Friday Gameday: A Special Start

Expectations are always high in Grand Forks when talking about the UND men's hockey team.

Coming into the 2015-16 campaign, on the heels of their second-consecutive Frozen Four appearance, expectations were high once again, but many questions loomed.

The Green and White were replacing seven seniors, all of which who had carved deep roles in the UND program, with 11 freshmen. The team lost two more to the professional ranks, one being Mike Richter award-winning goalie Zane McIntyre. And most importantly, UND came into this season with a new head coach as Brad Berry took over for long-time bench boss Dave Hakstol, who left to coach the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers.

Then came the injuries.

With third-round draft pick Matej Tomek already out with a nagging, off-season injury, UND lost starting goaltender Cam Johnson to a leg injury, vaulting third-string goalie Matt Hyrnkiw, who had not played a single second in the college game, to starter. Senior forward Colten St. Clair, freshmen Shane Gersich and Joel Janatuinen also added to UND's growing injury list.

Sounds like a recipe for a disastrous start, right?

Well, through six non-conference games, the No. 1 Green and White are unblemished and have answered all the questions.

UND looks to continue its special start this weekend as they travel to Colorado Springs to take on the Colorado College Tigers in their first National Collegiate Hockey Conference series of the year, Friday and Saturday night.

Here's what to look for this weekend from World Arena in DDC's weekly "Who? What? How?" series preview.

Who?

Players to Watch

Colorado College:

Colorado College Sr. F,
Cody Bradley

Fr. F, Trey Bradley 3 goals, 1 assist -- 4 points; Sr. F, Cody Bradley 1g, 1a -- 2pts (leading returning scorer from 2014-15); Sr. F, Hunter Fejes 1g (second leading returning scorer from 2014-15); Fr. G, Jacob Nehama, 0-4-0, 3.95 goals against average, .904 save percentage; Jr. G, Tyler Marble, 0-2-0, 3.44 GAA, .877 SV PCT.

UND:

Sr. F, Drake Caggiula 2g, 6a -- 8pts; Sr. F, Bryn Chyzyk 5g, 1a -- 6pts; Fr. F, Brock Boeser 4g, 2a -- 6pts; Jr. D, Troy Stecher 2g, 4a -- 6pts; Jr. G, Matt Hrynkiw 3-0-1, 1.76 GAA, .933 SV PCT.

What?

Standout Stats

For the first time since 2002, UND is undefeated through six games (4-0-2). With a sweep this weekend, the Green and White would be unbeaten through eight games for the first time since the 1999-2000 season, the last time UND won a national championship.

UND has won 10 out of the last 11 against Colorado College, including a sweep last season in Colorado.

Matt Hrynkiw's 1.76 goals against average and .933 save percentage ranks him 16th and 13th in the country, respectively.

Colorado College's 1.50 goals per game scoring places them 52 out of 54 in the country.

UND Fr. F, Brock Boeser has lived up to his first-round NHL draft pick billing
so far this season. The Burnsville, Minn. native has been a spark plug so far
this season, coming into this weekend with 4 goals and 2 assists on the year.

How?

How'd they get here?

No. 1 UND is unbeaten on the season at 4-0-2 and is coming off a sweep of Vermont in Burlington last weekend, 2-0, 5-2.

Colorado College is 0-6 early on in the year and was blanked in back-to-back losses last weekend 3-0 and 5-0 at Boston College.

This is the first NCHC series for both teams.

The Pick

UND Jr. G, Matt Hrynkiw

Entering the 2015-16 season, UND looked to be a team that would be led by a stellar defensive corps, returning five regulars to the lineup from last season, but would struggle a bit early on to find goals.

While the defensemen have certainly done their job, carrying a NCAA seventh-best goals per game against average of just 1.5 goals per game, the story has been the offense. Sporting the 14th best scoring attack (3.67 goals per game) in the country, UND has peppered opponents with shots, ranking fourth in the NCAA in shots per game with 38.

On the other side of the ice, Colorado College has struggled, scoring just 1.5 goals per game.

Simply put, The Tigers don't look to have the offensive guns to keep pace this weekend against UND. DDC thinks Hyrnkiw and the defense in front of him will do enough and the goals keep coming for the Green and White.

UND SWEEPS, 5-1, 4-2

Check back after this weekend to see if UND stayed unbeaten in Colorado.

Roses and Thorns: It Feels Good to be Wrong

It's not often that DDC picks against the UND's men's hockey team. DDC did just that this past weekend when the No. 1 Green and White traveled to Burlington, VT to take on the Vermont Catamounts, as he picked a split in this past weekend's series.

DDC's doubts were based around UND junior goaltender Matt Hrynkiw and his lack of experience in college hockey. Take a look at The Pick from this past weekend:

However, Hrynkiw's first action in the 4-4 tie on Friday, in which he relived an injured Cam Johnson and let up two quick goals, looms as a serious question mark. Rebound control and net presence are needed for the junior to lead UND to two wins this weekend. DDC thinks UND gets one this weekend, on the heels of a more talented offensive punch.

In this case, it sure feels good to be wrong.

The walk-on and once third-string netminder had a stellar weekend. A sparkling 27-save shutout (Hyrnkiw's first in just his second career start) on Friday paced a 2-0 UND win. Saturday, the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native had another 27-save performance, this time on 29 shots, leading the Green and White to a 5-2 win and a non-conference sweep. The two wins earned Hrynkiw National Collegiate Hockey Conference goaltender of the week honors.

DDC predicted the UND offense would earn a split and that side of the ice surely came to play in Vermont. Rookie Brock Boeser led all NCHC freshmen in points this weekend, assisting on a goal on Friday and following up with a goal and an assist on Saturday, to be named NCHC freshman of the week.

Here's what stood out to DDC in this week's Roses and Thorns column.

Roses

No. 1 -- Matt Hrynkiw

UND Jr. G, Matt Hrynkiw
earned NCHC Goalie
of the Week honors

The questions were fair coming into this series. While he played well earning a tie and a win against Bemidji
State in his first action, the junior showed signs of nerves. He struggled a bit with rebound control and found himself out of position a few times against the Beavers. Boy, what a difference a little experience can make. Again, in just his second career start, Hrynkiw showed what it takes to be a big-time player at the college level, earning his first shutout. To put things into perspective, last year's Mike Richter award winner as the best goaltender in college hockey, Zane McIntyre had just one shutout all season. DDC was certainly impressed with Hrynkiw this weekend and that steady play could mean big things going forward for the Green and White.

No. 2 -- UND's Offense

It's becoming hard to not be continually excited about the scoring punch for UND. The Green and White again showed a dynamic scoring punch and carried the play throughout this weekend. Brock Boeser continued his impressive play, with his three-point weekend and senior forward Bryn Chyzyk continued his hot start, potting goals in both games to move his total to five (six total points) through six games. The line of senior Drake Caggiula (1g, 1a), sophomore Nick Schmaltz (2a) and Boeser (1g, 2a) tallied a seven-point weekend on the heels of a nine-point effort last Saturday against Bemidji State. UND has racked up a whopping 228 shots on goal through six games, an average of 38 per night and it's certainly been fun to watch early on.

No. 3 --  Still Unbeaten

For the first time since 2002, when Sioux great and NHL all-star Zach Parise was a freshman, UND is unbeaten through its first six games. It's a pretty incredible start for a team that came into the season with a new head coach, 11 freshmen and have been riddled with injuries. UND is 3-0 since Matt Hrynkiw took over as the starting goaltender. After six non-conference tussles, the Green and White kick off their NCHC schedule, traveling to Colorado Spring to take on Colorado College. Let's see how far this can go, shall we?

UND defenseman Tucker Poolman presses Catamount forward Anthony Petruzzelli
on Friday. The Green and White topped Vermont 2-0. (Photo Credit: Free Press)

No. 4 -- Vermont's Webcast

Free just so happens to be DDC's favorite price, but many times, free doesn't always mean great. Despite being just a one-camera play-by-play that did not provide replays, big props to Vermont's very clear webcast. After the broadcast debacle with ZERO live coverage of the games from the Ice Breaker Invitational to start the season, Vermont provided the Green and White faithful with a way to watch their team. Thank you, Vermont Athletics.

Thorns

No. 1 -- Jimmer Held at Bay

DDC has pretty much got nothing here. UND earned a sweep with a former third-string goaltender, got continued scoring from all over their lineup and carried play in nearly every fashion for all six periods. So, the only thorn DDC has comes from the lack of production from a former Sioux. Senior Dan Senkbeil, who transferred to Vermont following the 2012-13 season, saw his first action of the season on Saturday, only contributing a slashing minor. DDC was pulling for the former UND fan favorite to find the back of the net, particularly as the Green and White carried a comfortable lead late. Cheers, Jim. This blogger wishes you well as you round out your college career.

There you have it. Come back to the blog later this week as UND gets it's NCHC season started in The Springs.

Friday Gameday: On the Road Again

For the second time in three weekends, the No. 1 UND men's hockey team forges east for two
non-conference tussles.

Two weekends ago, it was the Green and White beating Lake Superior State and tying Maine for an Ice Breaker Invitational championship. This weekend for the first time ever, North Dakota travels to Burlington, VT to take on the Vermont Catamounts Friday and Saturday night.

Things have changed a lot in the past two weeks as the Green and White will be down two more skaters as freshmen Shane Gerisch (mono) and Joel Janatuinen (concussion) stayed in Grand Forks. Starting goaltender Cam Johnson (leg) also did not make the trip to Burlington. Junior goalie Matt Hrynkiw will be in the nets this weekend with freshman Bob Anderson backing him up.

Here's a breakdown of UND's final tune up before a run of National Collegiate Hockey Conference games in this week's "Who? What? How?" series preview.

Who?

Players to Watch

Vermont:

UND Jr. G, Matt Hrynkiw

Jr. F, Mario Puskarich, 3g, 1a -- 4pts; Jr. F, Brady Shaw, 1a (highest returning scorer from 2014-15); Sr. D, Alexx Privitera, 1g (second highest returning scorer from 2014-15); Jr. G, Mike Santaguida, 1-2-0, 2.03 goals against average, .917 save percentage. Sr. D, Dan Senkbeil played two seasons with UND before transferring to Vermont following the 2012-13 season. Sr. D, Yvan Pattyn captains the Catamounts and is the younger brother of 2014-15 UND captain, Stephane Pattyn.

UND:

Sr. F, Drake Caggiula, 1g, 5a -- 6pts; Jr. D, Troy Stecher, 1g, 4a -- 5pts; Fr. F, Brock Boeser, 3g, 0a -- 3pts, So. F, Nick Schmaltz, 0g, 3a -- 3pts; Jr. G, Matt Hrynkiw, 1-0-1, 2.82 GAA, .879 SV%.

What?

Standout Stats

UND is 3-0-1 all-time against the Catamounts, including a home sweep to start the 2013-14 season. This series marks the first time North Dakota has played Vermont in Burlington.

North Dakota looks to go unbeaten in its first five games for the first time since 2009-10 and through six games since 2002-03.

Vermont has racked up 26 penalty minutes in their first three games, but is 12 for 13 (92.3%) on the penalty kill. UND has struggled on the kill so far, going 9 for 14 (64.3%).

How?

How'd they get here?

No. 1 UND is 2-0-2 on the season, tying 4-4 on Friday night in Bemidji and winning 5-2 in Grand Forks last weekend against Bemidji State.

Vermont dropped two games at home last weekend to Nebraska Omaha, 4-3, 3-1 to fall to 1-2-0 on the year. The Catamounts opened their season with a 3-0 victory over Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Vermont topped Minnesota 3-0 in Minneapolis to start their 2015-16 campaign.

The Pick

This one comes down to goaltending.

DDC watched Vermont down the Golden Gophers to start their season on the right foot and was impressed with their team speed and effort level. However, UND's scoring punch has shown some potency early on this year as freshman Brock Boeser, senior Drake Caggiula and sophomore Nick Schmaltz look like a dominant top line for the Green and White. DDC gives the defensive nod to North Dakota, as well as the Green and White has been dynamic on the blue line and carries a veteran group led by junior Troy Stecher. Vermont holds the edge between the pipes and this will be difference maker. Junior Mike Santaguida has plenty of experience in the college game for Vermont, while UND's Matt Hrynkiw is still looking to provide full confidence for the Green and White faithful.

If Hrynkiw can play the way he did against Bemidji State in Saturday night's win, giving a solid 19-save effort while his offense took control late, the Green and White should sweep. However, Hrynkiw's first action in the 4-4 tie on Friday, in which he relived an injured Cam Johnson and let up two quick goals, looms as a serious question mark. Rebound control and net presence are needed for the junior to lead UND to two wins this weekend. DDC thinks UND gets one this weekend, on the heels of a more talented offensive punch. Which way will it go?

Vermont wins on Friday 4-3 and North Dakota earns the split on Saturday, 5-2

Check back in later to see how it all went down in Burlington.

Roses and Thorns: Beaten Up, but Still Unbeaten

DDC's first Roses and Thorns column of the 2015-16 season, after UND's 6-2 exhibition win over the Manitoba Bisons earlier in October, had only one thorn -- injuries.

In that column, DDC noted he hoped injuries never made the thorn section again this season.

Welp. So much for that.

The No. 1 UND men's hockey team earned a tie and a win in a non-conference, home-and-home series against Bemidji State, 4-4 on Friday in Bemidji and 5-2 on Saturday in Grand Forks to stay unbeaten on the season at 2-0-2, but certainly had its share of losses.

The Green and White, already down freshman goaltender Matej Tomek and senior forward Colten St. Clair to injuries coming into this past weekend, lost freshman Joel Janatuinen to an apparent concussion and starting goalie Cam Johnson to a leg injury on Friday night.

Johnson's injury led to junior walk-on goaltender Matt Hyrnkiw finishing off Friday's game and getting the start on Saturday, Hrynkiw's first college hockey action in his career.

Hrynkiw struggled a bit on Friday, allowing two goals in the third, but played well on Saturday, to earn his first win for UND.

Here's what else that stood out from this weekend's series.

Roses

No. 1 -- Matt Hrynkiw

DDC was certainly down on the junior after Friday night's tie, as Hrynkiw looked incredibly shaky early on. The netminder allowed a goal on his first shot faced and struggled with rebound control, leaving several chances for Bemidji State. Despite the struggles, Hrynkiw made a couple of really important saves, including one in overtime, to hold on for the tie. The junior came back on Saturday and played well, making 19 saves, including nine in the third period, to pace the UND win. Hrynkiw will likely be back in the net this coming weekend in Vermont and will need to play well behind the Green and White.

UND Fr. F, Brock Boeser notched a hat trick, his first three goals with North
Dakota, in UND's 5-2 win on Saturday. (Photo credit: Grand Forks Herald)

No. 2 -- Brock Boeser, Nick Schmaltz and Drake Caggiula

These three came into this season as possibly, the best three scorers for UND, but did not play together until Saturday night. After a nine point (4g, 5a) performance from that line that saw Boeser notch a hat trick, his first three goals for UND, the Green and White might be hard pressed to break up this line. The trio dominated the Beavers, controlling play and creating chances throughout. With the shaky goaltending situation, North Dakota will more than likely need steady goal scoring. This line absolutely brought that on Saturday night.

No. 3 -- Troy Stecher

The junior defenseman continued his stellar play this weekend, notching the game-winner on Saturday, his first of the year. Stecher was aggressive offensively on the play, pouncing on a loose puck outside of a net-front scrum, potting his goal through heavy traffic. The alternate captain has five points (1g, 4a) on the season and has shown tremendous offensive play all year.

Thorns

No. 1 -- Injuries

UND Jr. G, Matt Hyrnkiw

Ugh. Outside of the aforementioned bumps, UND was also down freshman Shane Gerisch to illness, forcing freshmen Mike Gornall and Christain Wolanin into the lineup on Saturday. Wolanin, a defenseman, played left wing. The Green and White will need to carry a "next man up" mentality going forward, in particular in the nets. Hrynkiw is in the spotlight. He will need to improve to keep this UND team in games until Johnson and Tomek return.

Thanks for reading. Head back later this week as North Dakota prepares to again travel east, taking on the Vermont Catamounts in another important, non-conference series.

Friday Gameday: New No. 1, New Challenge

After loses all over the Top 10 this past weekend coupled with an Ice Breaker Invitational championship, the
UND men's hockey team has taken over the top spot in college hockey.

The No. 1 Green and White will look to hold onto that top spot in an all-important, non-conference, home-and-home series against the Bemidji State Beavers Friday night in Bemidji and Saturday night in Grand Forks.

UND enters this weekend after playing well in a win and tie in Portland, Maine against Lake Superior State,
5-2 and Maine, 1-1. The Beavers started off their 2015-16 campaign with a strong victory over then No. 2 Minnesota Duluth last Saturday in Bemidji.

BSU scored with just 22 seconds left to play in the game to top the Bulldogs for their first win of the season.

Former conference mates in the WCHA, these two teams know each other very well. Last season, the Beavers stunned UND in the front end of the home-and-home series, dominating the Green and White 5-1 in Grand Forks. The loss marked the first for UND at home against BSU since 1970. North Dakota bounced back the next night and downed the Beavers 2-1 in Bemidji.

Here's what to watch for this weekend with DDC's "Who? What? How?" series preview.

Who?

Players to Watch

 

BSU:

BSU So. G, Michael Bitzer

So. G, Michael Bitzer, 14-11-3, 1.80 goals against average, .929 save percentage last season; So. F, Brendan Harms (10g, 11a -- 21 pts) and So. F, Nate Arens (9g, 11a -- 20 pts) were Bemidji's 2nd and 3rd leading scorers in 2014-15.

UND:

Sr. F, Drake Caggiula (18g, 18a -- 36 pts) returns as UND's leading scorer from 2014-15. Caggiula notched two assists last weekend. Fr. F, Brock Boeser is a first-round NHL draft pick and lead UND in shots last Saturday vs. Maine with eight. So. G, Cam Johnson earned his first career victory last Friday against LSSU.

What?

Standout Stats

UND is 27-3-3 all-time against Bemidji State, including an 18-2-2 record at home. The Green and White
are 47-19-3 all-time in their home opener.

Freshmen Shane Gersich (Friday) and Chris Wilkie (Saturday) scored their first career goals for UND last weekend in Portland.

Junior Charlie O'Connor scored the game-winning goal with just 22 seconds left to play to top UMD last weekend. Sophomore goaltender Michael Bitzer, a Moorhead, Minn., native, made 28 saves in the victory.

How?

How'd they get here?

No. 1 UND (1-0-1) won the Ice Breaker Invitational last weekend in Maine with a 5-2 win over Lake Superior State and tie against Maine, 1-1.

Bemidji State downed No. 2 Minnesota Duluth with a late goal, 3-2.

The Pick

UND So. G, Cam Johnson

Although they left Maine with a bit of hardware, the UND players felt a bit deflated. The Green and White dominated the game, outshooting the Black Bears 45-20, including 18-10 in the third, but could not solve Maine goaltender Rob McGovern a second time, earning a tie. It clearly wasn't for a lack of chances. The line of freshman Shane Gersich, sophomore Nick Schmaltz and freshman Brock Boeser had noticeable chemistry, creating opportunities throughout. DDC sees no reason why this won't continue this weekend against the Beavers.

Expect a high-energy, physical series as these two teams know how their opponent likes to play. UND's playmaking ability and dominant defensive corps should show through this weekend. After a shaky start, allowing two goals on his first three shots faced, netminder Cam Johnson played well the rest of the way. If the Green and White get a similar effort from Johnson against the Beavers, UND's offensive ability should take a hold of this series.

UND SWEEPS 5-2, 4-2

Head back to the blog after this weekend's series to see how it all went down.

Thanks for reading.