The UMD men’s hockey team is setting the bar high for the rest of the year, as their first game in 2024 resulted in a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against #17 Colorado College.

There would be no scoring until UMD’s Jack Smith flipped a puck towards the net in the second period, somehow making its way in for the 1-0 lead.

Owen Gallatin scored in the third period to extend the Bulldogs lead to 2-0, but the defense would ultimately give up the two goals the Tigers were looking for, sending the game into overtime.

Ben Steeves was the hero of the night, as a breakaway 2-on-1 rush benefitted the Bulldogs and Steeves was rewarded with his 15th goal of the season.

The Bulldogs are back at it again on Saturday against the Tigers at 7 p.m. inside AMSOIL Arena.