Mar 24, 2019

St. CLoud State falls in NCHC Frozen Faceoff championship Game to UMD

(Photo – SCSU Athletics)

by Hans Bristol / @hans_bristol / sports@kvsc.org

Minnesota – Duluth took down St. Cloud State 3-2 in double overtime, claiming the 2019 NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship.

St. Cloud State struck first in the opening period as Robby Jackson knocked in a loose puck to give the Huskies the lead at 7:45 of the first period.

Duluth’s Mikey Anderson blasted a shot for a goal just moments later tying the game back at 1.

NCHC Golatender of the Year Hunter Shephard was stellar in goal during the opening period, stopping 15 of 16 shots on goal. UMD slowed the explosive Huskies offense with physical play as the first period ended tied at one a piece.

The second period began seeing the Huskies have pair of chances on the power play die from the strong penalty kill of the Bulldogs.

Hunter Shepard continued to be a brick wall in goal for Duluth and the player of the game for the Bulldogs. SCSU would dominate in shots on goal but couldn’t get the puck past the top goalie in the conference searching to break the tie.

Nick Perbix was called for a tripping penalty opening the door for a scoring chance for the Bulldogs at the 14:46 mark in the 2nd period. Right away, they were able to pepper shots on David Hrenak, but the goalie stood strong deflecting away chance after chance for UMD.

Despite the chances, SCSU’s penalty kill killed off the pressure from the Bulldogs taking away a massive chance to break the 1-1 deadlock during the period.

Duluth’s Matt Anderson was called for a penalty late in the second period that would carry over into the 3rd period of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship game.

Not tallying a power play goal all game, the Huskies got one at a crucial time 28 seconds into the 3rd period. NCHC Forward of the Year Patrick Newell fired a shot past Hunter Shephard pushing the Huskies ahead 2-1.  

St. Cloud State’s penalty kill stole yet another Duluth power play opportunity. The third power play chance of the game failed for Duluth searching to find a quick response to trailing SCSU late in the contest.

Blake Lizotte was inches away from pushing the lead to 3-1 but the shot was ruled no goal on a excellent effort ending in a beautiful back-handed shot. The game stayed a one goal contest at 2-1 late into the 3rd period.

UMD would not go away. Billy Exell scored a game tying goal with just under three minutes left in the final period to tie the game at 2, ultimately sending the championship battle into overtime.

Overtime number one featured no goals or penalties to either team. Minimal chances were give and both net minders stayed strong as David Hrenak stopped 7 shots on goal by Duluth while Hunter Shepherd matched that number as well with 7 saves as well in the first overtime.

UMD’s Nick Swaney ensured the game would finish in the second overtime, slotting a shot past David Hrenak to win the Frozen Faceoff Championship for the Bulldogs in dramatic fashion.

The Bulldogs win their  2nd NCHC Frozen Faceoff Title while the Huskies suffer a loss in the tournament championship game for the 2nd straight season.

In goal, St. Cloud State’s David Hrenak finished with 27 saves on 30 shots on goal. UMD’s Hunter Shepard tallied 37 saves from 39 Huskies shots. 14 of those saves came in the first period.

SCSU’s Robby Jackson, Blake Lizotte, Patrick Newell and Jimmy Schuldt were announced to the the NCHC Frozen Faceoff All-Tournament Team. UMD’s Mikey Anderson and Hunter Shepard were selected to the team as well.

The epic battle between the in-state rivals was the first ever NCHC tournament game that required double overtime to decide a winner.

The Huskies loss to Duluth snaps a ten-game win streak dating back to a 5-1 victory over Miami Ohio on February first.

St. Cloud State now holds a record of 30-5-3 in 2018-19.

SCSU will await the NCAA Selection Show Sunday, March 24th at 6pm to learn their seed, location and opponent for the upcoming NCAA Tournament beginning next week (selection show is being broadcasted live on ESPNU March 24th at 6pm).

KVSC Sports will have full updates once the tournament is announced and further coverage of St. Cloud State Men’s Hockey postseason run.

Thank You Underwriters

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