OXFORD, Ohio - A strong early showing from Miami goalie Ludvig Persson could not save his team from defeat, as the RedHawks fell in their series opener against No. 7/7 North Dakota at home on Friday, Nov. 12. In front of a sold-out crowd of 3,135, Miami only claimed one goal while the Fighting Hawks picked up four. The loss drops Miami to 2-6-1 on the season and 1-2-0 in the NCHC, while North Dakota moves to 7-3-0 on the season and 3-0-0 in the NCHC.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• 11:24 1st (North Dakota 1-0) | Despite killing two previous North Dakota power plays in the period, Miami could not do the same for their third. Slightly under a minute into the opportunity, after returning the puck to RedHawks territory from down the ice, key moves from Jake Schmaltz and Jake Sanderson put Riese Gaber in possession for the UND, with Gaber able to sneak past Miami's defense and slam in the first goal of the game.
• 14:45 2nd (North Dakota 2-0) | A relatively quiet period was interrupted by North Dakota picking up another goal. After Miami failed to capitalize on a faceoff victory, the Fighting Hawks grabbed the puck and quickly moved it down the ice with a three-on-one formation. Connor Ford carried it first before passing it to Ashton Calder, drawing Persson away from the goal. Calder quickly passed it over to Sanderson with a small assist from Ford, with Sanderson taking advantage to sink in North Dakota's second goal of the game.
• 4:13 3rd (North Dakota 3-0) | North Dakota claimed the puck in Miami territory after a faceoff win, with a pass from Ford allowing Tyler Kleven to earn a shot on goal that was deflected by Persson. The RedHawks were unable to clear the puck out of the crease, and Matteo Costantini would ultimately land the finishing touch. An official review shortly after confirmed the third goal for the Fighting Hawks.
• 13:20 3rd (Miami 3-1) | After North Dakota drew a penalty for interference, Miami quickly took advantage of their power play opportunity, winning the faceoff and the puck between their players in Fighting Hawks territory. Passes from Will Cullen and PJ Fletcher led to Dylan Moulton taking control, shooting from deep to hit the back of the net and supply the RedHawks' first goal of the night.
• 17:53 3rd (North Dakota 4-1) | The final goal of the game came with the RedHawks' net empty, as Sanderson converted his second goal of the evening from the entire length of the ice to tally UND's final score. Connor Ford was credited with his third assist of the game on the play.

 
GAME NOTES:

• This marks Miami's second sellout in as many home games at Steve "Coach" Cady Arena this season.
• 13 total penalties were picked up by both teams across the game, with four coming within the first 12 minutes of the game and three belonging to Miami. Despite this, Persson only allowed one goal through the period. Miami was 1-4 on power play opportunities, with North Dakota going 1-5.
• Persson made 28 saves for the RedHawks throughout the game, with Zach Driscoll saving 15 shots on goal for North Dakota.
• The Fighting Hawks ended the game with 32 shots on goal, while Miami had 16. North Dakota won the faceoff battle 36-22.
• Moulton scored his first goal of the season and the second of his MU career.
• Sanderson, Ford, and Moulton were named the Three Stars of the Game.

 
UP NEXT:
The RedHawks return to action Saturday, Nov. 13 to close out their home series against North Dakota. Puck drop in Oxford is set for 5:05 p.m.