Here's what Michigan is saying ahead of its regional game against UND

Mar. 28—MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — UND and Michigan will play in the NCAA regional at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Centene Community Ice Center.

Here's a sampling of what Michigan had to say during its press conference Thursday afternoon.

* Michigan coach Brandon Naurato on how his team needs to have success against UND's shutdown line: "I think just us doing what we do and playing to our identity. Just being hard away from the puck and then trying to get pucks behind them and play in the offensive zone."

* Michigan forward Gavin Brindley on scouting UND: "It's going to be a physical game up and down the ice, and they got some guys that can make plays. Played against a lot of those guys. They're a hell of a team. These are the best games that you want to be in."

* Michigan goalie Jake Barczewski on playing near his home of O'Fallon, Mo: "It's nice to be home, that's for sure. But at the end of the day, you got to put all the distractions aside whenever it comes time for game time. Obviously, a lot of family and friends are going to be in the stands. But we're here for a reason. I just got to get these two games done and then be on our way."

* Brindley on the size of Centene: "It's going to be exciting. Four really good teams, small arena. I feel like honestly, it's a lot like Yost (Ice Arena), where it's kind of crazy. The atmosphere will definitely be rocking, and we've been used to that all year. So it'll be a lot of fun to play in these games."

* Naurato on what stands out about UND: "Probably their transition game. They're really good off the rush. Like Gavin said, they got some game-breaking players that can make plays."

* Barczewski on how playing in NCAA Regional last season with Canisius has prepared him: "It was definitely a pretty big stage for me coming from a really small school. Blown away by just how big of a stage it was, just playing a Big Ten school. But my whole reason for transferring here is to be in a situation like this moment. So we're here with a great team, great guys, and I know that if I take care of my job, they're going to do what they got to do up front."

* Brindley on Michigan's growth this season: "I just think where we were at at Christmas time. We've come a long way. There's been a lot of adjustments, and it's been really exciting for us to see how much we've grown. We've been playing playoff hockey since pretty much January, February. We know how these games are going to be, and we're extremely excited for the opportunity."

Where: Centene Community Ice Center.

Friday's semifinals: Michigan State vs. Western Michigan, 4 p.m., UND vs. Michigan, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday's final: Semifinal winners, 5:30 p.m.

TV: ESPNU.

Stream: ESPN Plus.

Radio: The Fox (96.1 FM), UND games only.