UND vs. UNO (A few ADHD Thoughts)

The matchup between UND and UNO has become a fun hockey series to watch. The games on the ice have been hard fought and very spirited. Both teams have great players. Both teams have interesting personalities that make the series even better.

It’s obvious from watching the games, that the two teams don’t like each other very much.

Scanning twitter this week, I haven’t seen any many controversial or interesting tweets from the UNO players.

The Clink will be rocking tonight against North `Dakota! Catch the game on CBS Sports Network at 7:30 CT. #goMavs #blackoutund

— Austin Ortega (@AustinOrtega10) January 30, 2015

I believe this series has all of the makings of a being an instant classic. Lucky for us, we can watch tonight’s game on CBS Sports Network.

I like to read fan message boards. I found this interesting post on Mav Puck.

This is a great opportunity for our program.

We’ve played in some big games over the years, but this is a rare instance for our fledgling program where we are sitting at the top of the rankings (rather than being the underdog taking on the “big dog”).

Considering the hard-fought nature of our series in Grand Forks last November, this has the makings of being a stellar showdown. Both of these institutions have a considerable amount of history from their old NCC days in Division II. There is also an intangible geographic aspect to the matchup that is compelling as well — two schools from the Great Plains where hockey is king.

Part of the appeal is the fact that North Dakota is what UNO is striving to become. While we haven’t yet achieved that, I can’t think of another program that serves as good a model for UNO to emulate as it moves forward.

I don’t know what will happen this weekend, but I can’t emphasize what a big deal this series is in the further evolution of UNO Hockey.

1st place is up for grabs at @centurylinkoma as #5 @UNO_Hockey battles #1 @UNDmhockey at 7:30pm CT on @CBSSportsNet! pic.twitter.com/nT19LNjCQr

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) January 30, 2015

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Last year, I asked UND forward Stephane Pattyn why Nebraska-Omaha is becoming such a ferocious rival.

“Maybe the outdoor game had something to do with it,” Pattyn said. “Last year was kind of a big thing for everyone. We had them in the WCHA; they’re one of our foes in the NCHC now. I think it just carries over from the past.”

The UND players definitely like playing in this series.

“They play a similar game to us,” Pattyn said. “They work hard and they come at you real hard. They don’t give us much room to play. We’re just going to have to turn it on them and do it to them harder and worse.”

“There has always been something there,” freshman defenseman Paul LaDue said. “Obviously, last year with the outdoor game and a couple of good series… It’s a must win for both teams. So, it’s going to be intense.”

Here’s a song to get you into the game.