MIAMI- From the bottom of the barrel to cream of the crop, the RedHawks rank No. 2 in the NCHC, but rank a spot below UMD at No .4 in the national PairWise rankings. The RedHawks enjoyed a strong offense this year, with five players recording at least 20 points. Their goaltender Jay Williams (1.89 Goals Against Average, .920 Save Percentage) has also been key to Miami’s success.
UMD is 2-2 against the RedHawks this season.
Adam Krause: Spoiled
Kasimir Kaskisuo: Finnish
NORTH DAKOTA- The top team in the nation since Feb. 16. With a .777 winning percentage, North Dakota has been a fierce competitor for every team they face. They have been especially lethal within the NCHC, winning 15 of 22 games against league opponents.
They’ll rely on goaltender Zane McIntyre to help lead the team from between the pipes (1.93 Goals Against Average, .933 Save Percentage) more than ever as leading goalscorer Mark MacMillian is out indefinitely with a lower body injury.
UMD is 1-1 against the former Sioux this season.
Carson Soucy: Skilled and physical
Dominic Toninato: Amazing rink
SCSU- One of the NCHC’s toughest opponents, the Huskies rank No. 6 in the conference. Their ranking doesn’t make them an easy opponent by any means, as St. Cloud State has received 36 votes for national ranking, putting them at No. 22 in the country.
Forwards Jonny Brodzinski and Joey Benik are the big-time producers for the Huskies, each earning 30 points this season.
UMD is 3-1 against St. Cloud State this season.
Toninato: Power play
Krause: Tough
DENVER- The Pioneers are a prime example of a strong defense leading the way for a winning program.
Defenseman Joey LaLeggia is as much of a threat offensively as he is defensively. He’s scored 12 goals this year and is a plus 12, having scored two goals and three points against UMD this year.
UMD is 2-2 against the Pioneers this season.
Justin Crandall: Best back end in college hockey
Soucy: Active defensemen
CC- It has been a rough year for the Tigers, winning just six games all year with only two of those coming against NCHC opponents.
Junior forward Cody Bradley has been a bright spot for Colorado College with 10 goals and 18 points this year.
UMD is 4-0 against the Tigers this year.
Krause: Sad
Crandall: A work in progress
WESTERN- The Broncos are physically one of the largest teams in the NCAA, with 19 players coming in at 6’0” or above. They tend to grind their opponents down physically and slow down their opposition’s game.
Forwards Sheldon Dries and Colton Hargrove have each tallied 12 goals for the Broncos this year as a part of their scoring unit.
UMD is 2-0 against Western Michigan this season.
Toninato: Student section
Krause: Physical
OMAHA- The Mavericks are a team that UMD matches up closely with, as illustrated by the most recent series between the teams. Shootouts were needed after both games ended in 1-1 ties.
One of the biggest keys to the Maverick’s success has been the stellar play of goaltender Ryan Massa. Massa has been able to shut down teams nearly on his own this season with a 2.02 GAA and .935 SV%.
UMD is 1-1-2 against the Mavericks this season.
Soucy: Good neutral zone forecheck
Krause: Mouthy