GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Denver defenseman Josiah Didier literally had a hand in North Dakota’s move into first place in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference on Friday.
Didier batted a rebound into his own net for the winning goal as North Dakota beat the Pioneers 4-2 and jumped over Nebraska-Omaha into first place. UNO lost 2-1 to Western Michigan.
UND’s Nick Schmaltz got credit for the goal as it was his shot that Didier tried to throw away from the front of the goal.
“It was probably the most unfortunate bounce I’ve ever seen in my career,” said UND’s Michael Parks, who scored two goals. “I’ve not seen that live. I’ve not seen a bounce like that.”
Drake Caggiula also scored for North Dakota (20-6-2, 11-5-1), which reached the 20-win plateau won for the 11th time in head coach Dave Hakstol’s 11-year tenure.
UND goalie Zane McIntyre made 18 saves, and North Dakota improved to 12-3-1 in its last 16 games.
Denver (16-10-1, 9-8-0) got on the board first on Joey LaLeggia’s goal early in the second period. Quentin Shore tied it at 2-2, setting the stage for Schmaltz’s game-winner.
Tanner Jaillet made 32 saves for the Pioneers, who were without head coach Jim Montgomery due to the death of his father.
After a scoreless first period, LaLeggia and Caggiula exchanged goals for a 1-1 tie.
“Tonight we were playing for Monty,” LaLeggia said. “Our thoughts and our prayers are with him.”
LaLeggia broke a scoreless tie with a power-play goal at 7:20 of the second period. He was left unchecked in the left circle and had enough time to load up a wrister and rifle it past McIntyre.
The Pioneers’ lead lasted for just over seven minutes before North Dakota’s Caggiula answered. Caggiula picked up the puck in the neutral zone and skated in alone to the left of Jaillet. He scored over Jaillet’s glove into the top of the net to tie it at 14:33.
Parks’ goal on a wraparound at 4:42 of the third period gave North Dakota the lead.
“When I try that, I’m trying to throw garbage at the net and look for bounces,” Parks said. “It’s a dangerous play whenever you can get the puck to the crease area.”
