Because the NCAA had previously announced that all winter sports athletes would retain whatever eligibility they possessed through at least the following year, none of Minnesota State's players would lose a season of play.

Northern Michigan scored the first five goals of the game, chasing McKay from the cage, and then played a defensive shell over the final 20 minutes to upset the Mavericks.

MSU bore down and scored with more than 5 minutes to play but, as time ticked away, the team was forced to pull McKay for an extra attacker and Cade Borchardt tied the game with 62 seconds remaining.

Minnesota State advanced to its first Frozen Four as the highest remaining seed and faced former WCHA rival St.

McKay wasn't sharp in the game, allowing 3 goals in the first 23 minutes, but MSU fought back and took a 4–3 lead early in the third.

The Huskies tied the game for the fourth time mid-way through the period but neither team seemed able to finish the scoring in regulation.

Cloud deflected a puck into the net and MSU was unable to earn a tying goal, ending their season.