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No. 4 North Dakota Blanks Mercyhurst 2-0 to Open 2026 as Win Streak Hits Seven

The first-ever meeting saw freshman Jan Špunar improve to 10-0.

Overview

  • Špunar made eight saves for his second shutout, moving to an unbeaten 10-0 start to his collegiate career.
  • Ben Strinden opened the scoring with a first-period power-play goal for his team-leading 12th, and freshman Jack Kernan added a late insurance marker and his first multi-point game.
  • UND controlled play with a 48-8 shots-on-goal advantage after attempting 105 shots overall.
  • The Fighting Hawks are 15-4-0 with seven straight wins and are 37-2-0 all-time against Atlantic Hockey programs, including 30-0-0 at home.
  • Mercyhurst fell to 0-16-1, and North Dakota will seek a series sweep in the Jan. 3 finale as recent Spengler Cup returnees and World Junior absences shape the lineup.