The Ducks came out strong in their first game of the season against a very talented Minnesota Duluth team. This was a physical game in which both teams showed their strengths and weaknesses. The biggest pre-season question about the Ducks was answered, showing that as a young team they can compete with top MCLA talent. The Ducks had significant playing time from 6 true freshman and one first year transfer as well as 6 sophomores. The game was close until the final minute. This team has a large amount of potential to improve and will have a chance to show those improvements with big games against top MCLA teams all season.
An early season OOC challenge between two teams who are each replacing alot of departed seniors. Both teams are replacing a long-tenured goalie, numerous starting defensemen and attack leaders this year. And both teams showed improvement over the course of the game. UMD was led by Casey MIthun's 5 point game (2g/3a). Junior Team President Pat Struzyk, starting his first OOC game in his career was the Bulldog's goal leader with 3. But Face-offs were the story of this game. Junior Rob Nord and Senior Tyler Keenan, aided by wings Max Thomas Olson, Brandon Nispel, Nick Ethen, Andrew Straus and Brandon Nelson, won 18 of 24 face-offs.
Although a physical game, the game was clean and contested with passion by each team. The 500 fans were treated to an intense 2 hours of lacrosse.
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