UPDATE: The fifth-ranked Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs clinched a crucial 3-1 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils in a high-stakes NCHC matchup at Amsoil Arena on December 15, 2023. This win marks the Bulldogs’ perfect record of 10-0 in Friday night series openers this season.
The game was highlighted by a significant penalty kill late in the third period, where the Bulldogs successfully thwarted a major penalty with under six minutes remaining. The Bulldogs’ sophomore goaltender, Adam Gajan, made 16 saves, limiting Arizona State to just 17 shots overall.
The Bulldogs’ scoring was spearheaded by Max Plante, the nation’s leading scorer with 29 points, senior center Kyle Gaffney, and freshman wing Daniel Shlaine. Gaffney notched his first goal as a Bulldog, a pivotal moment for the team as they regrouped after a series of line changes.
The Sun Devils struck first with a goal from Ty Nash, an Arizona native, but the momentum quickly shifted. Following an interference penalty on Bulldogs defenseman Adam Kleber, ASU was granted a critical five-minute power play. However, despite the advantage, Arizona State could only muster five shots in the final period, unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
In a moment of celebration and recognition, the game marked Scott Sandelin’s 1,000th game as head coach of the Bulldogs, making him the first in UMD’s history to reach this milestone and placing him among the 27 coaches in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey to achieve this feat.
As the game neared its conclusion, the Bulldogs secured their lead with an empty-net goal from Shlaine, just as Kleber was released from the penalty box. This victory not only boosts the Bulldogs’ season record to 14-5 overall and 7-3 in the NCHC but also reinforces their strong home advantage.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will face the Sun Devils again at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, at Amsoil Arena before heading into a two-week holiday break. Fans can expect another exciting showdown as both teams aim to solidify their standings in the NCHC.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Bulldogs continue their pursuit of excellence this season.
