UND holds No. 1 offense to 17 shots

The University of North Dakota defense neutralized the top scoring attack in college hockey during Friday night's contest in Grand Forks. The result was a 2-2 tie with Western Michigan, a performance that coach Dane Jackson praised regardless of the point distribution.

Western Michigan, ranked No. 1 in scoring, finished the game with only 17 shots on goal. This marked the second-lowest total under head coach Pat Ferschweiler in six years and the lowest in nearly four years. The Fighting Hawks managed just seven shots at even strength. Prior to this matchup, their season low was 29 shots against Michigan.

UND coach Dane Jackson noted that the staff evaluates the effort more than the final score. He cited the team's ability to manage the puck and check opponents as the defining factors. "Our checking and our willingness to manage the puck was extremely good," Jackson said. "Really proud of the guys about how we competed, how we managed the puck, how we checked and worked as a five-man unit. Excellent."

The Broncos started slowly. Western Michigan's Adam Benák scored on the first shot of the game, less than a minute after the start. For the next 43 minutes and 43 seconds, UND recorded only five shots on goal, with just two coming at even strength. Forward William Whitelaw, who averaged two points per game before this match, was held without a goal for the first time in eight games.

UND took an early lead in the first period on a power-play goal by Hudson Malinoski. Defenseman Brasen Boser extended the lead with an even-strength goal in the second period. However, the Fighting Hawks regained control late in the game. They earned three consecutive power plays in the final 10 minutes and 33 seconds. Ty Henricks tipped the puck in to tie the game with 4 minutes and 38 seconds remaining on the second of those chances.

Western Michigan won the shootout to secure an extra point in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference standings. They improved their record to 6-1-1, while UND fell to 4-3-1. The Broncos goaltender Jan Špunar made 15 saves. Western Michigan's Quentin Miller stopped 24 of 26 shots on goal.

Forward Ollie Josephson, who recorded an assist, described the performance as a step in the right direction. "I thought we played well. I think we're happy with our performance. Just some little things to tune up and we'll be ready to go tomorrow," Josephson said.

Jackson admitted the team had more chances to build a larger lead, particularly in the middle frame. Western Michigan outshot UND 13-3 in the second period. Jackson said the team needs more poise in key moments and better finishing ability. "I thought we had quite a few chances to make some plays," Jackson said. "We've got to have a little more poise in those big moments, but it's tough to nitpick on that."

With 52 seconds left in regulation, Western Michigan's Zack Sharp was called for holding on Will Zellers. The Fighting Hawks did not score on that final power-play opportunity. The series finale is scheduled for 6:07 p.m. Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Jackson stated that the team will continue to build on this effort. "We believe in our players. We believe in the character of the guys we have. If we do the day-to-day things the right way, by the end of the year, we think we'll be one of the best teams," Jackson said.