One more time, this time with feeling!
UMD tries to keep its hold on first place in the NCHC with the final of nine games at the NCHC Pod, this the second meeting with North Dakota.
If it’s even half as good as the teams’ 2-2 tie (and UMD shootout win) from last Thursday, we’re in for a treat to finish off things in the pod for UMD.
Before we get to news, of which there is plenty, some words of kudos and thanks.
First, kudos to Josh Fenton and everyone with the NCHC who had anything at all to do with the planning or execution of this pod concept. This is an example for other conferences — and perhaps the NCHC itself when it comes time to plan a conference tournament — on how to keep student-athletes safe while giving them a unique experience and a chance to compete.
Kudos to the league and Midco Sports for the viewing experience that was arranged in the pod. Beyond the fact that their hard work made it much easier for me to do my play by play job from a distance (which allowed me to be around my family at a very important time), the fans have been treated to 32 wonderfully-produced games that provided people with great entertainment during a weird and trying holiday season.
(Also, from a “doing my job” standpoint, big ups to NCHC communications director Michael Weisman and his staff in Omaha, including longtime UNO communications guru Dave Ahlers, for everything they’ve provided all of us who have been covering this event remotely.)
Also, much credit to UMD head coach Scott Sandelin, his staff, the athletic training folks, equipment ace Chris Garner, and everyone else who put their lives on hold for three weeks to enter this pod and help the student athletes there have the best experience possible.
Thanks to Sandelin, his staff, and his players, all of whom stopped whatever they were doing to jump on a Zoom call or maybe a phone call with people up here trying to cover the team from 500-plus miles away. I’ve spent more time on the phone with Sandelin in the last three weeks than I usually would in a full season, which is much more of me than anyone should ever have to put up with in a short period of time. He’s been flexible and always willing to jump on if we need to get something recorded.
Last but certainly not least, big thanks to athletic director Josh Berlo and his staff at UMD. They’ve gone out of their way to make this a smoother process for me. Josh has even been kind enough to relay me information from the arena, which has been immensely helpful during situations like, say, TV going to break without any visual evidence that a penalty is being called (they probably talked about it, but if I can’t see a referee signal or a player going into the penalty box, I have no idea because I can’t hear what they’re saying).
And thanks to all of you in #BulldogCountry. Your support through these last few weeks — both in consuming our broadcasts at any point and in your kindness after the passing of my father on Dec. 6 — has been immeasurable, and there aren’t enough words in the language to express my appreciation. I hope you’ve enjoyed what we’ve tried to produce.
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On to the game.
Senior forward Kobe Roth — injured in the second period of Wednesday’s 2-2 tie with Omaha — is giving it a go in this one. UMD is dressing a 13th forward, listed as junior transfer Jarrett Lee, just in case Roth can’t play a full load of top-line minutes. More than anything, it’s very encouraging that Roth escaped a serious injury with his fall into the boards during a UMD power play.
As a result, only six defensemen will dress, and that means Darian Gotz and Jake Rosenbaum, who have split the last two games, will both be scratched.
North Dakota played two games with just 17 skaters because of injuries and the World Junior departures of Jake Sanderson and Tyler Kleven. The latter two remain gone and won’t be back until the second half, but UND does get defenseman Ethan Frisch and forward Judd Caulfield back from the injured list, meaning the Fighting Hawks dress a “normal” 19 skaters in this game.
Ryan Fanti vs Adam Scheel. 11:30 pregame on KDAL. Enjoy. Back next week with a pod review before Christmas.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD forwards
Roth – Cates (Noah) – Swaney
Olson – Cates (Jackson) – Koepke
Bender – Jacques – Laderoute
Mylymok – Loheit – Biondi
Lee
UMD defense
Kaiser – Roehl
Anderson – Lellig
Cairns – Kelley
UMD goalies
Fanti – Stejskal – Patt
North Dakota forwards
Kawaguchi – Pinto – Gaber
Budy – Adams – Mismash
Senden – Weatherby – Hain
Keane – Ness – Albrecht
Caulfield
North Dakota defense
Kiersted – Bernard-Docker
Moore – Bast
Frisch – Rieger
North Dakota goalies
Scheel – Thome – Feeney
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