DENVER — T.J. Semptimphelter delivered an impressive performance, stopping 34 of 35 shots, as the University of North Dakota (UND) defeated Denver 3-1, splitting the series at Magness Arena. Goals came from Ben Strinden at even strength, Cameron Berg during a power play, and Dylan James with a shorthanded effort.

First star: T.J. Semptimphelter, UND, 34 saves.
Second star: Dylan James, UND, shorthanded goal.
Third star: Cameron Berg, UND, power-play goal, achieving his 100th career point.

UND 1, Denver 0 — Ben Strinden scored his sixth goal of the season (assists: Mac Swanson, Jayden Jubenvill) at 11:57. Strinden opened the scoring for UND over the weekend. Jubenvill launched a shot from the point that got deflected, but Swanson swiftly recovered the puck in the slot and took a shot. Denver’s goalie, Freddie Halyk, managed the initial save, but Strinden was quick to capitalize on the rebound, sliding it around Halyk’s pad.

UND 1, Denver 1 — Carter King netted a goal at 4:19 (assists: Zeev Buium, Aidan Thompson) during a power play. When Jayden Jubenvill took a cross-checking penalty while attempting a line change on the penalty kill, Denver was awarded a 5-on-3 advantage for 52 seconds, which they exploited. Buium found King at the opposite side of the crease for an easy tap-in.

UND 2, Denver 1 — Cameron Berg scored his ninth goal (assists: Jake Livanavage, Owen McLaughlin) at 14:21 during another power play. Berg’s beautiful goal marked his 100th collegiate point. Livanavage set him up with a perfect pass in the right circle, allowing Berg to drive it home. This was UND’s third power-play opportunity of the night, marking a significant moment, as it was the first time they scored from someone other than Jayden Perron since the Christmas break.

UND 3, Denver 1 — Dylan James scored his 11th goal of the season (third shorthanded) at 1:00. James intercepted a pass in the defensive zone, leading to a shorthanded 2-on-1 break. He took the shot himself, finding the back of the net with precision.

Forwards:
22 Owen McLaughlin — 14 Cameron Berg — 26 Dylan James
19 Cody Croal — 8 Jake Schmaltz — 27 Louis Jamernik V
7 Mac Swanson — 15 Carter Wilkie — 21 Ben Strinden
28 Dalton Andrew — 20 Cade Littler — 10 Tanner Komzak

Defensemen:
4 Jake Livanavage — 25 Abram Wiebe
13 Caleb MacDonald — 6 E.J. Emery
16 Andrew Strathmann — 3 Jayden Jubenvill

Goaltenders:
35 T.J. Semptimphelter
30 Hobie Hedquist

Not in the lineup: F Sacha Boisvert (injury), F Jayden Perron (injury), F Jackson Kunz (illness), F-D Dane Montgomery (injury), D Bennett Zmolek (injury), G Kaleb Johnson (injury)

Forwards:
7 Aidan Thompson — 15 Carter King — 4 Jack Devine
12 Sam Harris — 11 Samu Salminen — 27 James Reeder
14 Rieger Lorenz — 24 Kieran Cebrian — 18 Jared Wright
19 Jake Fisher — 22 Connor Caponi — 13 Hagen Burrows

Defensemen:
28 Zeev Buium — 21 Kent Anderson
9 Boston Buckberger — 23 Eric Pohlkamp
3 Cale Ashcroft — 5 Garrett Brown
2 Tory Pitner

Goaltenders:
1 Freddie Halyk
35 Matt Davis
33 Alec Whipple

Not in the lineup: G Paxton Geisel (injury), F Peter LaJoy

Referees: Nathan Wieler and Stephen Reneau
Linesmen: Lucas Bisbee and Erik Contino
Supervisor: Todd Anderson

UND continues to cope without six players sidelined due to injuries or illness. Sacha Boisvert and Dane Montgomery were injured in the first game and are unavailable for the series conclusion. Jackson Kunz remains too ill to participate, while Jayden Perron, Bennett Zmolek, and Kaleb Johnson did not travel to Denver. Due to these injuries, defenseman Tanner Komzak stepped into a forward role for the first time. Denver is utilizing Freddie Halyk in goal after their starter, Matt Davis, sustained a lower-body injury in the opener, while backup Alec Whipple, typically a defenseman, is stepping in as a goalie. ENTERING THE FINALE, UND experienced a goal drought of 61:23, having not scored in the first match of the series. Following a successful season where UND took 10 of 12 points against Denver, the Pioneers have so far captured all nine points in this season’s encounters.

Brad Elliott Schlossman has been covering college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has received multiple accolades, including recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer in his division four times and has been named North Dakota’s sportswriter of the year on two occasions. He resides in Grand Forks and can be reached at bschlossman@gfherald.com.