UND Hockey: Taking a Look at the Numbers

Over the last couple of weeks, there has been some question of whether UND is a top-five team or not. By April, we will know for sure.

I think that too much stock is put into the media rankings, i.e. the USCHO and USA Today polls. UND head coach Dave Hakstol has said in the past that the polls are fun for the fans, but he doesn’t put a lot of stock in them.

First, UND is ranked second in the Pairwise Rankings. That’s a ranking free of bias and the only one that matters at the end of the season.

After their display this past weekend, I believe UND is one of the top teams in the nation. UND’s numbers are pretty solid.

Taking a look at the NCHC and the national statistics on Sunday morning, there are a few things that stick out. You’re welcome to disagree and add your thoughts.

Shorthanded goals: UND leads the nation with nine shorthanded goals.

Goal scoring: St. Cloud State forward Jonny Brodzinski leads the NCHC in goal scoring with 17 makers. Mark MacMillan is second with 15 and Drake Caggiula is tied for sixth with 11.

Assists: Jordan Schmalz is tied for second in the NCHC for assists. His brother Nick Schmaltz is tied for sixth with 16 helpers.

NCHC scoring race: Junior forward Drake Caggiula (11g-16—27pts) is tied with Michael Parks (9g-18a—27pts) for third. Mark MacMillan (15g-8a—23pts) is 11th.

Team Scoring: Coming into the season, fans and the media alike were wondering who was going to scored for UND. That’s no longer a concern. UND leads the NCHC in total points with 254 points. They also lead the NCHC with 3.44 goals per game. UND is also fifth in the nation in goal scoring and total points.

Team Defense: UND is second in the league in goals against per game with 2.12. UND is tied with Colgate for 16th in the nation in GAA with 2.15.

Goal Scoring: UND leads the NCHC in goal scoring with 93. Omaha is second with 79.

Goaltender: Zane McIntyre (19-6-2, 1.96 GAA and a .931 SV%). As you can see by the numbers, McIntyre is having another solid season. McIntyre leads the league in wins with 19. McIntyre is second in the league in save percentage with .931 and ranked second in goals against average.

Stats used: NCHC Hockey and College Hockey Inc.