UPDATE: The fifth-ranked Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs triumphed over the Arizona State Sun Devils with a 3-1 victory in a thrilling NCHC matchup at Amsoil Arena on December 15, 2023. This win marks a record-breaking milestone for Bulldogs head coach Scott Sandelin, celebrating his 1,000th game at the helm.
In a tightly contested battle, the Bulldogs improved their series opener performance to a perfect 10-0 this season on Friday nights. Standout players included Max Plante, the nation’s leading scorer with 29 points, who netted a power-play goal, alongside Kyle Gaffney and Daniel Shlaine, who sealed the game with an empty-netter.
The game took a dramatic turn when the Bulldogs faced a major penalty during the final six minutes. Sophomore defenseman Adam Kleber was penalized for interference after a heavy hit on ASU’s junior captain Kyle Smolen, who was carried off the ice. Despite being down a player, Minnesota Duluth’s defense, led by sophomore goaltender Adam Gajan, held firm, allowing just 17 shots on goal throughout the game.
“This win is a testament to our team’s resilience and determination,” said Sandelin during the post-game interview. “The players stepped up when it mattered most.”
Arizona State struck first, with Ty Nash scoring late in the first period on a 2-on-1 break. However, the Bulldogs quickly rallied. Gaffney, newly aligned on a restructured line, scored his first goal for UMD, giving the Bulldogs a crucial 2-1 lead late in the second period.
The Bulldogs showcased their power play prowess, converting for the fourth time in five attempts as Plante scored via a familiar play that had been effective just a week prior against Western Michigan. UMD’s power play success continues, now sitting at 6-for-10 over the last five games.
As the match wrapped up, the Bulldogs secured their victory with Shlaine’s empty-net goal just as Kleber re-entered the game. The Bulldogs will look to continue their winning streak in their final matchup of the year, facing Arizona State again on December 16, 2023, at 5 p.m. before a two-week holiday break.
The emotional weight of Sandelin’s milestone game resonated throughout the arena, with fans and players celebrating a significant moment in UMD history. The Bulldogs remain a formidable force in the NCHC, and their next game will be watched closely by fans eager to see if they can extend their winning streak.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their next battle, the excitement around the team grows. Stay tuned for updates on their journey as they aim for a strong finish to 2023.
