ST. CLOUD — The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) men’s hockey team closed out their regular season with an exhilarating 3-2 victory over St. Cloud State University (SCSU) on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. The game served not only as a competitive highlight for the Bulldogs but also marked the emotional return of senior defenseman Will Francis, who had battled leukemia for the third time.
Sophomore forward Anthony Menghini was the star of the show, scoring two goals within the first eleven minutes of the game. His impressive performance set the tone early, allowing the Bulldogs to establish control over the game right from the opening faceoff. Menghini, who had previously struggled to find the back of the net, came roaring back after scoring on Friday night, netting the first goal just 58 seconds after the start. He quickly followed it up with another strike at the 10:30 mark of the first period, giving UMD a commanding 2-0 lead.
Despite this strong start, the Huskies were not ready to back down. Their response came from freshman Gavyn Thoreson, who managed to score at 11:19, bringing the SCSU crowd to life and slicing the lead to 2-1. UMD maintained pressure throughout the game, pushing back against St. Cloud State's attempts to equalize, which only intensified as time ticked down.
Jack Smith added to the Bulldogs' lead at 7:41 of the third period, redirecting a shot to make it 3-1. SCSU's Verner Miettinen offered some hope for the Huskies by scoring his second goal of the weekend at 14:28, but UMD's solid defense held firm as they successfully weathered the storm.
The Bulldogs’ win also came with some historical significance. Francis's return to the ice was celebrated, marking his first game back since facing another relapse of leukemia. He shared his battle with the press earlier this season after first being diagnosed back in March 2020, suffering several challenges, including multiple relapses and a bone marrow transplant last April. His resilience transcends just hockey, inspiring both teammates and fans alike.
“We were not sharp,” SCSU head coach Brett Larson remarked post-game. “Everything was just off. We talked about how we need to flush this immediately. I don’t know if I ever want to watch this game again. Really disappointing with all the energy from the crowd.” His sentiments echoed throughout the team as they headed to their own playoff preparations, finishing the regular season with a tumultuous record of 14-19-1 overall and 7-16-1 within the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs (13-18-3 overall, 9-13-2 NCHC) are gearing up for the NCHC postseason as they secure the seventh seed. They will face No. 12 Arizona State University next weekend. UMD’s postseason endeavor will kick off on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. CT, with subsequent games on Saturday and Sunday if necessary. This time of year typically heightens the stakes for all teams, as each strives for success and the chance to advance toward the NCAA tournament.
SCSU’s struggles this season mark the lowest conference finish for the program since the WCHA days, as they prepare to face top-seeded Western Michigan next weekend for their own postseason hopes. Coach Larson emphasized, “We need to execute and play fast.” The Huskies need to win this series to keep their season alive and secure their spot in the future NCAA tournament.
Overall, Saturday's game showcased both the highs and lows of college hockey, where each player competes not only for victory but against personal adversities. For the Bulldogs, the victory is just the beginning of their playoff aspirations, and they hope to channel their momentum as they advance to Arizona for the next round of battles.