Warriors Rebound to Earn Split with Waldorf
FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University split its season opener with Waldorf University in a battle of the Warriors, falling Friday before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory Saturday in Midwest College Hockey (MCH) action.
Friday: Waldorf 5, Midland 1
After a scoreless first period, Midland struck first with a second-period goal from Leo Milan, assisted by Hugo Lukacovic, at the 1:59 mark. Waldorf answered with a shorthanded goal at 7:15 to tie it 1-1. Less than five minutes later, Waldorf capitalized on a power play at 11:44 to take the lead, carrying a 2-1 advantage into the second intermission.
Waldorf extended its lead early in the third, scoring at the 3:18 mark to make it 3-1. Midland responded with a goal by John Dube, assisted by Lasse Richert, at 12:19. With time winding down, Midland pulled its goalie for an extra attacker, but Waldorf sealed the game with an empty-net goal from across the ice at 18:24 to secure the 5-1 win.
"Credit to Waldorf; they wanted it more, and they earned the win," head coach Jan Dam said. "The key was sticking to our team identity—get pucks out, get pucks deep, keep it simple. We tested that last night."
Saturday: Midland 3, Waldorf 1
Determined to earn the split, Midland came out strong Saturday. John Dube opened the scoring at the 1:01 mark, assisted by Lukacovic. Just minutes later, at 6:13, Tommy Babb scored with assists from Milan and Matthew O'Doherty to give Midland a 2-0 lead.
Milan extended the margin in the second period, netting a goal assisted again by Lukacovic to make it 3-0. Waldorf got on the board early in the third with a goal at 5:49, but Midland held firm to earn the 3-1 win.
Goaltender Liam Tereposky picked up the victory with 23 saves as Midland outshot Waldorf 55-24.
"Going into the first game, we just wanted to stick with what we've established," Dam said. "I've told the guys it's about the process: keep chipping away and eventually you'll get rewarded. A big thank you to all our alumni and the players who helped create this culture. Because of them, these new guys were able to jump right in and adjust within the last three weeks.
"I'm happy with the win today. The boys worked hard. It was an up-and-down game, but I saw a lot of good things we can carry forward. Momentum is crucial both ways. We were on our heels at times, but we kept the pressure on—and that's what got us the win. This game was about getting back to our identity and earning our opportunities. Liam is a great leader on and off the ice, and I can't thank him and the boys enough for the hard work they put in today."
Midland (1-1, 1-1 MCH) will look to build momentum next weekend when it travels to Chesterfield, Missouri, to face Maryville (0-0, 0-0). Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and 5:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19-20.