Next Game:
at Minnesota Duluth
11/9/2024 | 6:07 p.m.
Midco Sports Two/NCHC.tv
Fighting Hawks Radio Network
Nov. 09 (Sat) / 6:07 p.m.
at Minnesota Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. – In an impressive display of skill, the tenth-ranked North Dakota Fighting Hawks rebounded from a recent losing streak, decisively defeating Minnesota Duluth by a score of 7-3 at AMSOIL Arena on Friday night. This victory marked a significant turnaround for UND, improving their overall record to 4-4-0 and giving them a 1-0-0 start in the NCHC.
As the game unfolded, the Fighting Hawks set an aggressive tone early on, netting seven goals from seven different players, a feat that highlighted their offensive depth. Mac Swanson led the charge, scoring twice alongside contributions from Jackson Kunz, Cade Littler, Louis Jamernik V, Jayden Perron, Abram Wiebe, and Ben Strinden. Meanwhile, goalie T.J. Semptimphelter established a strong presence in the net, carrying a shutout into the third period and tallying an impressive 32 saves, bolstering his record to 4-2-0 for the season.
The Hawks’ offensive prowess didn’t merely stop at goals; four players delivered multiple-point performances, including defenseman Jake Livanavage and forward Jake Schmaltz, each recording three assists for the first time in their careers. Swanson also contributed an assist along with his two goals, while Jamernik V and Strinden added to their tally of notable plays throughout the evening.
North Dakota dashed any hopes of a slow start by taking the lead just under three minutes into the contest when Swanson capitalized on an exquisite pass from Livanavage. The team maintained a relentless pace, doubling their lead just minutes later as Kunz scored to finish the first period with a convincing 2-0 advantage.
The dominance persisted into the second period, where the Fighting Hawks further asserted their control by notching three more goals, culminating in a robust 5-0 lead after two periods. Notably, Littler scored his first career goal in a chaotic moment in front of the net, exemplifying the Hawks’ relentless pressure. The power play unit also shined, as Perron successfully redirected a shot from Livanavage, further extending North Dakota’s lead.
The final period saw the Fighting Hawks increase their lead once again, scoring just 97 seconds into the frame with Wiebe’s strike on the power play. As Minnesota Duluth rallied in the third, their efforts grew fruitless against the relentless offense from North Dakota, who maintained control and sealed the night with Strinden’s shorthanded goal.
Looking ahead, North Dakota will aim for a series sweep against Minnesota Duluth on Saturday night, with the faceoff set for 6:07 p.m. The matchup can be followed live on Midco Sports Two, NCHC.tv, or via the Fighting Hawks Radio Network.
Postgame Notes
- All 19 healthy skaters participated, with no scratches for the weekend.
- Cameron Berg returned after missing the last games with injury.
- Jake Livanavage recorded three assists for the first time.
- Jake Schmaltz registered three assists as well, marking a career milestone.
- Mac Swanson achieved his second multi-point game of the season.
- UND has won six consecutive games against UMD at AMSOIL Arena.
- North Dakota is now 20-2-1 when Jamernik V scores.
- 12 different players recorded at least a point in the game.
- UND finished with an advantage in faceoffs, led by Cameron Berg.
How It Happened
First Period
02:52 | UND – Mac Swanson (2) from Ben Strinden (1) and Jake Livanavage (3)
06:44 | UND – Jackson Kunz (3) from Owen McLaughlin (6) and Livanavage (4)
Second Period
07:05 | UND – Cade Littler (1) from Jake Schmaltz (2) and Louis Jamernik V (3)
10:11 | UND – Jamernik V (4) from Schmaltz (3) and Dane Montgomery (2)
14:18 | UND – Jayden Perron (2, PP) from Livanavage (5) and Cameron Berg (4)
Third Period
01:37 | UND – Abram Wiebe (2, PP) from Swanson (3) and Schmaltz (4)
06:54 | UMD – Anthony Menghini (2, PP) from Jayson Shaugabay (2) and Owen Gallatin (6)
11:07 | UND – Strinden (2, SH)
12:49 | UMD – Menghini (3, PP) from Blake Bechen (3) and Shaugabay (3)
17:58 | UMD – Menghini (4, PP) from Gallatin (7) and Shaugabay (4)
For more information on North Dakota hockey, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDmhockey.
**Interview with North Dakota Fighting Hawks Forward Mac Swanson**
**Interviewer:** Mac, congratulations on the impressive 7-3 victory over Minnesota Duluth! It seems like the team really found its rhythm tonight. Can you describe the energy in the locker room before the game?
**Mac Swanson:** Thank you! The energy in the locker room was incredible. We knew we needed to turn things around after our recent losses. Everyone was focused and ready to give their all. There was a strong sense of camaraderie and determination among the guys, which definitely translated onto the ice.
**Interviewer:** You scored twice and had an assist tonight. What was working for you personally, and how did the team’s offensive depth play into this game?
**Mac Swanson:** It was a great team effort. We were all moving our feet and making smart plays. I was just in the right place at the right time, and my teammates set me up really well. The fact that seven different players scored shows how deep our offense is this year. When everyone contributes, it makes it hard for the opposing team to defend against us.
**Interviewer:** Your line seemed to have great chemistry. How important is that collaboration on the ice, especially against a strong opponent like Minnesota Duluth?
**Mac Swanson:** Chemistry is crucial, particularly in high-pressure games. Knowing where your linemates are going to be and anticipating their moves can create scoring opportunities. We worked hard in practice to build that chemistry, and it really paid off tonight.
**Interviewer:** T.J. Semptimphelter had a solid game in goal, especially leading into the third period with a shutout. How does his performance impact the team’s confidence?
**Mac Swanson:** T.J. was phenomenal! When you have a goalie who’s making big saves and keeping the team in the game, it gives everyone so much more confidence to play aggressively. Knowing he’s behind us allows us to take calculated risks and push for offense without fearing that we might leave him out to dry.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead to the rematch on Saturday, what’s the key focus for the team to achieve a series sweep?
**Mac Swanson:** We need to keep the same intensity and focus that we had tonight. It’s important not to let our guard down, especially after a big win. We’ll review our performance and identify areas where we can improve. The goal is to play our game, stay disciplined, and continue building on this momentum.
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Mac! Best of luck in the rematch.
**Mac Swanson:** Thanks for having me! We’re excited for the next game!
