UMD to open NCHC play without forward Loheit, goalie Stejskal

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) men’s hockey team it just two nights away from dropping the puck on their National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) opener.

However they will be without at least two Bulldogs this Friday. Sophomore goaltender Zach Stejskal is out for a lower body injury, and junior wing Luke Loheit is week-to-week following an injury suffered during their series against the University of Minnesota.

"We miss Luke Loheit. I mean Luke was playing great and we need to get him back because he brings an element to our team and leadership on that line," head coach Scott Sandelin said during a press conference on Wednesday. Obviously Carter [Loney] and whoever has been playing, whether it’s [Kyler] Kleven or Jarrett [Lee] or Benny [Ben Almquist], they’re all going to get an opportunity here with Luke out."

As for Stejskal’s absence, junior Ryan Fanti and senior Ben Patt will fill the pipes during their series at Western Michigan University. Fanti is 4-0 when he’s started so far this season.

The puck is set to drop in Kalamazoo Friday and Saturday at 6:05pm.