2025-26 University of North Dakota Hockey Season

[brianvf]

38 minutes ago, SIOUXpucks said:

And then I chuckled at the part at the end when Jax and Dillon passed each other on the highway going in opposite directions and gave each other a fist pump out the window.  

+1

Both heading off in opposite directions on player visits. The coaching staff definitely put in the work this offseason. 

[sioux rube]

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. 
 

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2025/10/02_2025-26-NCHC-Watch-List.php

[brianvf]

Almost there folks! 

 

[atxsioux]

1 hour ago, Goon said:

This was the big news during the luncheon when Jackson spoke to the media. 

 

Hak was already a legend in my book personally.

 

Seeing him help support the program in the ways he has these past few months since March has been awesome. There's only a small amount that gets reported about but seems like he's been willing to support the new staff alot.

[Humboldt]

LetsGoDU SuperPoll out again for the 21st consecutive season…

https://letsgodu.com/2025/10/02/letsgodu-hockey-super-poll-picks-denver-to-win-championship-finale-in-vegas/

 

[hockeytherapy13]

4 hours ago, Sodbuster said:

After last year's exhibition to start the year.......I agree.

I’d much rather we play Auggie or Bemidji fir exhibitions going forward (once our thanksgiving contract with BSU ends). Playing Toba has run its course since we don’t get anything from it. 

[brianvf]

New season...new head coach...new Through These Doors episode:

 

[Wilbur]

17 hours ago, brianvf said:

Almost there folks! 

 

Love the home white look.  Takes me back.....

[siouxfan512]

22 hours ago, brianvf said:

A dang good article from Schloss about how UND scrambled to fill the roster spots for this season:

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/the-inside-story-of-how-und-saved-the-roster-this-summer

Sounds like the coaches were traveling all over the US and Canada visiting with players, commits, and potential recruits.
They certainly earned their paychecks this summer.    

One of the best articles I have read! Great stuff!

[InHeavenThereIsNoBeer]

1 hour ago, siouxfan512 said:

One of the best articles I have read! Great stuff!

Probably my 2nd favorite article Schloss has written. 

First place obviously being '24 Hours to a Title'

[hockeytherapy13]

43 minutes ago, InHeavenThereIsNoBeer said:

Probably my 2nd favorite article Schloss has written. 

First place obviously being '24 Hours to a Title'

110%

 

I just re-read that one yesterday to get jacked up for this season 

[brianvf]

Article on Smaby:

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/und-believes-it-has-a-rising-star-in-associate-coach-matt-smaby

Quote

A couple of weeks passed before UND posted it. Smaby took that time to digest not getting the head job and to push Waterloo into the playoffs.

Once the job was posted, Smaby applied.

"I have a strong tie to the program and a passion for the program," Smaby said. "I have wanted the program to do extremely well. To get an opportunity to come back and be involved, to be a part of it, it got to the point where it was a no-brainer. My family has deep ties and connections to the area. The more and more I thought it about it, it became a no-brainer for me and my family."

Quote

Before accepting the job, Smaby met with Jackson to ensure their visions aligned.

While they both have their own coaching styles, Smaby said they believe in the same core principles.

"As much as we see the game alike — the way we want to play — we both get there in different ways," Smaby said. "We're coming from it with the same end goal in mind. The end part was extremely important — the drive to win, who we wanted to be as a team in regards to culture.

"Dane is a different coach than I am. I have a lot of respect for him. There are a ton of things I can learn. He's done things at a high level for a long time. We're like-minded. We do things differently, but it complements one another."