St. Cloud State advances to NCAA final with win over MSU-Mankato

St. Cloud State will play for the NCAA men's hockey championship.

Nolan Walker deflected home the winner in the final minute and the Huskies held on to defeat the Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks by a score of 5-4 in their semifinal matchup Thursday.

St. Cloud State blew a 3-1 lead as the Mavericks jumped in front 4-3 early in the third period. However, Joe Molenaar tied it for the Huskies midway through the final frame before Walker potted the decisive marker.

Walker, Will Hammer, Kyler Kupka, and Spencer Meier posted a goal and an assist apiece for St. Cloud State. Nathan Smith tallied a pair of markers for Minnesota State.

The Huskies will meet the winner of the other Frozen Four clash between the two-time defending champion Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs and the University of Massachusetts Minutemen.