UMD will likely need to win to advance to the national tournament.
DULUTH, Minn. — Nearly a month ago, the UMD men's hockey team and Denver were scheduled to meet in a two-game series at AMSOIL.
The Bulldogs had a tough battle against the Pioneers, but ultimately lost both games 4-5, 2-5.
Now, both teams are gearing up to face off again, but this time in the NCHC quarterfinals.
UMD will likely need to win to advance to the national tournament.
Head coach Scott Sandelin said he didn't need to give a speech to the team to indicate what was at stake and that the team was already locked in for playoff time.
“We're going to go out there and give it our all and extend the season. We're going to prepare week by week. We're not going to make this bigger than anything else. Guys, we're going to play whoever we're going to play. You know, they're excited for this weekend, which happens to be the playoffs,” Sandelin said.
“We have to weather the storm and stuff in our zone. If they can skate outside and stay outside most of the time they're in the zone, that's how we want to play. We have to play hard. We have to play the full 60 minutes. I think everyone knows that, but it's playoff hockey so you never know what's going to happen and we're gearing up for that. I think we’re ready,” added fifth-year goaltender Matthew Thiessen.
Friday will have a later start with puck drop at 8:07 p.m.
