North Dakota Team Capsule

Location: Grand Forks, ND
Record: 29-15-1 (16-12-0 in WCHA tied for fourth)
Qualified: Automatic (Won WCHA tournament over St. Cloud State)
Frozen Four Apperances: 16 (last in 2005)
National Championships: Seven (1959, 1963, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1997, 2000)
Head Coach: Dave Hakstol

Key Players:

Drew Stafford JR. F (24 g, 23 a, 47 p)
T.J. Oshie FR. F (24 g, 21 a, 45 p)
Travis Zajac SO. F (17 g, 27 a, 44 p)
Jordan Parise JR. G (24-8-1, 2.08 gaa, .933 save pct)

North Dakota might of had the easiest road to the Frozen Four thanks to Holy Cross upseting Minnesota in the first round. In the Sioux's first round game they had no problem against Michigan as they defeated the Wolverines 5-1. The next night they defeated Holy Cross 5-2. Jonathan Towes the regions MVP had a great weekend with two goals and two assists. Let's not forget that North Dakota did have the home ice advantage in their regional.

Five players for North Dakota scored 16 or more goals this year, which includes three freshman so the offense is there. The defense which was average during the regular season has stepped up their game during the WCHA tournament and the NCAA tournament. Jordan Parise is arguably right now one of the best goaltenders in college hockey.

Last years meeting against Boston College saw North Dakota dominate the whole game. The Sioux were bigger, and faster than the Eagles. While some of the size is gone for the Sioux (only four players are over 6"0 including a 6"7 Joe Finley), the speed is still there.

The Sioux and the Eagles will be a game of speed as both teams can fly. The goaltenders are hot, Parise and Schneider but can they stay that way? I think it will come down to the team that makes fewer mistakes. Who wants it more? Find out Thursday as the Sioux and the Eagles will play in semi-final #1 at 3 p.m.

Tommorrow Maine will be featured in the next team capsule.