Written by Austin Rush | Archived Nov. 10, 2020

The University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team notches its second win of the season tonight behind a five goal third period barrage to knock off Merrimack University 7-2 in the series finale from Amsoil Arena.

Throwing 14 shots on net in the opening period, UMD came out firing on cylinders. Jarod Hilderman buried his first goal of the season on the Bulldogs second power play of the night. Hilderman’s tally ricocheted off a Merrimack defender before winding up in the back of the net.

5:20 into the middle frame, sophomore forward Cole McBride netted the equalizer for Merrimack. McBride’s strike was answered quickly by freshman defender Mikey Anderson just 2:38 later. UMD would go onto take a 2-1 lead into the final period of play before an all-out Bulldog assault in the third period.

UMD’s third period saw goals from junior forward Peter Krieger, freshman forward Nick Swaney, sophomore forward Jade Miller and two from senior forward Avery Peterson.

“We talked about closing out a game and it all started with a big penalty kill. That’s where we built up our momentum and it continued with each goal. It was nice to see a little separation,” said UMD head coach Scott Sandelin. “We made some good effort plays. It was nice to see Avery make some plays tonight. It was nice to see Jade’s line make some plays.

Through all 60 minutes of play, tonight’s effort by the Bulldogs may have been their most consistent game of the year going full speed ahead not letting their foot off the gas.

UMD is back in action next weekend heading out east taking on the University of Maine.

Photo courtesy of Terry Norton