Bulldogs’ Youthful Offense and Gajan’s Shutout Secure 3-0 Win Over Minnesota
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) men’s hockey team delivered an impressive performance, defeating the University of Minnesota 3-0 at Mariucci Arena. This victory marked UMD’s first win in Minnesota since October 22, 2021, and extended their winning streak to three games. The triumph demonstrated UMD’s growing prowess, solidifying their recent national ranking in college hockey.
Bulldogs’ Defense and Gajan’s Performance
The standout of the night was sophomore goaltender Adam Gajan, achieving his first shutout of the season and the second of his UMD career. Gajan successfully blocked all 17 shots he faced, while the Bulldog defense effectively limited the Gophers to just five shots in the third period.
Key Scoring Moments
Freshman Daniel Shlaine opened the scoring for UMD just 6:59 into the first period with a wrist shot that found the back of the net. This quick goal set the tone for the game.
Power Play Success
- Just over three minutes later, UMD capitalized on a power play opportunity.
- Zam Plante scored with a powerful shot, marking his team-leading fourth power play goal of the season.
At 2:23 in the third period, Grayden Siepmann sealed the game with a second effort on his initial shot, finalizing the score at 3-0.
Game Statistics
| Statistic | UMD | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 24 | 17 |
| Goals | 3 | 0 |
| Power Play Goals | 1 | 0 |
Notable Player Contributions
Both Shlaine and Hunter Anderson, also freshmen, contributed significantly with a combined four points. Shlaine finished the game with a goal and an assist, while Anderson provided two assists.
Upcoming Game
Following this victory, the Bulldogs, with a record of 6-1-0, will pursue a series sweep against Minnesota in their next match, scheduled for Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 PM.
This win underscores UMD’s strong start to the season, being their best in seven games since the 2010-11 season. The youthful energy of the Bulldogs is making a noticeable impact as they continue to build momentum in college hockey.
