 Prior to the game the NCAA had already announced the seeding for the NCAA tournament and Norther Michigan was given the second western slot.Despite being guaranteed a first round bye, the Wildcats weren't distracted by their good fortune and held the Gophers back, winning the close affair 4–2 with an empty net goal to seal the match.Bill Pye was named the Tournament MVP, and is the only player in history to win the award more than once (as of 2019).