Get ready for an intense hockey showdown as we dive into the highly anticipated game between No. 20 Miami and No. 3 UND! The stage is set at the iconic Ralph Engelstad Arena, where these two powerhouse teams are set to battle it out in a thrilling two-game series. With UND taking the first game by a slim margin of 1-0, the stage is perfectly set for an epic comeback or a dominant series sweep.
But here's where it gets controversial...
UND, the favorites going into this series, have made a strategic lineup change, bringing in Jayden Jubenvill for Bennett Zmolek. Miami, on the other hand, is missing a key forward, Matteo Giampa, due to injury. This shift in personnel could be a game-changer, especially with Miami's decision to load up their top line with Kocha Delic and David Deputy, joined by the skilled Ilia Morozov.
Let's take a closer look at the starting lineups for both teams:
UND's Starting Lines:
Forwards:
- Mac Swanson, Ellis Rickwood, Will Zellers
- Dylan James, Cole Reschny, Ben Strinden
- Cody Croal, Ollie Josephson, Jack Kernan
- Anthony Menghini, Cade Littler, Tyler Young
Defensemen:
- Jake Livanavage, Keaton Verhoeff
- Abram Wiebe, E.J. Emery
- Sam Laurila, Andrew Strathmann
- Jayden Jubenvill
Goaltenders:
- Jan Špunar
- Gibson Homer
- Zach Sandy
Miami's Starting Lines:
Forwards:
- Kocha Delic, Ilia Morozov, David Deputy
- Ryan Smith, Maximilion Helgeson, Doug Grimes
- Bradley Walker, Ethan Hay, Blake Mesenburg
- Casper Nassen, Justin Stupka, Brayden Morrison
- Nicholas Mikan
Defenseman:
- Kyle Aucoin, Michael Phelan
- Shaun McEwen, Michael Quinn
- Ryder Thompson, Nick Donato
Goaltenders:
- Matteo Drobac
- Mathis Langevin
- Benji Motew
Injury Updates:
Miami's Matteo Giampa, Vladislav Lukashevich, and Owen Lalonde are all out due to injuries. UND's David Klee and Dalton Andrew are also missing, with Bennett Zmolek sitting out for body maintenance.
Officials:
Referees: Jake Jackson and Nolan Bloyer
Linesmen: Kyle Stephens and Eric Steele
Supervisor: Thor Nelson
And this is the part most people miss...
UND has a chance to clinch the Penrose Cup with just three more wins! Jan Špunar, their goalie, has been on fire, stopping an impressive 37 of 38 shots in his last two games. UND also boasts an impressive 11-game winning streak against Miami, adding an extra layer of pressure on the RedHawks.
Covering this exciting series is none other than Brian Schlossman, a renowned college hockey journalist with an impressive track record. Schlossman has been recognized multiple times for his exceptional coverage, including being named the top beat writer for the Herald's circulation division by the Associated Press Sports Editors.
So, hockey fans, get ready for an action-packed evening! Will UND continue their dominance, or will Miami pull off an incredible comeback? The answers await us at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Don't miss this thrilling showdown!
