NCAA MEN'S FROZEN FOUR SEMIFINAL: MASSACHUSETTS VS MINNESOTA DULUTH

April 8, 2021

Tanner Laderoute

Nick Swaney

PPG Paints Arena

Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs

Postgame Media Conference

Massachusetts - 3, Minnesota Duluth - 2 (OT)

MODERATOR: We're joined by Nick Swaney and Tanner Laderoute.

Q. For both of you, I know this is fresh, but can you both reflect on the run that this program has gone on going back to playing for a national championship in 2017 -- I know you weren't there for that -- and what it's meant to be a part of just an epic run here in college hockey history?

NICK SWANEY: I mean, it's been awesome. I mean, it's hard to describe everything that we've gone through these four years. Obviously like you said, the year before, my freshman year, too, getting back here every single year. That's just something you don't see a lot.

And kind of a testament to the culture we have here at Duluth. I'm fortunate to be part of so many great teams and so many great groups of guys.

TANNER LADEROUTE: To piggyback off what he said, it's all about the culture we created. We're good hockey players but even more than that we have good people. We have good character, good people. That's what we create. That's why we keep coming back.

We faced so much adversity. Every team has, but it's supposed to be this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And it seems that we keep coming. So it's a pleasure to be. I couldn't be more lucky to do it with all these guys.

Q. For either of the players, Coach Carvel from UMass said he thought you guys ran out of gas. Is that the case, in overtime?

TANNER LADEROUTE: That's a tough question, but maybe a little bit. We've played a lot of hockey. We faced a lot of adversity. Our practices aren't always the same, with COVID and everything. But maybe a little bit. They had us kind of on the ropes there at the end. Gotta give it to them. They're an awesome team. Yeah, maybe a little bit.

Q. The pressure that UMass was putting on you guys, especially in the overtime period, that's something we've at times seen you be able to do to teams. What do you feel they did so well in overtime that was pinning you guys in the zone? And maybe what did you need to do better to break free of that?

NICK SWANEY: Obviously, like Tanner said, they're a really good hockey team. And they showed that kind of the whole game. And I think they got better as the game went on and obviously they had plenty of chances in overtime. I think, I mean, obviously we were doing everything we could. I think it kind of just came down to maybe get a puck out here and there and doing little things like that.

It sucks to lose in overtime like that, but that's just kind of the way it goes.

TANNER LADEROUTE: I think he said it perfect there.

Q. Tanner, I'm pretty sure it was you that looked like you had a breakaway and was trying to go for a break there in overtime and you got caught or taken down. What happened on that play? What did you see?

TANNER LADEROUTE: I mean, that's hockey. I think I had a step on him. He maybe tangled me up a bit, but it's overtime at the Frozen Four. You can't be asking for calls at that time. They're a good team. They have fast skaters too. You've got to battle through.

Q. This is for either one of you guys. But when you were able to tie it up there after being down in the first, what did that momentum shift kind of feel for you?

NICK SWANEY: That was a huge goal by Tanner. I think we knew we just kind of had to work them down low, get back to playing our game. And that was a huge goal for us and a huge momentum swing obviously carrying that over into the second period. That was a big goal. And I thought we played well in the second period, getting the second goal. It kind of just started with that first one with Tanner.

Q. What did you think of the play of your line better tonight? And do you think that was the best game the three of you have played this year?

TANNER LADEROUTE: Yeah, I would say it's one of our better games for sure. We haven't been together too long. Those lines have been switching a little bit near the end. But I think we finally got to what we need to do. We're three hard-working guys. We need to get the puck below the goal line and work them over.

We're all good at being strong over pucks, and when we get to the puck to the net finish around there. So, as long as we can do that, I think we can be a pretty good line.

Q. Swanes and I don't remember, Tanner, if you played for him too, how much you guys rooting for Brett Larson Saturday night in the national championship game?

NICK SWANEY: Obviously we want to keep it in the NCHC. I think our conference has proved over the years how great we are. And I think we're the best conference in college hockey. And we know that Lars will have those guys ready to go.