GRAND FORKS (KVRR) – Since the NCHC’s inception, North Dakota hockey has won the conference tournament just once — in 2021, when the tournament was moved to Grand Forks due to the pandemic.
That was also the only year the tournament was held outside of the Twin Cities — until this season’s format change, with higher seeds now hosting each game.
Now, back at the Ralph again, NoDak is looking to replicate that 2021 run and reach the conference championship for the first time since.
The Fighting Hawks have fallen in the semifinals in each of the last four seasons. On Saturday, a familiar opponent comes to Grand Forks — Minnesota Duluth.
North Dakota’s two series with the Bulldogs this season followed a similar pattern: an overtime loss on Friday night followed by a dominant win on Saturday.
This time around, though, there’s no second chance — a loss eliminates North Dakota in the one-game showdown.
Head coach Dane Jackson shared his thoughts on the tough test ahead, while junior defenseman Jake Livanavage explained why he believes this year’s team has what it takes to get over the semifinal hump.
Dane Jackson:
“Well, we’ve got to do a great job against their top line, and we’ve got to stay out of the penalty box. They’re really dangerous in those areas, and their penalty kill is really good too. Special teams are huge for them. We’ve been talking a lot about the discipline part of our game. Against that top line, you’ve got to check hard, track hard, and really work to limit their time and space. They’re going to make some plays and get some chances, but you’ve got to try to limit those. That’s a five-man job by everyone on the ice against them.”
Jake Livanavage:
“Just the brotherhood in the locker room. I think that’s what separates good teams from great teams. When you hear about championship teams, you always hear how close they are, and I think we have a group like that in this locker room this year. So yeah, it’s a great feeling.”
North Dakota and Minnesota Duluth drop the puck Saturday night at the Ralph at 6:07 p.m.
The winner of Saturday’s game will face the winner of Western Michigan and Denver next Saturday for the conference championship.
KVRR Local NewsKVRR Local News
Leave a Reply