UND Hockey to Host First-Round Playoff Series

The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks found a way to earn the points needed to host a first-round playoff series.

Over the past weekend, UND had its hands full with the top-ranked team in the nation, St. Cloud State. Coming off a tough overtime loss at Ralph Engelstad Arena on Friday night, the Fighting Hawks needed to rebound with at least a point and some help to move ahead of Nebraska-Omaha and Colorado College to be in a position to host the first-round playoff series. That's exactly what happened.

UND earned a 2-2 tie through regulation and the first overtime giving them the point they needed to go ahead in the standings while both Nebraska-Omaha and Colorado College were defeated by Minnesota-Duluth and Western Michigan, respectively. UND then won in the 3-on-3 second overtime frame when Rhett Gardner scored with 46 seconds remaining to earn a second point on the night.

Earning the points needed means that UND (14-12-10) earns home ice advantage for the first round of the NCHC quarterfinals for the 16th consecutive year. The Fighting Hawks will take on Nebraska-Omaha in a best-of-three games series at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks. Game 1 is Friday night (March 9th) at 7:30. To purchase tickets, you can do so at the link provided below.