deserve kudos for execution.

The best 4 teams in the country were in the frozen 4 this year and any of them could have won.  It's disheartening that North Dakota only played their best for 40 minutes.

Nodak is young but will lose some major pieces.  Their future looks bright.  We'll see how they do in the off-season and if they can stay on the throttle they'll have a heck of a team next year too.

[nascar99]

Livanavage gone, signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins