UND takes on a familiar foe this weekend

WEST FARGO — Jackson Kunz had two words to describe what playing Bemidji State is like, “Heavy and hard.” 

The Beavers and Fighting Hawks will square off in a home-and-home matchup this Thanksgiving weekend. 

UND and BSU will play at the Sanford Center in Bemidji on Friday night and return to the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks on Saturday.

“Year after year, they are very competitive,” UND coach Brad Berry said. “When we play these games, there's not a lot of time and space. They have players that can make plays.”

UND will look to produce more during five-on-five hockey. Last weekend against Robert Morris, the Fighting Hawks only scored three goals at even strength, all within the first two minutes of the first periods each night.

The Beavers are an older and more experienced team.  They are also very disciplined, ranking eighth in the country in penalty minutes per game (6.84).

When asked what he wants to see from his team this weekend, Berry talked about having the defensemen more involved in offensive play. 

“When we’re breaking out pucks, we’re jumping as a five-man unit,” Berry said. “Once we get in the offensive zone, it's trying to keep plays alive. Trying to get pucks to the net. I think it’s a situation where if we can protect pucks and try to penetrate the middle of the ice more, whether that’s a possession play, going inside of the dots, or else the low-to-high plays and getting guys to the net.”

Injury report

During the press conference, Berry talked about Louis  Jamernik and Andrew Strathmann skating and getting reps this week in practice. Both players will likely be a game-time decision.

Cody Croal is progressing as well. Although Berry ruled his chances of playing this week as “Doubtful.” But there is a chance he might play before Christmas.

Making an instant impact

UND freshman forward Sacha Boisvert has adapted well to the college game.

The first-round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks was named the NCHC Rookie of the Week for the second time this season.

“He’s done a great job as a young guy,” Berry said. “Coming in here, whether it’s five on five or powerplay, adding to our group, and that's exciting.”

Boisvert leads UND in points right now. He has been successful on the power-play using his one-timer.

“I just find myself in good areas to get the puck,” Boisvert said. I feel comfortable on my one-timer side, and it's been paying off.”

One of the reasons Boisvert has seen success on the ice is his boost in confidence. 

“Not only in games but practice, I just try to be the best player out there,” Boisvert said. 

Goaltender(s)

After boasting a 1-0 shutout against Robert Morris, sophomore netminder Hobie Hedquist has given the UND coaching staff confidence that he’ll be dialed in on any given night. Hedquist has one win this season, but in the games he’s played, he has posted a 1.6 GAA and a .933 SV%.

“When you see all the programs around the country that have two goaltenders they are rotating right now, they’re winning games,” Berry said. “It brings confidence within our group that you can throw T.J. (Semptimphelter) in or Hobie (Hedquist) each and every night, and they’re going to give you a chance to win.

“I got to commend Hobie too,” Berry said. “T.J.’s played more games than Hobie has, and Hobie was ready to go and answer the bell. That tells you he’s a team-first guy and a competitor.”

Bemidji State players to watch

Goaltender Mattias Sholl – Sholl has five wins this season, posting a 2.35 GAA and a .915 SV%

Forward Kirklan Irey – Irey is tied for the most points 

with 13 (five goals, four assists).

Defenseman Isa Parekh – The freshman defenseman has appeared in 10 games this season. He has five points (two goals, three assists).

Quick notes

• UND leads BSU 37-5-7 

• Boisvert is tied for second among rookies with points in the NCHC (11)

• Jake Schmaltz has been excellent in the dot this season. He is currently 145-83 (63.6%) 

• UND is 6-1 when scoring first