Best Hit Of The Night!

No, it wasn't the one to the left thrown by North Dakota's Drake Caggiula, although that is a good hit he's throwing on Michigan's Justin Selman. The NCAA tends to see more stick work than I'd like to see when it comes to players administering a little vigilante justice since fighting is outlawed heavily, but it turns into a completely different matter when the officials prevent goal celebrations with thunderous bodychecks. Tonight's example of the official getting the better of a player is less about being out of position and more about standing his ground in perfect position as a player comes roaring around the net after scoring!

Drake Caggiula take a feed and heads into the Michigan zone on a partial breakaway. He allows the defender to catch up and uses him as a screen as he gets the shot off. Goaltender Steve Racine makes the save, but the rebound comes out to Caggiula where he has all day to pop the puck in the net on the backhand. And then he goes to celebrate. Watch this!

It appears that Chip McDonald stands his ground well as Caggiula comes tearing around the back of the net to celebrate his goal, and he runs square into McDonald's arm. McDonald doesn't even budge on the hit! Technically, that could be a boarding call, but I think McDonald makes a clean hit on Caggiula. The best part? Check out Troy Stecher tap McDonald on the helmet after the hit in appreciation! So good!

North Dakota, for what it's worth, booked their ticket to Tampa for the 2016 NCAA Frozen Four with a 5-2 win over the Wolverines. They looked sharp, they fired a pile of pucks at the Wolverines' net, and they capitalized on some shaky defensive work in the Michigan end. I'm not saying that the Fighting Sioux Hawks are going to win the NCAA Championship, but they're a dangerous team with a ton of talent who can't be underestimated.

Just keep your head up for officials, Drake Caggiula!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!