UND beats No. 5 Western Michigan to complete unbeaten weekend

The roar of the crowd in Ralph Engelstad Arena was palpable Saturday night, a testament to the resilience and determination of the UND Fighting Hawks. After a challenging stretch, the team delivered a resounding victory, defeating the No. 5-ranked Western Michigan Broncos 4-1 to cap off an impressive weekend. It’s a moment that felt particularly sweet for these young men, and a source of immense pride for our community – a community that understands the value of perseverance and teamwork, values we cherish here in Jamestown. This win isn't just about hockey; it’s about overcoming adversity and demonstrating the strength that comes from unity.

The Fighting Hawks, currently ranked No. 10, entered the series grappling with a three-game losing streak and a defense that had allowed 15 goals in those contests. However, they responded with a renewed focus and a commitment to excellence, earning both a win and a tie against the Broncos. Western Michigan, boasting the NCAA’s top scoring offense, was held to just three goals across the two games—a remarkable turnaround for UND’s defensive efforts. The Broncos, who entered the weekend averaging 5.7 goals per game and 42.4 shots, managed a mere 35 shots on goal during the series, the fewest in 17 seasons.

Addressing the Recent Struggles

“The last couple of weeks have been hard,” UND coach Dane Jackson acknowledged. “We’ve got a lot of pride in our program. To get swept by Minnesota and go down to where all of our fans were in Austin and not get a win… the guys care a lot about the program. They care what we're trying to do here and you feel like you're letting people down.” Jackson's words reveal the emotional toll that losses can take, especially when those losses happen in front of supportive fans. It’s a reminder that behind every statistic, there are young men working tirelessly to represent our state with honor and integrity. The University of North Dakota is more than just an institution of higher learning; it's a source of community pride and a breeding ground for future leaders.

Offensive Powerhouse

The offensive charge was led by the line of Cody Croal, Garrett Lindberg, and Ollie Josephson. Croal tallied two goals and three points, earning him the first star of the game. Lindberg scored his first UND goal and added two points, while Josephson contributed an assist. This trio was specifically tasked with containing Western Michigan’s top line, which included Adam Benák, William Whitelaw, and Bobby Cowan. While Benák managed to score one goal, UND successfully shut down Whitelaw, who entered the weekend on a seven-game point streak. “We just knew we had to keep it simple and not let them behind us,” Lindberg explained. “I think we did a pretty good job.” The dedication and strategic thinking displayed by these players exemplify the kind of discipline and teamwork that are essential not only in sports but in all aspects of life.

A Moment of Controversy

A moment of controversy arose when Benák one-handed slashed Croal in the throat as Croal scored an empty-netter, leading to a scrum. Benák was called for a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Croal returned for the ensuing power play but was getting treatment after the game and was unavailable to talk to media. “He’s ginger and sore,” Jackson commented. “It’s not a very smart play. To me, the game is over and it's a reckless stick, but I don't think it was malicious… he’s not a dirty player.” Even in the heat of competition, it's important to maintain respect and sportsmanship, qualities that reflect positively on our community and our values.

Home-Ice Advantage

The Fighting Hawks are now 4-0-1 in Ralph Engelstad Arena this season and boast an impressive 15-2-2 record at home since last Thanksgiving. This home-ice advantage speaks to the unwavering support of the Grand Forks community and the positive atmosphere that surrounds UND hockey. City of Grand Forks benefits greatly from the economic and social impact of UND athletics, and it’s a partnership that strengthens our entire region.

Team Camaraderie

“It’s a great feeling,” UND forward Anthony Menghini expressed. “We kind of found our stride this week. It’s a good feeling inside that locker room. We know when we stick together and play like that, we’re going to be a really good team.” That sense of camaraderie and shared purpose is what truly defines a winning team, and it's a lesson that resonates far beyond the ice rink.

The Path to Improvement

Jackson emphasized the importance of the team’s response to the earlier losing streak. “We’ve had a lot of hard practices and very succinct meetings about the standard and what we’ve got to do and where we’ve got to improve,” he stated. “The guys took it. They didn’t (complain). They did the hard practices with fervor. They listened to the meetings and took what we were saying and put it in action.” This willingness to embrace constructive criticism and dedicate themselves to improvement demonstrates a level of maturity and commitment that is truly commendable.

Looking Ahead to St. Thomas

Looking ahead, UND will travel to St. Thomas next weekend for the first-ever meeting between the teams since St. Thomas joined the National Collegiate Hockey Conference this summer. This series represents a new chapter for UND hockey, and fans are eager to witness the competition. National Collegiate Hockey Conference continues to grow and evolve, providing exciting opportunities for teams and fans alike.

Lisa’s Take

What struck me most about this weekend’s performance wasn’t just the wins, but the resilience of these young men. They faced adversity, acknowledged their shortcomings, and then responded with a renewed commitment to excellence. It's a powerful reminder that setbacks are inevitable in life, but it’s how we choose to respond to those setbacks that truly defines us. I think about the families in our community—the strong marriages, the supportive parents—that instill these values in our children. We see the impact of those values on the ice, and we know that those same principles are shaping the future leaders of our state. It’s a privilege to witness these young men grow, both as athletes and as individuals, and I’m excited to see what they accomplish in the years to come. It's also a stark reminder of the societal costs when families fracture; these young men are learning valuable lessons about teamwork and perseverance that are essential for success in all areas of life, lessons best learned in the context of stable, loving homes.

The victory holds particular significance for Jamestown, a community that deeply values hard work and dedication. Seeing our young athletes overcome challenges and achieve success is a source of immense pride. It reinforces the importance of supporting our local teams and celebrating their accomplishments, not just for the wins, but for the character they build along the way.

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