Hobie Hedquist was the starting goaltender for North Dakota in Game 1 of its best-of-three National Collegiate Hockey Conference playoff series vs. Miami University at Ralph Engelstad Arena Friday.
The Heron Lake native stopped 23 of the 24 shots he saw as the Fighting Hawks won 5-1. In his first start since Jan. 13, the freshman made six shots in the first period, six in the second and 12 in the third.
Hedquist’s record improved to 4-0 on the season. He has a goals against average of 2.28 and a save percentage of .906.
Hedquist said North Dakota goalie coach Karl Goehring informed him before Friday’s morning skate that he was getting the start.
"I was excited about it, but I was a little shocked," Hedquist said in the postgame press conference. "You never want to see your starter going down at this time of year. He's been the backbone of our team all year. It was good to get a playoff game and get the win."
Hedquist is the first UND freshman goalie to start a playoff game since 2013.
"I felt good," Hedquist said. "I felt like the guys really helped me. There was an incredible amount of blocked shots that really helped. We played really well defensively. I felt like I made saves when I had to and I felt like the guys bailed me out."
Fighting Hawks coach Brad Berry didn't tip his hand on starting goaltender for Game 2 Friday night. "I do not know," Berry said. "I'll let you guys know tomorrow when you get to the rink."
Puck drop for Game 2 is 6:07 p.m. Saturday. If Game 3 is necessary, it would be played at 6:07 p.m. Sunday.
The series winner advances to the NCHC Frozen Faceoff next Friday and Saturday at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.