UND Defeats Miami 1-0 in Physical Series Opener

Goaltender Jan Špunar's puck-handling skills prove crucial in the victory.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The University of North Dakota hockey team defeated Miami University 1-0 in the series opener at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Goaltender Jan Špunar played a key role, often acting as a third defenseman and helping with breakouts. UND's defensive corps shut down Miami's rush attacks, while the depth of UND's lineup proved to be a difference-maker. The game was physical throughout, with both teams delivering big hits.

Why it matters

This win over a tough Miami team showcases UND's defensive prowess and ability to win close, tournament-style games - a valuable skill as the season progresses. Špunar's puck-handling abilities give UND an added dimension that makes them difficult to play against.

The details

UND got the game's lone goal from Tyler Young, whose father was in attendance at The Ralph for the first time. The Fighting Hawks outshot Miami 42-12, with Špunar only needing to make 12 saves. UND's defensemen, including Jake Livanavage, E.J. Emery, Abram Wiebe, and others, were excellent at closing off Miami's rush attacks. The game featured heavy physicality, with UND players like Jack Kernan, Ben Strinden, Cody Croal, and Young delivering big hits.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Jan Špunar

The UND goaltender who acted as a third defenseman, helping with breakouts and puck movement.

Tyler Young

The UND forward who scored the game's lone goal, with his father in attendance for the first time.

Keaton Verhoeff

A UND rookie who praised Špunar's puck-handling abilities and the team's defensive effort.

Dane Jackson

The UND head coach who was pleased with his team's physicality and discipline in the game.

Shaun McEwen

The Miami freshman defenseman who delivered several big hits in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Having him back there is like having another defenseman for us. He's able to get out, stop the puck and play it. He can even bypass us and play it up to the forwards. Having him back there is super helpful, especially in a game like tonight, where hits are being laid and you're going back for pucks and trying to rush to make a quick play. To have a goalie like him moving pucks up the ice is really helpful.”

— Keaton Verhoeff, UND Rookie (grandforksherald.com)

“It was a football game. We kind of expected that with what they were saying in the media all week. I think we wanted to match it or even take it up a notch, protecting our barn. We knew that was coming. We're going to have to do it again tomorrow night, so we'll be ready for it.”

— Tyler Young (grandforksherald.com)

“Loved our start. I thought we were sharp, we were crisp and we were really engaged in the game. I was really happy with that.”

— Dane Jackson, UND Head Coach (grandforksherald.com)

What’s next

The two teams will face off again on Saturday, February 15, 2026 at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

The takeaway

UND's defensive discipline, physicality, and depth proved to be the difference in this tight, hard-fought victory over a tough Miami squad. Špunar's puck-handling skills give the Fighting Hawks an added dimension that makes them a formidable opponent.