OXFORD, Ohio — A key stretch of games begins here for UMD. After playing legitimate national title contenders in Minnesota and North Dakota over a three-series homestand (and we needn’t speak any further of the results), the Bulldogs now play their next 11 games against teams that range from “legitimate NCAA Tournament team, but probably not at the UMN/UND level” to “rebuilding.”
Miami this weekend, then Western Michigan, a bye, Arizona State, holiday break, a three-game week that features Bemidji State on the road and Alaska-Fairbanks at home, then St. Cloud State at home before a trip to currently-unbeaten Colorado College, which might be the best team in this stretch of opponents.
There are no easy games in this sport anymore, but the next 11-13 games will tell us a lot about these Bulldogs. As they get healthier, can they 1) stay healthy, and 2) make some progress in both their play and the win/loss column?
It’s clear some fans are not maintaining their patience, which is understandable. The Bulldogs have spoiled this fanbase over the last decade, but there were a lot of rocky rides along the way to that point. The progress being made by young players is encouraging, and I’d even argue we’ve seen some positive signs from some older players in the last couple weeks.
That said, expect to see a lot of freshmen and sophomores in top six forward roles and in key spots on special teams.
Miami will pressure pucks, they’ll play physical, and this older RedHawks team is a different but still important challenge for UMD this weekend.
Dominic James and Jack Smith return for UMD. Max Plante will wait a little longer.
Adam Gajan vs Ethan Dahlmeir.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD forwards
Menghini – James – Shaugabay
Perkins – Plante (Zam) – Bechen
Bentz – Arnott – Bettens
Molenaar – Smith – Loney
UMD defense
Dubinsky – Kleber
Pionk – Hanson
Gallatin – Pierce
Bodnarchuk
UMD goalies
Gajan – Sandy – Knapp
Miami forwards
Dukovac – Waldron – Nassen
Ambrosio – Vitolins – Choupani
Fillion – Sullivan – Carogioiello
Morrison – Mesenburg – Turansky
Miami defense
Moulton – Quinn
Demsey – Rydqvist
Hutchison – Donato
Simanovics
Miami goalies
Dahlmeir – Bruveris – Miller
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