University of North Dakota (UND) is set to face Arizona State in a weekend hockey series. The matches will occur at Ralph Engelstad Arena at 7:07 p.m. on Friday and 6:07 p.m. on Saturday. This series presents a special opportunity for senior goaltender Gibson Homer, as he takes on his former team.
Goaltending Situation at UND
UND’s goaltending strategy has not been officially announced. However, it is anticipated that the team will once again split goaltender starts. Freshman Jan Špunar has made a strong impression this season, notching a 3-0 record with a 1.01 goals-against average and a .951 save percentage. His recent performance included stopping 22 of 24 shots during a 7-2 victory against Omaha.
Senior goaltender Gibson Homer also had a significant outing last weekend, saving 34 of 35 shots in a 4-1 win. Homer, who spent three years with Arizona State before transferring to UND, boasts impressive statistics from his time with the Sun Devils and aims to make his mark in this series.
Coaching Confidence
Matt Smaby, UND’s associate head coach, expressed confidence in both goaltenders. He stated that having two capable goalies fosters a strong competitive atmosphere within the team. He believes both goaltenders have demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, which may influence their playing time against Arizona State.
Gibson Homer’s Journey
Gibson Homer’s transition from Arizona State to UND reflects his pursuit of a fresh start. At Arizona State, he recorded a solid sophomore season with an 8-3-2 record and a .931 save percentage. Last year, he continued to excel, finishing with an 8-5-2 record and a .919 save percentage.
His former coach at Arizona State, Greg Powers, spoke highly of Homer, stating there are no hard feelings towards his decision to transfer. Powers expressed his support for Homer and acknowledged the talent he brings to the ice.
Arizona State Preview
Arizona State will bring formidable talent, especially from senior forward Cruz Lucius. Known for his scoring ability, Lucius has already registered eight goals this season and is second in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) in shots on goal. His gameplay will be something UND needs to monitor closely.
Additionally, Arizona State’s roster has undergone changes with new recruits, aiming for another strong season. The team’s offensive capabilities could pose challenges for UND’s defensive lineup.
Looking Ahead
As the Fighting Hawks prepare for this weekend, they will need to maintain a fast-paced and aggressive style of play. Focus will also be on exploiting weaknesses in Arizona State’s relatively young defense, particularly as they encounter their first game at Ralph Engelstad Arena this season.
The match promises to be an exciting contest, showcasing talent from both teams as they vie for victory in the NCHC standings.
Statistical Highlights
| Category | UND | Arizona State |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 7-3 | 3-6-1 |
| Goals Per Game | 2.9 | 3.6 |
| Goals Against Per Game | 2.4 | 4.6 |
| Power Play Percentage | 21.4% | 20.0% |
| Penalty Kill Percentage | 81.0% | 78.5% |
This series offers a chance for both teams to build momentum as they navigate the competitive landscape of college hockey this season. Fans can catch all the action broadcasted live on Midco Sports.
