WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Much of the hype leading up to tonight's U.S. College Hockey Classic in Winnipeg focused on the three Manitoba products skating for North Dakota. However, it was Alberta native Carter Rowney who ended up stealing the show.

Centering UND's top line in place of the injured Corban Knight (Jr., High River, Alberta), the junior from Sexsmith scored twice in the second period to spark his team to a 3-1 win over Clarkson at the MTS Centre.

A critical non-conference victory, the win improved UND's overall record to 11-8-2, including a 7-1-1 mark in the last nine games.

Rowney's goals midway through the second period erased a 1-0 Clarkson lead in a span of 3 minutes, 18 seconds.

On his first goal, he attempted a wrap-around that was denied by CU goalie Paul Karpowich. But Rowney was able to stuff in his own rebound to tie the game at 9:14. Just over three minutes later while on the power play, Rowney knocked home a Nick Mattson (Fr., Chanhassen, Minn.) rebound in front of the net with a defender on top of him, giving UND a lead it would not relinquish.

For Rowney, the game's No. 1 star, it was his first career 2-goal outing and gave him 12 points (5g, 7a) in his last 11 games.

Freshman forward Mark MacMillan (Penticton, British Columbia) secured the win with his fourth goal of the season late in the third period. MacMillan drove the net and finished off a Brock Nelson (So., Warroad, Minn.) rebound with 58 seconds remaining in the third period.
MacMillan's goal snapped a personal 11-game scoring drought.

Aaron Dell (Jr., Airdrie, Alberta) was steady in a 21-save effort, stopping Clarkson's final 20 shots after the Golden Knights' Julien Cayer opened the scoring on the game's first shot 4:11 into the game.

Karpowich finished with 32 saves and was named the game's third star.

UND went 1-for-4 on the power play and killed all five Clarkson chances with the man advantage.

UND returns to Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) action next weekend when Minnesota visits Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Notes: The announced attendance of 7,075 out-drew all but three NCAA games on Saturday, one of which was played at Fenway Park ... It was UND's first games in Canada since losing a pair of games at Fort Frances, Ontario, Dec. 29-30, 1953 ... Sophomore defenseman Dillon Simpson (Edmonton, Alberta) enjoyed a 2-assist performance and was named the game's No. 2 star. Simpson now has 10 points (all assists) in 10 games after opening the year with a 9-game scoreless drought ... The win was the 198th of Dave Hakstol's career ... UND will finish the regular season with a 4-1-2 non-conference record.