UMD men’s hockey is trekking to Denver for the NCHC tournament.

The Bulldogs created a wave of momentum last weekend defeating a ranked St. Cloud State squad 6-5 then 4-2.

In game two, fifth year goalie Matthew Thiessen recorded a career high 52 saves. They’ll need that focus to beat the third ranked Pioneers.

“We have to be able to commit to our game plan,” said fifth year goalie, Matthew Thiessen. “We’re going have to stay disciplined against this team. We know that we’re going have to out work them, we’re going to have to play structured in the D zone and stuff too. But at the end of the day, buy into the system and everyone buys into blocking the shots, if they buy into get the pucks deep and stuff, I mean, it’s pretty cliché, but I think if we do those little things in playoff hockey, it pays off in the end.”

Denver swept UMD in the regular season. Game one of their best-of-three NCHC series is Friday at 8:07pm.

Also today — UMD senior, and Hermantown native, Darian Gotz was named a top three finalist for the NCHC Sportsmanship Award. Winners will be announced next Thursday.