Looking to advance on Saturday and book their spot in the NCHC Tournament, North Dakota found themselves squaring off against Miami Ohio to achieve to this accomplishment.
The first-seed Fighting Hawks and Colin Adams got off to a hot start against the visiting RedHawks. It would be Adams getting the party started, as he lit the lamp only 15 seconds in. Fast forward to the six-minute mark, North Dakota just continued their tear, adding on two goals, scored just nine seconds apart. Louis Jamernick was credited with No. 2, while that act was followed up by Adams’ seconds of the night.
Up ahead 3-0 at this point, Miami Ohio later got on the board, as winger Phil Knies drew the RedHawks within one. That only rawled up the Fighting Hawks, as freshman Riese Gaber put his team up by three on a North Dakota power play, now ahead 4-1. For Gaber, it was his first goal scored since January 11th.
With only two minutes left, Miami was called for crosschecking and assessed a minor penalty. Going under video review, the call remained on the ice, seeing as those involved were behind the net. Miami killed the penalty successfully, as the siren sounded on the opening period. That saw North Dakota up ahead by three.
Entering the game’s middle frame, Miami was assessed yet another minor penalty. Quick to kill it off, Miami started to show signs of life, looking strong on defence while not allowing many shots. Back into the offensive zone, Miami created many great chances, but backstop Adam Scheel was holding the Fighting Hawks at bay.
Halfway through the second period, Jacob Bernard-Docker scored his third of the season, this putting the Fitting Hawks up ahead 5-1. Fast forward to the final three minutes, Miami Ohio found themselves another path, coming back up within, now trailing 5-2. Within a matter of seconds, a scuffle transpired between the two teams, which resulted in both being handed offsetting penalties. That also a player on both sides head off the ice.
Down to seven seconds left on the clock, Miami Ohio was charged for hooking with another penalty that would carry into the third. With the final 20 underway, North Dakota started off on the power play, however, nothing would come of it, heading back to even strength. Moments later, Brendan Budy scored his sixth after Jordan Kawaguchi converted the puck from Miami Ohio’s end.
Now leading the RedHawks 6-2, Miami would record their first power play with only 11 minutes left in the contest. Following a collision at the crease for North Dakota, Adam Scheel received a roughing penalty, meanwhile, Brandon Budy was sent off to serve the penalty.
With all but seven minutes remaining, Matthew Kierstad was charged for cross-checking, sent off the ice to serve a minor penalty. However, North Dakota responded quickly and killed it off. That would be all she wrote, as the Fighting Hawks held off the RedHawks to advance to the semis with a 6-2 victory. Leading the way for North Dakota, Colin Adams finished the night with five points. With that, there’s more action on Monday before the Championship is hosted on Tuesday, March 16th.