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Men’s hockey loses in playoffs
BY ALI DRAVES
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
iISSUE: 78/25
ASSOCIATED PRESS
UMD goalie Alex Stalock jumps over a Denver player
during their playoff series.
The Bulldogs were eliminated in the first round of the WCHA play-offs by the Denver Pioneers in a heartbreaking sweep. “The season ended a little shorter than we would have hoped, but overall we played consistently over stretches,” said head coach Scott Sandelin. “We struggled at times to put the puck in the net, and that makes it hard to win games.” UMD, despite a big win against the Minnesota Golden Gophers from the previous weekend, was unable to rally for a spot in the WCHA Final Five. “I thought we had a successful
season,” said senior Matt McKnight. “No one gave us a chance to do any good things this year. We were probably only two wins from the national tournament.”
Denver had immediate control of Friday night’s game, with a goal from Dustin Jackson at 2:15 in the first period. The Dogs were sent to the box shortly after for a holding call and fought to defend the zone. Unfortunately, the Pioneers scored on the power play at 4:58 with another goal from Jackson. The Pioneers had a 2-0 lead over the Bulldogs as they headed into the locker room after the first. That bitter taste was just what UMD needed. Junior Andrew Carroll scored his eighth goal of the season at 8:23 in the second period, putting the Bulldogs right back into the game.
Despite a surge for the comeback, Matt Glasser scored for Denver at 9:29, boosting their lead to two. Penalties continued to taunt the Bulldogs, and the Pioneers took immediate advantage. Tyler Bozak scored again for the Pioneers on a power-play goal at 13:39, increasing their lead to three goals. It seemed like the momentum was in the Pioneers favor, but the Bulldogs weren’t done fighting yet. Senior Mike Curry scored for UMD at 14:24, holding the Pioneers to a two-goal lead after two periods of play. Bozak was on fire for the Pioneers, scoring only 23 seconds into the third period, diminishing the hopes of a quick rally for the Dogs.
However, the Bulldogs were finally able to capitalize on a power play opportunity, with a goal by junior Josh Meyers at 5:55. The score was now 5-3 and the Bulldogs were fighting to stay alive. “I was very happy with how our team came together,” said McKnight. “A tight knit team will always go further than individuals.” Shortly after, Cody Brookwell scored an unassisted goal at 7:50 and solidified the Pioneers’ victory. The Bulldogs’ defense, despite their efforts, were unable to stop the Pioneers’ powerhouse offense.
With the Dogs facing elimination, they hit the ice Saturday night, ready for a showdown. In previous away games, the Dogs usually were able to come back after a Friday night loss, and Sandelin feels that echoes the team’s commitment and strength. “Winning on the road is never easy, and when you get beat on Friday night and are able to come back and win on Saturday night, it is a testament to the guys we have in our locker room,” said Sandelin.
At 7:44 in the second period, Anthony Maiani scored a much-needed goal for Denver, giving them the lead at 1-0. “Our penalty killing, team defense and goaltending worked well this year and gave us a chance to win,” said Sandelin. As the Bulldogs continued to fight to extend their season just one more day, they failed to be successful. The Pioneers’ one-goal win was devastating to the Bulldogs’ season. Sophomore Alex Stalock had a total of 36 saves for the weekend, producing an overall record of 13-17-6 for the Bulldogs this season, according to the UMD Web site. “Watching Stalock make some of the saves he made this year were memorable,” said Sandelin. “Not a lot of goaltenders can make some of those saves.”
Despite the loss, the seniors on the team skated away with many memories. McKnight’s favorite memory coincidentally involved Denver, but with a different outcome. “My most memorable moment was in my sophomore year we went out and beat Denver in the playoffs and then played at the Final Five against St.Cloud,” said McKnight. Sandelin agrees that the seniors will be missed. “With our four departing seniors, we will miss their leadership and experience,” said Sandelin. “They played a lot of games for our programs and will certainly be missed.” Although the seniors must leave UMD, McKnight has hockey plans for the future.
“I am going to keep playing hockey,” said McKnight. “I am not sure where I will be yet, but I am sure that will take care of itself over the summer.”
