NCHC to review Adam Benák's slash on Cody Croal

The final seconds of a hockey game can be a whirlwind of emotion, but Saturday night at Ralph Engelstad Arena saw a moment that sparked concern and triggered a league review. As University of North Dakota (UND) Fighting Hawks forward Cody Croal put the puck into an empty net to seal a 4-1 victory over Western Michigan, a slash by the Broncos’ Adam Benák sent Croal sprawling, leading to a brief melee and now, a formal review by the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). This incident, while seemingly isolated, underscores the intensity of college hockey and raises questions about player safety and sportsmanship within the NCHC.

What Happened

The incident occurred with 2:03 remaining in the third period, a time when tensions are often high. Benák, Western Michigan's top-line center, took a one-handed swing at Croal with his stick. The impact caught Croal in the neck, causing him to immediately fall behind the net. Following the slash, a brief scuffle erupted as Croal, visibly shaken, got up and confronted Benák. NCHC officials called a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct to Benák after a video review. A game misconduct results in an automatic ejection from the game but does not automatically trigger a suspension; the league’s review will determine whether further disciplinary action is warranted. National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) routinely reviews all five-minute major penalties for potential supplemental discipline, a process designed to ensure fair play and player safety.

NCHC commissioner Heather Weems and director of officiating Mike Schmitt attended the game, underscoring the league's commitment to monitoring game conduct. While Croal was able to participate in the ensuing power play, he was unavailable for the postgame press conference because he was receiving medical attention. “He's ginger and sore,” UND coach Dane Jackson reported, highlighting the immediate physical impact of the slash.

Croal's Performance and Matchup

The incident occurred after Croal had already established himself as a significant offensive force. He recorded a career-best three-point night, scoring two goals and adding an assist. He is currently tied as UND’s second-leading scorer with eight points in nine games, trailing only captain Cole Reschny. Earlier in the game, during the second period, Croal leveled Benák along the boards, forcing a turnover that ultimately led to one of his goals. Croal’s line was also responsible for matching Western Michigan's top line of Benák, William Whitelaw, and Bobby Cowan. While Benák scored, Whitelaw and Cowan were held without a point on the weekend, with Whitelaw having tallied 14 points in Western Michigan's first seven games of the season. Benák now leads Western Michigan with 15 points.

“He’s just a workhorse,” UND senior forward Anthony Menghini said. “You see it every day in practice. He battles hard. He does all the little things right – team-first mentality, forecheck, backcheck, really solid, really reliable.” Linemate Gavin Lindberg added, “(Croal) just plays hard all the time. He’s so consistent, always winning his battles. He’s really fun to play with.” After the game, Menghini awarded Croal the team's warrior helmet, an award recognizing exceptional effort and grit.

Coaches' Perspective

UND coach Dane Jackson acknowledged the recklessness of Benák’s action but downplayed the possibility of malicious intent. “It's not a very smart play,” Jackson stated. “To me, the game is over and it's a reckless stick, but I don't think it was malicious… he’s not a dirty player.” He further elaborated, “The way it happened, it worked out bad and unfortunately Cody got hurt. I don’t think he’s a dirty player and was trying to do it. I think he was sweeping at the puck. I personally didn't feel it was a malicious play.”

What's Next

The focus now shifts to the NCHC’s review process. Commissioner Weems and director of officiating Schmitt will carefully examine the video footage and any available information to determine whether supplemental discipline is necessary. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for Benák and Western Michigan, potentially resulting in a suspension that would impact their upcoming games. The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and player safety in collegiate athletics.

Lila's Take

This incident with Cody Croal and Adam Benák is a stark reminder that even in the excitement of competition, there’s a responsibility to protect one another. While Coach Jackson’s assessment that Benák isn’t a “dirty player” offers some reassurance, it doesn’t negate the potential for serious harm caused by reckless actions on the ice. The fact that the NCHC is taking this seriously – with the commissioner and director of officiating present – is a positive sign, indicating a commitment to player safety above all else. I believe it's a vital opportunity to reinforce the values of sportsmanship and respect within the league. Beyond the immediate consequences for Benák, this incident should spark a larger conversation about how we can foster a culture of responsibility and care within college athletics. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of victory, but true champions are defined not just by their skill, but by their character – and how they treat their opponents, even in the heat of the moment. The long-term health and well-being of these young men, and the integrity of the game itself, depend on it.

Resources

For those interested in following the NCHC’s disciplinary process or learning more about player safety initiatives, the following resources are available:

• National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC): Provides information on rules, regulations, and disciplinary procedures.
• University of North Dakota Athletics Website: Offers updates on UND hockey and other athletic programs.
• Fargo Chamber of Commerce: Supports local businesses and community initiatives, including youth sports programs.
• USA Hockey: The national governing body for ice hockey in the United States, promoting safety and development at all levels.

The importance of strong families and communities is reflected in the dedication of these organizations to ensure a safe and supportive environment for young athletes.

This incident serves as a reminder of the values we hold dear – integrity, respect, and a commitment to protecting one another. As we move forward, let us hope that this review leads to a renewed focus on sportsmanship and player safety within the NCHC and beyond.