The Sun Devils drop the first game of a two-game set after a slow start throughout the first and early second periods. 

ASU gave up two goals early, scored by senior forward Ben Strinden, his fifth goal this season, and freshman forward Will Zellers. North Dakota had 28 shots on goal in the first two periods, outshooting the Sun Devils by twelve. Though ASU was outnumbered in shots, a late second-period push brought them right back into the game. 

A late rally, started by a power-play goal scored by junior forward Kyle Smolen, his second goal of the season, assisted by senior forward Bennet Schimeck, brought the Sun Devils within one halfway through the second period. 

Just about six minutes later, ASU evened it out with a late goal scored by senior forward Cruz Lucius, his ninth on the year, assisted by Schimeck, his tenth assist, and sophomore defensemen Brasen Boser, his second. 

Both teams only scored one goal on the power play, with North Dakota going one for three and ASU scoring on its only advantage. 

Although the Sun Devils dug themselves out of the hole they created, midway through the second, the Fighting Hawks wanted no part of staying tied, scoring two goals within 36 seconds.

The Sun Devils couldn’t stay perfect on the penalty kill, a holding call on Potter gave North Dakota one final opportunity to score on an advantage, leading to sophomore forward Cody Croal’s third goal of the season.

Freshman goalie Jan Špunar cruised to a win tonight with only 19 total shots on the goal and 17 saves. The Czech goalie can thank his defense for the effort they put in for him tonight. 

While for the Sun Devils, it was another crazy and busy outing for freshman goalie Samuel Urbann, who let up five goals and saved 38 shots.

The Fighting Hawks look to take the all-time series lead on Saturday after tying it at 2-2 and improving to 8-3 (4-1 in NCHC play).

On the other hand, the Sun Devils look to bounce back after a slow start to Friday’s game, as they look to get their first legitimate NCHC win since Oct. 31, 2025, against the Miami Redhawks. 

Although ASU won last weekend at home against Colorado College, the shootout win is considered a tie in the NCHC rulebook. After today’s loss, the Sun Devils fall to 3-7-1 (1-3-1 in NCHC play), sitting exactly at the same record this time last season.   

The Fighting Hawks look to end the series cleanly tomorrow with a sweep as ASU looks for a much-needed win to get themselves back on track, after a rocky start to the season.