Former Miami goalie Ludvig Persson will aim for playoff success with North Dakota 

GRAND FORKS  — Ludvig Persson has had no success in the NCHC playoffs throughout his collegiate career. But that could all change this weekend.

The former Miami RedHawk will suit up against his former team for the fifth time this season. After playing three years at Miami University, Persson transferred to North Dakota for his senior season. 

Over three years as Miami's starting goalie, Persson won 19 games. He has already surpassed that win total this year.

While playing at Miami, Persson put up impressive numbers. In his freshman year, he posted a .925 save percentage and only allowed an average of 2.62 goals per game. That year, the RedHawks finished tied for last in the NCHC standings and were bounced out of the conference playoffs in the first round by North Dakota. Persson has never made it past the quarterfinals of the NCHC tournament.

Things are looking much brighter for the senior netminder this season, though.

The Fighting Hawks will head into the first round of the NCHC playoffs as the number one seed. Backed by strong defensive and offensive play, Persson has seen his workload lighten considerably this year. He’s faced an average of 23.6 shots per game this season. In his last three seasons at Miami, he was facing an average of 31.8 shots per game.

Miami’s offense was also consistently bad. For the last four years, the RedHawks offense has finished at or near the bottom of scoring in the NCHC. For a goaltender, it's tough to win games when the offense can't produce.

Earlier this season, Persson was asked what it's been like to win more games than he was used to.

“It builds momentum for sure and gives a lot of confidence. I love winning, and that's what we work for every day. It's just awesome to be on the ice with these guys.”

Persson has been humble about this season, often crediting his teammates and the coaching staff for his and the team's success. Following a shutout against Duluth last February, Persson briefly discussed the impact of UND’s top forward, Jackson Blake.

“He’s unreal every night,” Persson said. “I’m just glad to have him on our team.”

Jackson Blake broke the NCHC point record by scoring 37 points in 24 conference games. To put that into perspective, during Persson's tenure at Miami, Derek Daschke was the player with the highest number of points in NCHC play by a RedHawks player, having scored 20 points during the 2021-22 season.

It is safe to say that Persson has had far more offensive help while playing for North Dakota.

Regardless of statistics, records, or what might have happened in the last few years, Persson's slate has been wiped clean. He will have a chance to compete once again for the NCHC tournament championship cup and eventually will play in his first NCAA tournament game two weeks from today. 

Puck drop is slated for 7:07 PM Friday and 6:07 PM Saturday. If necessary, Sunday's game will start at 6:07 PM.

Location - Ralph Engelstad Arena

Persson’s career statistics

Miami 2020-21 - 18 games played - .925 save percentage - 2.62 goals against (5-11-2)

Miami 2021-22 - 32 games played - .894 save percentage - 3.93 goals against (6-23-2)

Miami 2022-23 - 32 games played - .891 save percentage - 3.67 goals against (8-19-4)

Nodak 2023-24 - 33 games played - .906 save percentage - 2.47 goals against