Hawks on the Rise: North Dakota Finds Its Groove Heading Into the Break

North Dakota’s Fighting Hawks have had their share of ups and downs this season, but after an impressive weekend sweep of St. Cloud State, it feels like the tides are turning. Sure, they’ve had sweeps before, but those came against teams you’d expect them to beat. This time, they’ve shown they can hang with the heavyweights, leaving fans wondering if this might be the start of something big.

“That was a pretty emotional win tonight,” head coach Brad Berry said after Saturday’s game. “It’s huge going into the break here.”

Early Season Struggles

The Hawks’ season started with promise. A win against Providence and splits with Minnesota State and Boston University suggested they were contenders. But injuries began to pile up, and things got shaky. Getting swept by Cornell in November was a clear low point, and losses to Denver and Bemidji State didn’t help. For a program with North Dakota’s lofty expectations, this wasn’t good enough.

Key players like senior Cameron Berg and junior defenseman Benett Zmolek have been sidelined for weeks. Grad student Louis Jamernik also missed significant time, further straining the roster. But adversity has its silver linings. Younger players, thrown into bigger roles, have started to shine. Freshmen Sacha Boisvert and EJ Emery, along with Mac Swanson, have stepped up in a big way, proving they belong on the big stage.

“He’s adjusted to the pace and how heavy the NCHC is,” Berry said of Emery, who will represent Team USA at the World Juniors. “What we’re trying to do is add to his offensive game while keeping his defensive identity intact.”

Building Momentum

The Fighting Hawks’ growth has been fueled by tough conversations and a commitment to getting better. Jamernik, cleared to play just before the break, spoke about the team’s turning point.

“We had a hard conversation a little bit ago,” he said. “We just said, ‘Hey guys, we’re not happy with how we’re playing.’ Everyone chimed in, and it brought us closer. You trust each other more after something like that.”

That trust was evident in Friday’s dominant win over St. Cloud State. The defense allowed just 24 shots, and grad student T.J. Semtimphelter stood tall in net. Saturday’s game was tighter, with North Dakota never holding a lead until overtime. Boisvert tied the game in the third period with his eighth goal of the season, showcasing his competitive fire.

“When games heat up, he’s smiling,” Berry said. “He loves those kinds of games. He wants the puck, he wants to be on the ice, and those are the kinds of players who drive your team.”

The game-winner came in dramatic fashion. Dylan James used his speed to chase down a loose puck, setting up Jake Schmaltz for a highlight-reel goal.

“I saw Schmaltz there, and I threw it to him,” James said. “It was sick. He does that little celly. That’s my first OT win being on the ice at The Ralph, so it was a good experience.”

Looking Ahead

With the first half of the season in the books, North Dakota heads into the break with renewed confidence. But challenges lie ahead. The Hawks are 22nd in the Pairwise rankings, and their January schedule is a gauntlet. They’ll face Arizona State, Western Michigan, St. Cloud, Colorado College, and Denver—all top-20 teams.

“Going into Christmas break, it’s a chance to reset and get healthy,” Berry said. “We’re two points out of first place in the NCHC standings. We’ve got to keep pushing. The NCHC is filled with top teams, and we need to prove ourselves.”

The young players’ growth, combined with the return of key veterans, could make North Dakota a team to watch in the second half of the season. As Berry put it, “The journey of the season has its ups and downs. How you respond when things get tough is the biggest part of mental resiliency and toughness. Our group has a lot of it.”

For now, the Hawks can enjoy the break, knowing they’ve found their stride. The road ahead is tough, but with their talent and grit, the Fighting Hawks have a shot to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament. And if this weekend’s sweep is any indication, they’re ready to take on whatever comes next.