Western Michigan defeats UND, advances to NCHC final

Western Michigan won 4-2 against UND in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff semifinals. This victory earned them a spot in the NCHC championship game against Denver. In the third period, Grant Slukynsky scored a key goal to put Western Michigan ahead. Alex Bump opened the scoring early, followed by Sacha Boisvert tying it for UND later in the first. The game was close throughout. After Slukynsky's goal, Iiro Hakkarainen added another for Western Michigan. Boisvert responded with a second goal for UND in the final minute, but Sam Sjolund sealed the game for Western Michigan with an empty-net goal. Three standout players were recognized. Alex Bump was the first star, scoring one goal and taking 11 shots. Sacha Boisvert took second for his two goals, and Grant Slukynsky was third for his game-winning goal. Both teams had important players back from injuries. UND's E.J. Emery played his first game since February due to an injury. Despite their loss, they needed a win to keep their NCAA tournament hopes alive.