As the NCAA men’s hockey selection committee released the top team in each regional location, No. 4 Michigan State was announced as the top seed in the St. Louis region. So surely, the No. 10 Michigan hockey team wouldn’t be in the same region, especially because the Spartans and the Wolverines just played each other a week ago for the fifth time this season in the Big Ten Championship.
However, Michigan’s name soon popped up as the No. 3 seed of the region to face No. 2 seed North Dakota.
With Western Michigan rounding out the region and a historical powerhouse in the Fighting Hawks all in one region, there’s a lot of hypotheticals to think about. But the Wolverines aren’t thinking about anything external — they’re trying to focus on the things they can control.
When the entire Michigan roster is on the same page, it has proved powerful even against its strongest competitors. If the Wolverines can capitalize on their strengths — speed and offensive depth — they can control the game and their future in the tournament.
Among the things they can’t control is the subpar arena.
The site of Michigan’s regional, the Centene Community Ice Arena, is the St. Louis Blues’ practice facility and Lindenwood’s main arena. The buzz around the arena has been anything but positive, largely due to one thing — the capacity. The arena can house just 2,500-3,000 people, half the capacity of the Wolverines’ home arena and one-fourth of North Dakota’s.
“I feel like in games like this it’s more about creating your own energy,” sophomore defenseman Luca Fantilli said Tuesday. “Both teams are used to having really great fans and really great energy at both arenas, but we’re just ready to battle each other and create our own energy.”
If Michigan wants the chance at redemption against the Spartans on Sunday or a third Frozen Four appearance in a row, then it will have to amplify the crowd through the intensity of the game while staying true to its identity.
But defeating the Hawks will take more than creating energy, as North Dakota is one of the strongest opponents the Wolverines will face all season. The last time Michigan and the Hawks met on the ice sheet was in the 2016 Midwest Regional Final in Cincinnati, with North Dakota besting the Wolverines, 5-2.
But a lot can change in eight years. Now, both programs have new cultures and accolades that expand beyond their last matchup.
“It’s important to get to know (their) team, “ Michigan coach Brandon Naurato said. “We also have to watch their video and see what they’re all about. … Obviously a good team, they won the NCHC, it’s a great region, tough, in a good way.”
This season, the Hawks boasted an impressive 3-1 record against No. 3 Denver and swept No. 14 Western Michigan, showcasing why they earned the fifth overall seed in the tournament. Led by forward Jackson Blake, North Dakota’s 26-11-2 overall season record and NCHC regular-season title are intimidating. With 21 goals and 38 assists in this season, Blake commands the team with 59 points — more than any Michigan skater has.
The Hawks’ gameplay is similar to Michigan State, which can cause either a sigh of relief or a fit of panic for the Wolverines. Their physicality and ability to create chances off the rush and win puck battles will be tough for Michigan to defend. While the Wolverines have shown major signs of improvement in terms of their penalty kill and greater ability to close out games, they’ll need to utilize their speed and physicality to match that of North Dakota.
Facing such a strong opponent this late in the season is difficult. After competing against the same seven teams at least four times throughout the season, Michigan will need to adjust to new systems and create new defensive plays to mitigate the Hawks’ opportunities.
Despite all of these uncontrollables, the Wolverines have proved they can face any opponent. Through sweeping the Fighting Irish, defeating the Golden Gophers in their own barn and holding their own against the Spartans in an overtime loss, Michigan earned its place as a tournament team — and it can step up in the face of a challenge.
“We know how we can play and when we play to our identity, I dont think anyone can touch us,” sophomore forward T.J. Hughes said. “This week is more just focused on us and knowing the way we have to play. We’ll have a game plan for them but it’s more about us and playing Michigan hockey.”
Most of the tournament is out of the Wolverines’ control. But one thing Michigan can control is focusing on its identity and what brought it to the NCAA Tournament. And when the Wolverines play cohesively, they can be untouchable.
To find success in the NCAA Tournament, they just have to control their own game.