UND faces No. 1 scoring offense averaging 5.7 goals per game
The Fighting Hawks allowed 15 goals in their last three games before hosting Western Michigan in a two-game series at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
By Michael Bennett ·
North Dakota allows 15 goals in its last three games. That defensive output now faces the nation's best attack in Western Michigan, which is averaging 5.7 goals per game this season. The two teams meet for a two-game series at Ralph Engelstad Arena, with the first game scheduled for 7:07 p.m. Friday and the second for 6:07 p.m. Saturday.
UND head coach Dane Jackson watched the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game on the flight home from Austin, Texas, on Sunday morning. His team lost that game 5-3 to Michigan State at H-E-B Center. Jackson said there was a fair amount of good in the performance, noting that the team had been hitting on defensive details during a strong week. He acknowledged the need to clean up specific areas and get more detailed in their play.
Western Michigan enters the series with a 6-1 record. The Broncos have scored 27 goals through their first two periods in games, outscoring opponents 12-2 in the first period and 15-2 in the second. Their only loss came via a last-second buzzer-beater at Michigan. Coach Pat Ferschweiler said each win solidifies belief in the program, particularly for younger and new players. He stated the team is here to be a championship hockey club, not just to win isolated games.
The Broncos' top line of William Whitelaw, Adam Benák, and Bobby Cowan has combined for 35 points in seven games. Whitelaw ranks third nationally with 14 points and has recorded a point in every game this season. The second line, featuring Iiro Hakkarainen, Grand Forks native Cole Spicer, and Zaccharya Wisdom, has 20 points. Third-line center Tommy Lafrenière, a third-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers, is averaging one point per game.
UND assistant captain Mac Swanson called the matchup a tough challenge given the team's recent struggles. He noted that Western Michigan has high-end skill and puts many pucks in the net. Swanson said the Fighting Hawks can shut down the offense by tracking opponents and having the defense stand their ground. Junior defenseman Brasen Boser said the key is staying above opponents and keeping tight gaps to prevent them from making plays.
Western Michigan is efficient on the defensive end, allowing just 1.6 goals per game, which ranks seventh nationally. The team features a veteran defensive corps led by Hobey Baker Award candidate Joona Väisänen. Jackson said the Broncos apply heavy defensive pressure, making it difficult to enter their zone easily. He emphasized that puck management will be vital for UND.
This is the only regular-season meeting between the teams this year. UND does not travel to Lawson Ice Arena, which is in its final season. Jackson said his players have been resolute and hungry to learn. He stressed that the team must continue finding better ways to clean up defensive issues, noting that being good most of the time is not enough; it has to be good all the time.
