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Grand Forks, ND – Tonight was senior night for six seniors and it’s an emotional time for all of them. Assistant captain Corban Knight showed up to the post-game press conference still wearing his home white and he was obviously choked up. When asked to explain his emotions, Corban Knight said this.
“Tough to explain – you know – putting something to a program for the last four years, it’s coming to an end, it’s tough to explain.
It was obvious; the tie didn’t sit well with the senior forward as he banged his stick on the ice as the clock ticked down the horn sounded, ending the game in a 2-2 tie. At times the Beavers kept the 12,117 fans (second most all-time) frustrated as well as the Beavers kept UND’s shots to the outside and protected their net blocking shot after shot.
When asked about his team’s tenacious shot blocking was a key to the game, Bemidji State Beavers head coach Tom Serratore said.
“You got to block shots,” Serratore said. “That’s hockey; that’s not a key, that’s automatic, that’s non-negotiable, that’s part of being a hockey player, that’s sacrifice.
The Bemidji State Beavers are a hard team to play against, they get in the shooting and they limit your time and space and they pack it in around their net. Tonight, was no different, throughout the game, the Beavers were in UND’s grill.
“It’s always tough to playing against those guys,” Corban Knight said. “The way they play, they really pack it in defensively. It’s a grind against those guys. That was definitely the case tonight. It was a hard fought 65 minutes; it was pretty low scoring hockey – not a lot of chances – it’s the way they play and it’s tough to play against.”
A late power play goal at the 08:37 mark of the third period by freshman defenseman Jordan Schmaltzhelped the University of North Dakota (18-9-7, 13-6-7 WCHA) salvage a 2-2 tie with the 11th place Bemidji State Beavers (6-18-8, 5-14-7 WCHA).
After the game UND head coach Dave Hakstol seem pleased with the effort of his team.
“One point, great performance,” Hakstol said. “High level of pride for our senior class”
Freshman defenseman Jordan Schmaltz scored at the 08:37 mark of the third period to force the extra session. Schmaltz has been very noticeable on the ice the last 4-5 series and coach Hakstol agreed.
“I think his game took a step about a month ago,” Hakstol said. He’s held it as a pretty good level. I think the challenge for him is no different than it is for the rest of our team, we want to take one more step yet in terms of our over-all performance.”
It was obvious from the replay in the press box that Jordan Schmaltz had scored the game tying goal but the on ice official Brad Shepherd waved the goal off on the ice. After a short review, the goal was confirmed. Tie game.
“I got a pass from Carter Rowney and kind of made one quick move,” Schmaltz said. “Was lucky to get it on net, it went post and in”
Next weekend, UND travels to Mankato to play the Minnesota State Mavericks in an important two game series, that will go a long way in determining who UND plays during their first round of the WCHA playoffs.
CONFIRMED: UND has officially clinched home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. — North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 3, 2013
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