Bast Welcomes in Former Team as #18 UMD Clashes with #4 North Dakota

Junior defenseman Luke Bast transferred from North Dakota this past off-season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 18th ranked UMD men’s hockey team continues their gauntlet of a schedule this weekend when they welcome in 4th ranked North Dakota to AMSOIL Arena.

The Bulldogs are coming off a tough home and home series with the Gophers, which resulted in a loss and a tie.

UMD is moving forward though as they look to turn the all-time series around against the Fighting Hawks.

The Bulldogs have won one out of their last five against UND.

Head Coach Scott Sandelin says their experience with their past two series should help when matching up with the Fighting Hawks.

“They have size. They can skate. They’re always good defensively, hard at the net. Special teams, their kill is going to be agressive. They have some dangerous weapons on the power play but again the last two weekends we’ve seen really good teams. So we’re not going to be shocked right? Those teams that we’ve played are at a different level so it carries it us right into this and North Dakota is playing at a really high level right now too,” said Sandelin.

This weekend’s series will also be a reunion for UMD junior defenseman Luke Bast, who transferred from North Dakota this off-season.

“I was roommates with Jake Schmaltz last year so I’m pretty excited to play him. Him and I are still pretty good buddies. I have a lot of good buddies on that team still. Still keep in contact with a lot of them but when that puck drops we’re no longer friends anymore,” added Bast.

Puck drop for game one is set for Friday at 7:07 PM.