UND gets sweep of Minn. St.-Mankato

GRAND FORKS (AP) — Sophomore forward Jason Gregoire said his second-half scoring spurt is a result of “puck luck.”

But North Dakota men’s hockey coach Dave Hakstol wasn’t buying it Saturday after Gregoire scored two goals for the second straight night to give the Fighting Sioux a 3-2 Western Collegiate Hockey Association victory over Minnesota State, Mankato.

“He’s an absolute pro in his approach to the game throughout the entire season,” Hakstol said. “But it’s not a coincidence that he always elevates his game when games become more important later in the season. He’s a difference-maker.”

Gregoire, the team leader with 12 goals, has seven goals and seven assists in the last 11 games. Throughout his hockey-playing days, he’s had late-season charges in his point totals.

Both goals in Saturday’s game were set up by linemate Matt Frattin, who was playing his first weekend of the season after a suspension was lifted. Frattin’s shot was tipped by Gregoire for a 1-0 lead just 3:30 into the game. Frattin’s pass then set up Gregoire at the top of the crease for an easy backhander on the power play for a 3-1 lead midway through the third period.

The insurance goal was needed as Mavericks defenseman Channing Boe scored with 5:24 remaining.

UND’s Michael Cichy and MSU’s Geoff Irwin had the other two goals. Brad Eidsness had 20 saves for UND (12-6-4, 8-6-2). Austin Lee had 31 for Minnesota State (11-11-2, 5-10-2).

It was UND’s first weekend sweep at home in league play. It also was only the second one-goal win for the Sioux, who have suffered all six losses by one goal.

“Our one-goal thing was in the back of my mind at the end,” Gregoire said. “We made some mistakes, but to come up with four points on the weekend is absolutely huge.”

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