UND Defeats St. Cloud State 6-4 in Thrilling Senior Night Victory

Fighting Hawks rally in third period to clinch another NCHC win

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of North Dakota hockey team defeated St. Cloud State 6-4 on Saturday night in a hard-fought NCHC matchup. Freshman Jack Kernan scored the game-winning goal with 6:20 remaining to lift the Fighting Hawks to victory on Senior Night at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Why it matters

UND's win over the Huskies keeps the Fighting Hawks in contention for the NCHC regular season title, as they continue their push towards the NCAA tournament. The game also served as a celebration of UND's six departing seniors, who were honored in a special on-ice ceremony following the victory.

The details

UND jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, but St. Cloud State battled back to tie the game at 4-4 in the third period. Kernan's late goal broke the deadlock and proved to be the game-winner. UND goaltender Gibson Homer made several key saves down the stretch to preserve the victory. The Fighting Hawks were able to contain St. Cloud State's top line, limiting their production compared to the series opener.

  • UND scored three goals in the first period.
  • The game was tied 4-4 in the third period before Kernan's game-winning goal with 6:20 remaining.
  • UND held its senior tribute ceremony after the game, honoring the six departing players.

The players

Jack Kernan

A freshman forward who scored the game-winning goal for UND in the third period.

Gibson Homer

The UND goaltender who made several key saves in the third period to preserve the victory.

Tyson Gross

The top-line forward for St. Cloud State who was held pointless in the game after a strong performance in the series opener.

Ollie Josephson

A UND freshman forward who was tasked with shutting down St. Cloud State's top line.

Dane Jackson

The head coach of the UND hockey team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We didn't shut them down, but we limited them.”

— Dane Jackson, Head Coach, UND Hockey (inforum.com)

“It was kind of a neutral zone battle, a lot of just advancing zones on both sides. Nobody was trying to lose the game with a shift. It was going back and forth. Just to get that one was really nice. It was a hard, hard-fought battle.”

— Jack Kernan, Freshman Forward, UND Hockey (inforum.com)

What’s next

UND will look to continue its strong play in the final weeks of the regular season as it aims to clinch the NCHC title and secure a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

UND's thrilling victory over St. Cloud State on Senior Night showcased the Fighting Hawks' resilience and ability to win close games, a trait that will serve them well as they make a push towards the postseason.