Can North Dakota’s Roster Overhaul Take It Back to Success?
North Dakota enters an intriguing year with a lot of players leaving North Dakota after the lack of success the past few seasons and the firing of 10-year head coach Brad Berry. The most notable of them is sophomore Sacha Boisvert; their 30-point first-line center elected to transfer to Boston University. Five of last season’s top six forwards have left.
North Dakota got to work in recruiting and the transfer portal, and committed two of the top CHL prospects in forward Cole Reschny and defenseman Keaton Verhoeff. Reschny, the 18th overall pick of the 2025 NHL draft, will have high expectations to lead the forwards with returning senior Dylan James. Clarkson transfer Ellis Rickwood had 35 points last season for the Golden Knights and will be a key piece in the Fighting Hawks' offense.
“I expect ups and downs, usually our best players, they have some struggles but if you're a smart player you learn to adapt. Usually by the second half, you start to get comfortable and you’re not considered a rookie anymore.” coach Dane Jackson said.
The Fighting Hawks' goaltending situation looks new as well with Arizona State transfer Gibson Homer being the target for the starting role.
A change of scenery for the North Dakota bench with the firing of Berry and long-time assistant Jackson stepping up.
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