North Dakota caps 2025 on a high note with a 3-1 win, completing a sweep over Omaha at Ralph Engelstad Arena
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The No. 4/6 Fighting Hawks finished the 2025 calendar year strong, defeating Omaha 3-1 to seal the series sweep on Saturday night. UND (14-4-0, 8-2-0 NCHC) moves into the Christmas break alone atop the NCHC standings with 25 points, riding a six-game winning streak and 10 wins in its last 11 games. It’s also the first time in program history that North Dakota swept the Mavericks in a season series, and the Hawks have now won six straight against Omaha.
Three different lines found the net for UND. Anthony Menghini (2), Ellis Rickwood (2) and Cody Croal (5) all scored, while Jake Livanavage extended his point streak to five with an assist on Menghini’s goal.
Graduate student goalie Gibson Homer returned to action for the first time since November 15, turning in a standout performance with 29 saves on 30 shots to notch his fifth win of the season and second against Omaha. The Grand Rapids, Mich., product was especially sharp in the third period, turning away all 10 shots he faced to preserve the lead.
After a scoreless opening frame, Omaha drew first blood with a power-play goal 89 seconds into the middle period to take a 1-0 edge. Menghini answered quickly, sneaking a shot through the goaltender’s legs less than a minute later to even things at 1-1.
With under two seconds left in the second period, Rickwood pounced on a loose puck in the slot and beat the goalie for his second goal of the season, giving UND a 2-1 advantage heading into the final 20 minutes.
The Hawks locked it down in the third. Homer made a pair of highlight-reel saves in the final minute, then Croal sealed the victory with an empty-net tally to secure the 3-1 final and the weekend sweep.
Upcoming schedule: North Dakota will take a holiday break and return to action on Jan. 2, hosting Mercyhurst at 7:07 p.m. from Ralph Engelstad Arena.
Postgame notes summary
- UND improved to 43-23-2 all-time against Omaha and 22-11-1 in Grand Forks.
- The sweep marks UND’s first season series sweep over Omaha in program history.
- North Dakota closes the first half of the season on a six-game win streak and 10 wins in 11 games.
- Rickwood scored his second goal of the season, extending his point streak to three games.
- Menghini recorded his second goal of the year, both against Omaha.
- Croal’s empty-netter was his fifth goal of the season.
- Homer finished with 29 saves on 30 shots in his first start since Nov. 15.
- UND did not score on the power play, going 0-for-2, while Omaha went 1-for-5.
- The team is now 11-0-0 when leading after two periods this season and has outscored NCHC opponents 17-4 in the third period.
- Faceoffs favored UND 33-27, with Rickwood leading skaters at 12-6.
How it happened
Second Period
01:29 — OMA: Cameron Briere (2, PP) from Jeremy Loranger and Luke Woodworth
02:21 — UND: Menghini (2) from Livanavage
19:58 — UND: Ellis Rickwood (2)
Third Period
19:18 — UND: Cody Croal (5, EN)
For more information on North Dakota hockey, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDmhockey.
