OMAHA, Neb. — The Miami University hockey team battled but ultimately came up short in the first game of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Pod against No. 1/1 North Dakota. The RedHawks were defeated 2-0 on Wednesday evening at Baxter Arena in Omaha.

The first period ended in a scoreless draw after the two goaltenders combined for 22 saves. Both Miami and North Dakota were given chances on the power play in the first frame but could not capitalize early enough to get on the board.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• 13:03 2nd (UND 1-0) | After a scoreless first period to start the season, North Dakota was eager to get the game started in their favor and had a power play to take advantage of. Shane Pinto gave the puck to an open Matt Kiersted, who was waiting in the top of the circle. Kiersted got the puck in the back of the net with a slap shot for North Dakota's first goal of the season. 
• 1:07 3rd (UND 2-0) | Pinto found Riese Gaber, who was waiting in front of sophomore goaltender Ben Kraws. Gaber was then able to score with a wrister that went right past Kraws' glove and increased the North Dakota lead to two.

GAME NOTES:

• Miami was outshot on goal by the Fighting Hawks, 39-19. Sophomore Ryan Savage led the RedHawks in that category individually, with four shots on goal. Freshman Hampus Rydqvist and senior Casey Gilling weren't far behind, with three each.
• Kraws was a brick wall in net for Miami, with 37 saves. He had 18 saves in the first period to keep the game tied at 0-0 going into the first intermission.
• The RedHawks blocked 11 shots as a team, while North Dakota blocked nine.

WHAT'S NEXT:

The RedHawks continue their season in the NCHC Pod in Omaha and take on the Mavericks of Omaha on Saturday, December 5. Puck drop for the NCHC conference contest at Baxter Arena is scheduled for a 5:05 p.m. (ET) start.

The 2020-21 Miami Hockey season is proudly sponsored by Kroger and Cintas.