In the heart of Colorado Springs, something exciting is happening: the No. 4 ranked University of North Dakota (UND) is facing off against Colorado College for the first time in two seasons. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter that fans won't want to miss!
Catch the Game Live
- Time: 8 p.m. Central / 7 p.m. Mountain
- Location: Ed Robson Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
- Television Broadcast: Midco Sports (Channel 27/622 HD in Grand Forks), SOCO CW, MTN TV, DirecTV 659, NESN+, and various Gray Media outlets.
- Radio Coverage: Tune in to The Fox at 96.1 FM or listen online here.
- Streaming: Watch the game live on NCHChockey.com/tv.
In-Game Highlights
First Period
The score is UND 1, Colorado College 0 after Ellis Rickwood found the back of the net at 6:18. This goal was a result of quick thinking and teamwork; defenseman Keaton Verhoeff made an impressive move deep into the offensive zone, passing to Rickwood. He then centered the puck to Will Zellers, whose shot was blocked, but Mac Swanson was quick to retrieve the puck and attempted a backhanded shot. Although that was also saved by Tiger goalie Kaidan Mbereko, Rickwood was right there to take advantage of the rebound, marking his ninth point in just five games since returning from injury.
Second Period
The momentum shifted when Drew Montgomery equalized for Colorado College at 1:33. After a significant save by Mbereko during a 2-on-1 situation involving Zellers, Constance sent a long pass to Montgomery, who raced down the left wing and skillfully scored, placing the puck just inside the post for his second goal of the season.
Then, at 9:50, Ryan Alexander put Colorado College ahead with a goal assisted by Connor Hvidston and Fisher Scott, making it 2-1. Despite a strong showing by UND earlier in the period, including Livanavage hitting the crossbar, the Tigers capitalized on their opportunity as UND's exhausted line failed to defend effectively, leading to Alexander scoring on a rebound.
Current Lines for UND
Forwards
- Mac Swanson – Ellis Rickwood – Will Zellers
- Dylan James – Cole Reschny – Ben Strinden
- Ollie Josephson – Jack Kernan – Cade Littler
- Anthony Menghini – David Klee – Tyler Young
Defensemen
- Jake Livanavage – Bennett Zmolek
- Abram Wiebe – Keaton Verhoeff
- Andrew Strathmann – E.J. Emery
- Sam Laurila
Goaltenders
- Jan Špunar
- Gibson Homer
- Zach Sandy
Notable Absences:
Cody Croal (illness), Josh Zakreski (lower body), Dalton Andrew, Jayden Jubenvill, Ian Engel.
Current Lines for Colorado College
Forwards
- Tomas Mrsic – Klavs Veinbergs – Wilson Björck
- Drew Montgomery – Connor Hvidston – Bret Link
- Brandon Lisowsky – Brayden Schuurman – Gavin Lindberg
- Mateo Mrsic – Ryan Alexander – Riley Stuart
Defensemen
- Fisher Scott – Mats Lindgren
- Ryan Koering – Seth Constance
- Philippe Blais-Savoie – Matteo Mann
- Nick Baer
Goaltenders
- Kaidan Mbereko
- Jackson Unger
- Beckham Dempsey
Notable Absences:
Owen Beckner (upper body), Max Burkholder (lower body), Colton Roberts (lower body), Shane Kozlina, Merril Steenari, Jordan Brisson.
Officiating Crew
Referees: Stephen Reneau and Jake Jackson
Linesmen: Daniel Naylor and Eric McDonald
Supervisor: None
Pregame Insights
Remarkably, UND is only without two players due to injuries—Cody Croal and Josh Zakreski—while maintaining a strong lineup. Jack Kernan has stepped up as a center, with Ollie Josephson transitioning to a wing position. On the other side, Colorado College is missing key players, including top-line center Owen Beckner and defenseman Max Burkholder, who may not return this season. It's worth noting that UND has been on a roll, winning eight consecutive games and boasting an impressive record of 12-1 over their last 13 outings. Additionally, this match marks the Fighting Hawks' first appearance in Colorado Springs in two years.
The anticipated clash features a goaltending duel between Jan Špunar of UND and Kaidan Mbereko of Colorado College.
Expert Coverage
Ben Schlossman has been covering college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005 and has received accolades from the Associated Press Sports Editors four times as the top beat writer for the Herald's circulation division. He's also a two-time recipient of the North Dakota sportswriter of the year honor and proudly resides in Grand Forks. You can reach him at bschlossman@gfherald.com.
