Get ready for an ice-cold showdown that could decide more than just tonight's winner! No. 20 Miami takes on No. 3 UND in a high-stakes hockey clash, and the tension is palpable as these two powerhouses wrap up their two-game series at the iconic Ralph Engelstad Arena. UND already secured a nail-biting 1-0 victory in the opener, but can they sweep the series and inch closer to clinching the Penrose Cup? Or will Miami bounce back with a vengeance? But here's where it gets controversial: UND has dominated Miami in their last 11 meetings—a streak that has fans and analysts alike questioning if the RedHawks can finally break the curse. And this is the part most people miss: with key players sidelined due to injuries and maintenance, both teams are shuffling their lineups, setting the stage for unexpected heroes or costly mistakes.
Game Details:
- Time: 6:07 p.m.
- Place: Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks.
- TV: Catch the action on Midco Sports (GF Ch. 27/622 HD).
- Radio: Tune in to The Fox (96.1 FM) at https://961thefox.iheart.com/.
- Stream: Watch live at https://nchchockey.com/tv/schedule/event/1398.
First Period Recap: Scoreless, but the intensity is already off the charts.
UND Lineup:
Forwards:
- Mac Swanson, Ellis Rickwood, Will Zellers
- Dylan James, Cole Reschny, Ben Strinden
- Cody Croal, Ollie Josephson, Jack Kernan
- Anthony Menghini, Cade Littler, Tyler Young
Defensemen:
- Jake Livanavage, Keaton Verhoeff
- Abram Wiebe, E.J. Emery
- Sam Laurila, Andrew Strathmann
- Jayden Jubenvill (in for Bennett Zmolek)
Goaltenders: Jan Špunar, Gibson Homer, Zach Sandy
Not Playing: Josh Zakreski (warming up), David Klee (injured), Dalton Andrew, Bennett Zmolek (body maintenance), Ian Engel.
Miami Lineup:
Forwards:
- Kocha Delic, Ilia Morozov, David Deputy
- Ryan Smith, Maximilion Helgeson, Doug Grimes
- Bradley Walker, Ethan Hay, Blake Mesenburg
- Casper Nassen, Justin Stupka, Brayden Morrison
- Nicholas Mikan (in for Matteo Giampa)
Defensemen:
- Kyle Aucoin, Michael Phelan
- Shaun McEwen, Michael Quinn
- Ryder Thompson, Nick Donato
Goaltenders: Matteo Drobac, Mathis Langevin, Benji Motew
Not Playing: Matteo Giampa (injured), Vladislav Lukashevich (injured), Owen Lalonde (injured), David Grosek, John Emmons.
Officials:
- Referees: Jake Jackson, Nolan Bloyer
- Linesmen: Kyle Stephens, Eric Steele
- Supervisor: Thor Nelson
Pregame Insights:
UND’s only change is Jayden Jubenvill stepping in for Bennett Zmolek, who’s out for another night of body maintenance. Miami, meanwhile, is without Matteo Giampa, who left the first game with an injury. Nicholas Mikan, a standout from Edina, Minn., fills the gap. The RedHawks are also shaking things up by pairing Ilia Morozov with Kocha Delic and David Deputy on the top line—a move that could either pay off big or backfire spectacularly. Between the pipes, it’s Jan Špunar vs. Matteo Drobac once again, with Špunar riding a hot streak after stopping 37 of 38 shots in his last two games. UND needs just three more wins to secure the Penrose Cup, but Miami is desperate to end their 11-game losing streak against their rivals.
Bold Question for You: Can Miami finally break UND’s stranglehold, or is this just another chapter in their rivalry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your take!
About the Author: Brad Schlossman has been the go-to voice for college hockey in the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. Recognized four times by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer in his division and twice as North Dakota’s sportswriter of the year, Schlossman brings unmatched expertise and passion to every story. Based in Grand Forks, he’s always on the pulse of the action. Reach him at bschlossman@gfherald.com and stay tuned for more thrilling updates!
