Hawk-ey Talk: Virg Foss Discusses Win-or-Go-Home Strategy

Late March brings sudden-death hockey. The four NCAA regional tournaments begin Thursday with 16 teams competing in single-elimination play.

Regional format and schedule

All games this Thursday and Friday are win-or-go-home. Eight regional matchups will eliminate eight teams by Friday night.

Regional championship games are scheduled Sunday in Colorado and New York. The Frozen Four opens April 9 in Nevada.

Sioux Falls matchup: North Dakota vs. Merrimack

North Dakota draws Merrimack in Sioux Falls on Thursday. Merrimack entered its conference eighth.

The Warriors upset three higher seeds to reach the regional. They allowed just three goals in those final three wins.

Goaltending contrast

Merrimack rides sophomore goalie Max Lundgren, who has been red-hot. UND counters with freshman Jan Spunar in net.

A strong goaltender can carry a playoff run. Both goalies are key factors for their teams on Thursday.

North Dakota’s strengths and challenges

UND earned the No. 1 seed in the regional by winning the NCHC. The league placed four teams into the NCAA tournament.

That conference title shows the league’s depth and toughness. UND is noted for balanced scoring, defense, and goaltending.

Unlike previous title teams, UND does not depend on one or two scorers. Depth means the fourth line can produce like the top line.

As the No. 1 regional seed, UND has the right to make the last line change. That matchup control is a distinct advantage.

Recent form and fan impact

UND’s last outing was a 5-1 home loss to Minnesota Duluth in the NCHC semifinals. The team has had a layoff since that game.

North Dakota boasts one of college hockey’s best traveling crowds. Expect strong fan presence in Sioux Falls for the Hawks.

Road to the Frozen Four

Win Thursday to advance to the regional final. A regional title on Sunday would send a team to the Frozen Four.

Only four teams remain after this week’s regionals. Single-elimination intensity defines every matchup.

In a Hawk-ey Talk segment, veteran reporter Virg Foss highlighted the team’s win-or-go-home strategy. Foss covered UND hockey for 56 years, first with the Grand Forks Herald until 2005, and later with UND Athletic Communications.

For Filmogaz.com, Virg Foss can be reached at [email protected].