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Michigan stuns North Dakota, UMD beats Notre Dame - Sets title game for Saturday

It’s not a true Frozen Four without at least one surprise and tonight, the University of Michigan and goalie Shawn Hunwick (brother of Avalanche defenseman Matt Hunwick) made sure that they had one more upset in the bag for college hockey fans this year. Michigan upset North Dakota 2-0 tonight thanks to Hunwick’s 40 saves and shutting out the Fighting Sioux and their high octane, NHL prospect loaded team.

The Wolverines got a first period goal from Ben Winnett and then an empty net goal late in the third from Scooter Vaughn to seal the victory. Michigan fell back upon a stingy defensive plan to stifle the Sioux attack. While the Sioux were able to get tons of shots on goal and control the attack zone for large parts of the game, Michigan stayed intense blocking passing lanes and getting in the face of Sioux puck carriers. For Michigan, they’ll be aiming to win their tenth National Championship on Saturday night. Their opponent is one that’s really stepped up their play in the NCAA Tournament.

Minnesota-Duluth was able to hold off a third period rally by Notre Dame to take out the Fighting Irish 4-3 to advance to their second ever National Championship game. Hobey Baker top ten finalist Jack Connolly scored what turned out to be the game winning goal early in the second period. Carolina Hurricanes prospect Justin Faulk had three assists for UMD as did forward star Justin Fontaine.

Bulldogs goalie Kenny Reiter helped make the result stand up for UMD despite giving up a shorthanded goal to Calle Ridderwall in the third that cut the lead to 4-3. Reiter stopped 31 shots to help lead the Bulldogs to the first National Championship game since 1984. That year, UMD lost to Bowling Green in quadruple overtime. That Bowling Green team featured future NHL’ers Rob Blake and Garry Galley. Caps GM George McPhee was also a key player on that team. If UMD were to win the National Championship, it would be their first men’s hockey title. UMD’s women’s team won the national championship last season.

The National Championship game will be Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET from Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.