Imagine ending the year with a flawless victory and a historic sweep—that's exactly what the No. 4/6 North Dakota Fighting Hawks achieved in their 3-1 win over Omaha, capping off a dominant 2025 season. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this sweep a testament to North Dakota's prowess, or did Omaha simply fall short of expectations? Let’s dive into the details and let you decide.
On a chilly Saturday night in Grand Forks, N.D., the Fighting Hawks (14-4-0, 8-2-0 NCHC) secured their sixth consecutive win and 10th in their last 11 games, solidifying their position atop the NCHC standings with 25 points. This victory marked the first time in program history that North Dakota swept the season series against the Mavericks (6-10-0, 3-7-0 NCHC), extending their winning streak against Omaha to six games. And this is the part most people miss: The Hawks' success wasn’t just about individual brilliance—it was a true team effort, with goals coming from three different lines.
Anthony Menghini, Ellis Rickwood, and Cody Croal each found the back of the net, showcasing the depth of North Dakota’s offensive firepower. Menghini’s goal, assisted by Jake Livanavage, tied the game at 1-1 in the second period, while Rickwood’s late-period heroics gave the Hawks a 2-1 lead heading into the third. Croal’s empty-netter sealed the deal, but it was goaltender Gibson Homer who stole the show. Returning to the net for the first time since November 15, Homer made 29 saves on 30 shots, including a flawless third period where he stopped all 10 shots he faced.
Omaha struck first with a power-play goal just 89 seconds into the second period, but North Dakota’s response was swift and decisive. The game’s turning point came with just over two seconds left in the second, when Rickwood capitalized on a loose puck to give the Hawks the lead. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Omaha’s early goal expose a weakness in North Dakota’s defense, or was it simply a momentary lapse in an otherwise dominant performance?
Looking ahead, North Dakota will enjoy a well-deserved break before returning to action on January 2 against Mercyhurst. As the Hawks sit atop the NCHC standings, fans are left wondering: Can they maintain this momentum, or will the second half of the season bring new challenges?
Postgame Highlights:
- North Dakota improved to 43-23-2 all-time against Omaha and 22-11-1 in Grand Forks.
- The Hawks’ 14 wins tie the 2019-20 season for the most before Christmas, trailing only the 2002-03 and 2015-16 teams (16).
- Ellis Rickwood now has points in three straight games, while Anthony Menghini’s two goals this season have both come against Omaha.
- Gibson Homer’s 29 saves marked his fifth win of the season and second against the Mavericks.
- North Dakota is a staggering plus-14 in the third period this season, outscoring NCHC opponents 17-4 in the final 20 minutes.
How It Unfolded:
First Period: Scoreless
Second Period:
- 01:29 | OMA – Cameron Briere (2, PP) from Jeremy Loranger (4) and Luke Woodworth (8)
- 02:21 | UND – Anthony Menghini (2) from Jake Livanavage (12)
- 19:58 | UND – Ellis Rickwood (2)
Third Period:
- 19:18 | UND – Cody Croal (5, EN)
What’s your take on North Dakota’s historic sweep? Is this team destined for greatness, or is there room for improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation! For more updates, visit FightingHawks.com or follow @UNDmhockey on social media.
