North Dakota Hockey Returns to the Frozen Four for the First Time Since 2016

SIOUX FALLS (KVRR) – For the first time since their national championship season in 2015-16, North Dakota Hockey is headed back to the Frozen Four.

North Dakota punched its ticket with a commanding 5–0 victory over Quinnipiac in the regional championship, controlling the game from the opening minutes and never allowing the Bobcats to gain momentum. The Fighting Hawks scored three goals in the first period, including two from Jack Kernan, before adding two more in the second period to seal the shutout win. Goaltender Jan Špunar turned aside 22 shots to preserve the clean sheet and cap a dominant regional performance. Špunar becomes the first goalie in UND history to post back-to-back shutouts in the NCAA tournament.

The victory sends North Dakota to Las Vegas for the Frozen Four and improves the team to 29-9-1 on the season as they chase another national title.

A Return Ten Years in the Making

The last time North Dakota reached college hockey’s biggest stage was in 2016, when the program captured its eighth NCAA national championship with a 5–1 win over Quinnipiac. That season finished with a 34-6-4 record and remains one of the most memorable runs in school history.

Historically, North Dakota has been one of the most successful programs in NCAA hockey. The Fighting Hawks have won eight national championships (1959, 1963, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1997, 2000 and 2016) and are making their 23rd appearance in the Frozen Four, placing them among the elite programs in the sport.

Building Another Championship Run

This year’s team has followed a path similar to many historic UND squads: strong defense, timely scoring, and clutch goaltending in the NCAA Tournament. After defeating Merrimack in the regional semifinal, North Dakota carried that momentum into the championship game and overwhelmed Quinnipiac early.

Now, a decade after hoisting the trophy in Tampa, the Fighting Hawks will once again skate on the sport’s biggest stage with a chance to bring home national title number nine.

The Frozen Four will take place April 9–11 in Las Vegas.

UND will play Wisconsin on Thursday, April 9, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Time is TBD

The National Championship is Saturday, April 11.