After a third place finish in the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off last weekend the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) men’s hockey team will get a chance test out new strategies with an exhibition game.

The Bulldogs are set to pay the University of St. Thomas a visit in St. Paul this Saturday. While the game doesn’t count towards the standings, it’s a good opportunity for UMD to discover what clicks in 2024.

“Health concerns me a little bit with some guys, so that’s a question mark. But there will be some guys in some positions maybe because of that, whether it’s power plays or penalty kills. Probably get all three goalies in there,” head coach Scott Sandelin said.

“This game is just as meaningful as any other game. So we’re going to take it seriously and hopefully get everyone in and get everyone an opportunity. Like guys like Fran (Will Francis) and get him in and get him back acclimated,” captain Luke Loheit said, a graduate forward.

Coach Sandelin shared plans to play junior defender Will Francis on Saturday, now back to practice since battling his second bout of leukemia.

Puck drop Saturday is at 4 p.m.