Written by Tyler Kuehl
 
While the regular season may have short, and the circumstances odd, the D2 hockey team is on its way to North Dakota to compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Men's D2 National Tournament.
 
This the second year in a row that the Panthers punched their ticket to Nationals, as DU qualified after making it through Regionals in 2020, before the pandemic forced the ACHA to cancel the tournament.
 
This year's team finished the regular season with a 5-3-1 record and were ranked No. 16 in the country, the last spot to qualify for the National Tournament.
 
They were led offensively by junior Jacob Demeter, who finished the regular season with seven goals and five assists, for a team-leading 12 points. Coming up right behind him are two players on opposite ends of the age spectrum. Rookie Nathan Hartline was second on the team in goals (6), and finished tied with juniors Jeff Rahilly and Adam Hulsey for second on the Panthers with 11 points. The big playmaker on the Panthers came from the back end, as Hulsey's 11 points all came by way of assists.
 
Goaltending has been solid this season, as both Senior Drake Deering and Sophomore Brenden Bogema split the net efficiently this season. Both goaltenders had a save-percentage above .900, with Deering going 4-2 with .905 SV%, and Bogema finishing with a 1-1-1 record, and .906 SV%.
 
Head Coach Chris Green says his team is ready, no matter the circumstances.
 
"This season, we learned to be resilient, and always adapt and overcome. The way these Panthers have consistently taken a bad situation and made the best of is not only a testament to their hockey abilities, it's foreshadowing how successful these young men will be in life."
 
WHO ARE THEY UP AGAINST?
 
DU is no. 4 seed in Pool A, as they will be taking on University of Providence, North Carolina State and the no. 1 team in the nation in University of Mary.
 
Up first will be the Mary Marauders, who finished with an impressive 33-4-1-6 record, the best in the nation. The Panthers will have to watch out for Zach Garrett, who led the country with 56 points, and was named ACHA D2 All-American. Defenseman Johnny Witzke (First-Team) and goaltender Kyle Hayden (Second-Team) were also give All-American honors.
 
Puck drop on Thursday at the Starion Sports Complex in Mandan is set for 7 p.m. CST.