COMMITTED UND Recruits

[nascar99]

27 minutes ago, .357 said:

They both came from junior organizations & are quite familiar with that style; so that shouldn't be a reason. Maybe it's either nerves from being on the big stage or a developmental issue (game hasn't slowed down for him yet). Will see tomorrow if Verhoeff looks more comfortable in the second exhibition game. 

 

They haven't played junior in awhile, thus the style transition adjustment

[beastandco]

Listening to “Called Up the Prospects Podcast” with Cam Robinson and Chris Peters and they project Ethan MacKenzie as 2nd/3rd round pick this year with 1st round upside if he has a good world juniors.

[scpa0305]

On 12/18/2025 at 1:03 PM, JakeLove said:

My theory? Team Canada will prioritize CHL players until they consistently get their ass kicked during international play. Thus, McKenzie and Carels over Verhoef 

Unfortunately this probably has a lot to do with it.

[brianvf]

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/ethan-mackenzie-is-a-big-story-in-canada-how-did-und-land-him-early

Quote

How did UND find him early?

General manager Bryn Chyzyk said the entire staff — head coach Dane Jackson, associate head coach Matt Smaby and assistant coach Dillon Simpson — was on board with MacKenzie.

"Our whole staff was part of that process, for sure," Chyzyk said. "It wasn't just my evaluation."

Quote

"We saw an elite-skating defenseman that was highly competitive on the ice," Chyzyk said. "Once we peeled back the layers and got to know the kid a little bit more, how he was a late-developing kid, just sitting down with his family and talking about who they are and what makes them tick, we realized it would be a really good fit for our program."

MacKenzie is expected to come to campus next season. "We're certainly not shocked to see the success he's had this year," Chyzyk said.