UMD men's hockey back in action this weekend against Colorado College

The No. 1 University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team is back in action this weekend in Colorado Springs taking on the Tigers of Colorado College.

Returning from their one week playing hiatus, the Bulldogs eye six more National Collegiate Hockey Conference points in hopes of retaking the conference's top spot. UMD trails Denver University by a single point in the NCHC standings.

The Bulldogs last met CC in the first series back from holiday break just six weeks ago. In a series that featured UMD taking only two of the six possible points, The Bulldogs look for a much different outcome this weekend.

“I don't think we gave CC enough respect, they were the hungrier team, they deserved to walk out of here with four points,” said UMD head Coach Scott Sandelin at his Wednesday press conference.

Since the last time the two teams met, CC has won once in eight games while UMD is unbeaten in its last seven. The Bulldogs are averaging 3.6 goals per game and 29 shots on net over that stretch.

UMD will also be getting back sophomore forward Parker Mackay who has been out with a hand injury since the middle of January. The return of Mackay to the lineup brings back a presence that the Bulldogs have missed.

“His impact and the type of player he is, we have missed that, he’s kind of that gritty power forward type guy that has skill,” Sandelin said, “it will be nice to have him in there, he brings a lot of energy.”

The Bulldogs will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network Friday night with an 8:37 puck drop followed by an 8:07 puck drop Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of Alex Ganeev