NCAA Tournament 3 Stars: Nelson, Davis, and Mack make early impressions at NCAA tournament

The NCAA men’s hockey tournament opened on Thursday. 

Two top seeds advanced with Denver defeating Massachusetts 2-1 in double overtime, while Boston University beat RIT 6-3. In the other games third-seeded Colgate upset Maine, 3-1, while No. 2 seed Minnesota rallied for a 3-2 win against Omaha.

The following are the EP Rinkside Three Stars for Day 1 of the NCAAs. 

1. Jaxon Nelson, C, Minnesota (FA)

The Gold Gophers captain made sure his season continued with a pair of third-period goals after Minnesota fell behind, 2-1, against Nebraska-Omaha. 

Fifth-year senior Jaxon Nelson first tied the game at 2-2 to finish off a fore-checking sequence for Minnesota after Omaha had taken a third-period lead. He then gave Minnesota a 3-2 lead and the game-winning goal on a deflection after Bryce Brodzinski