UND Defeats Arizona State in Thrilling Series Opener, 3-2
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The University of North Dakota (UND) secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Arizona State University in the opening game of their series at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, on Thursday evening. The No. 4 ranked Fighting Hawks demonstrated resilience, answering each Sun Devils goal to ultimately claim the win.
Early Goals Set the Tone
UND struck first with a goal from Anthony Menghini at 6:13 of the first period. The play unfolded after Jake Livanavage dispossessed Arizona State forward Johnny Waldron, creating an opportunity for a rebound finish. Menghini’s goal marked his fifth point in the last four games, signaling a hot streak for the forward.
Just over five minutes later, at 11:11, Ellis Rickwood extended UND’s lead to 2-0 with a shorthanded goal. Capitalizing on a defensive breakdown by Arizona State following a power play transition, Rickwood deflected a point shot from Abram Wiebe past Sun Devils goalie Connor Hasley.
Sun Devils Respond, Tie the Game
Arizona State quickly responded, narrowing the gap at 11:38 with a goal from Tucker Ness. Ness fired a shot through traffic from just inside the blue line, scoring his second collegiate goal. Notably, Ness is the brother of former UND alternate captain Griffin Ness.
The Sun Devils continued their momentum, tying the game at 2-2 at 12:32 with a power-play goal from Carmelo Crandell. Cruz Lucius delivered a precise seam pass to Crandell, who one-timed the puck past UND goalie Gibson Homer.
Croal’s Return Propels UND to Victory
UND regained the lead at 14:18 with a goal from Cody Croal, who was returning to the lineup after missing the previous four games due to illness. Ollie Josephson won a puck battle in the corner and fed Croal in the left circle, who snapped a shot past Hasley for his sixth goal of the season.
Team Lineups and Notable Absences
The Fighting Hawks deployed the following forward lines: Mac Swanson–Ellis Rickwood–Will Zellers; Dylan James–Cole Reschny–Ben Strinden; Cody Croal–Jack Kernan–Ollie Josephson; and Anthony Menghini–Cade Littler–Tyler Young. Their defensive pairings included Jake Livanavage–Bennett Zmolek; Abram Wiebe–Keaton Verhoeff; Andrew Strathmann–E.J. Emery; and Sam Laurila. Gibson Homer started in net for UND.
Arizona State’s forward lines consisted of Cruz Lucius–Kyle Smolen–Bennett Schimek; Ty Nash–Sean McGurn–Johnny Waldron; Sam Alfano–Logan Morrell–Noah Powell; and Carmelo Crandell–Braxton Whitehead–Ben Kevan. The defensive pairings were Brasen Boser–Joel Kjellberg; Richard Baran–Anthony Dowd; Justin Kipkie–Sam Court; and Tucker Ness. Connor Hasley was in goal for the Sun Devils.
Several players were absent from the lineups due to injury. UND was without forwards David Klee and Dalton Andrew, and defensemen Jayden Jubenvill and Engel. Arizona State was missing forwards Cullen Potter and Jack Beck, as well as defensemen Lincoln Kuehne and goaltender Chase Hamm.
Looking Ahead
Arizona State is currently 9-4 in their last 13 games. The Fighting Hawks and Sun Devils previously split a series in Grand Forks in November. The series continues with the next game scheduled for [Date to be determined].
By Brad Elliott Schlossman
Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald’s circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year twice. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at [email protected].
