UMD Hockey Falls to North Dakota, Eyes Miami (OH) Series

Bulldogs suffer 3-1 loss after North Dakota scores twice on power play in third period

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The No. 10 University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team lost 3-1 to the No. 3 University of North Dakota on Saturday night. A five-minute major penalty for boarding assessed to UMD's Kyler Kovich in the third period proved pivotal, as North Dakota scored two goals during the power play to take a 2-0 lead. Despite outshooting North Dakota 16-10 in the first period, UMD was unable to capitalize on three power plays. Max Plante scored for UMD in the third period, but North Dakota responded with two late goals to seal the victory.

Why it matters

Penalties can be particularly damaging in close hockey games, and this contest demonstrates how a single infraction can shift momentum and ultimately determine the outcome. The ability to consistently avoid costly penalties will be crucial for UMD as they move forward.

The details

UMD goaltender Ethan Dahlmeir recorded 24 saves, his second-highest total of the season. North Dakota narrowly outshot UMD 28-26 and went 2-of-5 on power plays, while UMD was scoreless in four attempts. The Fighting Hawks also won the faceoff battle 34-22.

  • The five-minute major penalty for boarding assessed to UMD's Kyler Kovich occurred at 3:37 of the third period.
  • Max Plante scored for UMD with 7:58 remaining in the third period.
  • North Dakota's two late goals were scored by Dylan James at 14:44 and 17:06 of the third period.

The players

Kyler Kovich

A UMD player who was assessed a five-minute major penalty for boarding in the third period.

Max Plante

A UMD player who scored a goal for the Bulldogs in the third period.

Zam Plante

A UMD player who assisted on Max Plante's goal.

Ethan Dahlmeir

The UMD goaltender who recorded 24 saves.

Dylan James

A North Dakota player who scored two late goals to seal the victory for the Fighting Hawks.

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What’s next

The Bulldogs (18-12-0, 9-11-0) will next travel to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, for games on February 20 and 21. The February 20th game is scheduled for 5:30 PM CST and will be broadcast on KDAL 610 AM / 103.9 FM.

The takeaway

This game highlights the importance of discipline and avoiding costly penalties, as a single infraction can significantly impact the outcome of a close hockey matchup. As UMD looks ahead to their series against Miami (OH), they will need to focus on maintaining their composure and staying out of the penalty box in order to give themselves the best chance of success.