The road to Tampa wasn’t paved smoothly for either Union College or Ferris State. Neither team slipped through the cracks and neither took advantage of the single-elimination system in the NCAA tournament.
Both teams won regular season championships in their respective conferences and both teams got to the Frozen Four by relying on their defenses. Combined, both teams have only lost five games this year.
Neither team has won a national championship between them but that could easily change. Certainly not a fluke.
Ferris State’s stifling penalty kill will match up against Union’s power play which is 24.8%. and which one prevails will be interesting as the tournament pans out. According to Ferris State senior Jordie Johnston, sticking to the basics on special teams is key to shutting down Union’s power play.
“Just sticking to our plan on the P.K,” he said. “We're really good in getting into the shot lane. So that's going to be key. And really just not getting to the point where we run around, not getting stressed out out there, and just making smart, easy plays.”
“That's been our success all year, he added. “If we keep doing it, we should have some success.”
That could be quite a task for the Bulldogs though, who are facing an impressive Dutchmen top line. What Union will rely on most though, will be their top-five defensive unit which is supported by senior net-minder Troy Grosenick, who has a 1.64 goals against average and a .936 save percentage this season.
Don’t expect a high scoring game in this semi final matchup. Each team will be honing in on their defensive skills, where both teams have excelled all season. Anticipate a low-scoring game with an intense goalie battle on each end.
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No. 1 Union College Dutchmen vs No. 3 Ferris State Bulldogs
WHEN: April 5, 4:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Fl
MEDIA: TV: ESPNU