2025-26 University of North Dakota Hockey Season

[siouxfaninseattle]

20 minutes ago, burd said:

With all these chippahs coming in, one I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do this year is James. He's not a sniper, but he's a damn fine hockey player who can make teams pay with his legs and his hustle. 

I would like to see him score on at least half of his breakaways.

[burd]

7 minutes ago, siouxfaninseattle said:

I would like to see him score on at least half of his breakaways.

I think we came up with an over/under on that.  

[SuhakiYeahYeah]

On 6/26/2025 at 4:05 PM, brianvf said:

JPL now confirmed!
I feel like Jax has been making all the right decisions since getting hired.  Hopefully it translates on the ice.

 

When the staff is introduced in the exhibition game, I hope Looker busts out the old "Jjjjjjeaaaan-Phillipe LamourOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

[DeadPoets]

Perhaps this is common knowledge or has been asked before, but it looks like the only single-game tickets available are in a few of the upper-level sections.  Is that correct? 

Planning on meeting family back in Grand Forks for a game this year and want to temper brother's expectations if that is the case.  Thanks!

[atxsioux]

I've been traveling back for games at least once a year and usually don't have issues finding lower bowl resale tickets for around $75 to $100. Some times can get them for face value as well. (Granted any gopher game is obviously a more pricy ticket)

[brianvf]

UND players get invites to World Jr Showcase:

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/four-und-players-one-recruit-named-to-u-s-world-junior-summer-showcase-roster

Quote

Four UND players and a Fighting Hawks recruit are among 42 players invited to the U.S. World Junior Championship Summer Showcase. The showcase is set for July 25-Aug. 2 at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis.

UND sophomore defenseman E.J. Emery, sophomore forward Mac Swanson, freshman defenseman Sam Laurila, freshman forward Will Zellers and 2026 goalie recruit Caleb Heil will participate.

The U.S., Canada, Finland and Sweden will be in the Twin Cities. They will play 11 games combined.

Canada has not yet announced its camp participants, but UND freshman Cole Reschny is expected to be one.

 

[brianvf]

Jersey numbers!

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/unds-new-players-get-their-jersey-numbers

Quote

Most of UND's players are back on campus.

They'll skate on their own this month, participate in voluntary workouts and begin team building ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Quote

UND still has two forwards to add to the roster. Those players can choose from 5, 8, 10, 11 and 14.

Zach Sandy - #1
Will Zellers - #9
Sam Laurila - #13
Jack Kernan - #15
Cole Reschny - #17
Keaton Verhoeff - #18
David Klee - #22
Josh Zakreski - #24
Anthony Menghini - #27
Ellis Rickwood - #29
Gibson Homer - #31
Jan Spunar - #35

[cberkas]

I always wonder should UND finally move on from only "traditional" numbers. I like that UND is pretty much the only school that doesn't let players pick any number. But there are times I wonder if a McKenna type wouldn't come to UND because he can't have 72 as his jersey number. You are starting to see players not wearing "traditional" numbers. Just a thought.

[hrkac]

51 minutes ago, cberkas said:

I always wonder should UND finally move on from only "traditional" numbers. I like that UND is pretty much the only school that doesn't let players pick any number. But there are times I wonder if a McKenna type wouldn't come to UND because he can't have 72 as his jersey number. You are starting to see players not wearing "traditional" numbers. Just a thought.

McKenna didn't choose NIL University for the number, it was for the cash and to be the player to put them on the map. 

[Blackheart]

52 minutes ago, cberkas said:

I always wonder should UND finally move on from only "traditional" numbers. I like that UND is pretty much the only school that doesn't let players pick any number. But there are times I wonder if a McKenna type wouldn't come to UND because he can't have 72 as his jersey number. You are starting to see players not wearing "traditional" numbers. Just a thought.

The only number McKenna cared about was 700.  Pretty sure he can't wear that number on his jersey.

[scpa0305]

16 hours ago, cberkas said:

I always wonder should UND finally move on from only "traditional" numbers. I like that UND is pretty much the only school that doesn't let players pick any number. But there are times I wonder if a McKenna type wouldn't come to UND because he can't have 72 as his jersey number. You are starting to see players not wearing "traditional" numbers. Just a thought.

1000% UND should move past that…but I’m next to certain it had nothing to do with mckennas choice. We were never in on him.

[Und Princess]

1 minute ago, scpa0305 said:

1000%

Most definitely should!!! I agree with you @scpa0305

[tnt]

Probably a good thing McKenna is so slippery, as I would bet that a lot of players in the Big Ten will be taking a run at him, especially the losers in the sweepstakes.

[siouxfaninseattle]

20 hours ago, cberkas said:

I always wonder should UND finally move on from only "traditional" numbers. I like that UND is pretty much the only school that doesn't let players pick any number. But there are times I wonder if a McKenna type wouldn't come to UND because he can't have 72 as his jersey number. You are starting to see players not wearing "traditional" numbers. Just a thought.

One of many traditions that are being tossed to the curb. 

[southpaw]

2 hours ago, siouxfaninseattle said:

One of many traditions that are being tossed to the curb. 

Really? The best player in hockey history wore 99 nearly 50 years ago. Hardley a tradition just now being tossed aside. 

[fightingsioux4life]

4 hours ago, siouxfaninseattle said:

One of many traditions that are being tossed to the curb. 

I think this is one tradition that we can learn to live without.

[siouxfaninseattle]

1 hour ago, southpaw said:

Really? The best player in hockey history wore 99 nearly 50 years ago. Hardley a tradition just now being tossed aside. 

It's a UND tradition. I'm not talking about the pros.

16 minutes ago, fightingsioux4life said:

I think this is one tradition that we can learn to live without.

If it costs us a player that will go elsewhere because he wants a number that UND doesn't offer that seems like that player might be someone that doesn't quite fit what UND is looking for. 

[InHeavenThereIsNoBeer]

I like the low numbers, has a bit of gravitas and just another little thing that is part of UND's tradition

[I Ranger]

1 minute ago, InHeavenThereIsNoBeer said:

I like the low numbers, has a bit of gravitas and just another little thing that is part of UND's tradition

I must be old school as I agree. The first time the Gophers came to town with all there players wearing the random numbers I just thought it looked dumb. 

[burd]

10 hours ago, siouxfaninseattle said:

It's a UND tradition. I'm not talking about the pros.

If it costs us a player that will go elsewhere because he wants a number that UND doesn't offer that seems like that player might be someone that doesn't quite fit what UND is looking for. 

Yup.  I'm not hung up on a low-number tradition, but a player who would base such a serious decision on his jersey number is not very appealing to me.  

[atxsioux]

Apparently Hockey Canada is looking at taking players off their teams starting in late November for the WJC. Hopefully they consult someone from the NCAA so they can tell them how ridiculous that is with how many games players could miss if they move forward that way.

 

[dustnyou]

I didn’t realize this until seeing it on social media this morning but Caleb Heil was the only American goaltender taken in this past draft.

[brianvf]

Rangers are fine having Emery at UND until he's pro-ready:

https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/ej-emery-great-path-development-sophomore-north-dakota/

Quote

Emery told reporters in early July that he added 10 pounds of muscle to his wiry (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) frame. Rangers officials said when they drafted Emery that he needed to fill out and hone his all-around game. John Lilley, New York’s director of player personnel, emphasized at the time that the Rangers would not rush Emery and his development.

Quote

Emery echoed those sentiments. He’s more concerned about trying to win the NCAA National Championship with North Dakota then breaking into the NHL any time soon.

So, that’s to say, there’s no rush for Emery to turn pro. He could sign an entry-level contract next spring or remain in school, which is what Fortescue, another shutdown defenseman prospect, did heading back to Boston College this season for his junior year.

 

[stoneySIOUX]

Hearing a few pretty special early reviews of Verhoeff. "Truly elite" was how one put it.

[AlphaMikeFoxtrot]

Dane on CHN