2026-27 University of North Dakota Hockey Season

[brianvf]

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/schlossman-caleb-heil-reaching-another-level-in-ushl-playoffs

Quote

Heil is 5-1 in the playoffs with a 1.11 goals-against average and a .966 save percentage.

He's won games where Madison was outshot 37-13, 33-17, 40-14 and 38-13. He posted a 40-save shutout in one of those games.

Also likes to play the puck...like Spoons:

Quote

Heil is extremely active in playing the puck. He led the USHL in outlet passes and stretch passes during the regular season.

"He's a supreme puckhandler," Connelly said. "He's making smart decisions with the puck and putting himself in good spots. He's not all over the place, winging it up."

 

[brianvf]

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2026-u-18-world-championship-cullen-lin-higlight-top-standouts-from-final-day-of-round-robin-top-players-risers

Quote

#20 Keaton Verhoeff, D: It was a quiet start to the tournament, but Verhoeff looked great today. He had a pair of primary assists, and was the driving force behind both plays coming together. Verhoeff is a potential top five prospect this year who came down after spending the year playing against older competition in the NCAA. It took a bit for him to fully find his groove, but he has arrived at the right time for the Canadians.

 

[AlphaMikeFoxtrot]

33 minutes ago, brianvf said:

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/schlossman-caleb-heil-reaching-another-level-in-ushl-playoffs

Also likes to play the puck...like Spoons:

 

Those stats are like when a beer league teammate's goalie son comes back from juniors to sub/sandbag. Officially on Clark Cup MVP watch

[AlphaMikeFoxtrot]

Discussing Verhoeff at 40:20

 

[Und Princess]

Good Morning North Dakota Fans! Happy Hump day! I just released a UND Hockey Schedule piece! Which series or game are you most looking forward to watching in 2026- 2027? I hope you enjoy reading it!

https://ftstspotlight.blogspot.com/2026/05/lets-get-fired-up-fans-2026-2027-hockey.html?m=1

Let's Go UND!

Und Princess 

[burd]

Right after winning the 2016 natty in the first year of the new staff, we all thought the glory days had returned.   Then the next 9 years happened.

Last year was amazing, but watching chippahs go to other programs while we pick up so-so portal people, the all too familiar gloom is returning.  Thinking of going up to ledge to see about reserving a spot before the rush comes after the first loss or PP goal against.  There might even be a nice corner spot available, since most of the Ledgie regulars are at the lake catching bullheads and poison ivy.   If we’re doomed, might as well make the most of it. 

[cberkas]

2 minutes ago, burd said:

Right after winning the 2016 natty in the first year of the new staff, we all thought the glory days had returned.   Then the next 9 years happened.

Last year was amazing, but watching chippahs go to other programs while we pick up so-so portal people, the all too familiar gloom is returning.  Thinking of going up to ledge to see about reserving a spot before the rush comes after the first loss or SH goal against.  There might even be a nice corner spot available, since most of the Ledgie regulars are at the lake catching bullheads and poison ivy.   If we’re doomed, might as well make the most of it. 

I have plenty of wristbands in VIP section 

[burd]

2 minutes ago, cberkas said:

I have plenty of wristbands in VIP section 

Gold

[Wilbur]

1 hour ago, burd said:

Right after winning the 2016 natty in the first year of the new staff, we all thought the glory days had returned.   Then the next 9 years happened.

Last year was amazing, but watching chippahs go to other programs while we pick up so-so portal people, the all too familiar gloom is returning.  Thinking of going up to ledge to see about reserving a spot before the rush comes after the first loss or PP goal against.  There might even be a nice corner spot available, since most of the Ledgie regulars are at the lake catching bullheads and poison ivy.   If we’re doomed, might as well make the most of it. 

I honestly don't see the team losing a single game next season, or a team keeping it within 3 goals.

But if they do.....

[The Sicatoka]

14 minutes ago, Wilbur said:

I honestly don't see the team losing trailing in a single game next season, or a team keeping it within 3 goals.

But if they do.....

Fixed your error. 

[Blackheart]

2 hours ago, burd said:

Right after winning the 2016 natty in the first year of the new staff, we all thought the glory days had returned.   Then the next 9 years happened.

Last year was amazing, but watching chippahs go to other programs while we pick up so-so portal people, the all too familiar gloom is returning.  Thinking of going up to ledge to see about reserving a spot before the rush comes after the first loss or PP goal against.  There might even be a nice corner spot available, since most of the Ledgie regulars are at the lake catching bullheads and poison ivy.   If we’re doomed, might as well make the most of it. 

Summer Ledgies?  Did not know of such a thing.

[cberkas]

7 minutes ago, Blackheart said:

Summer Ledgies?  Did not know of such a thing.

I like to call them pre-season Ledgies, also have some that renew their season Ledgie spot

[The Sicatoka]

I avoid the summer ledgies with summer Leinies. 

[beastandco]

Verhoeff essentially confirms he will be returning next season with his instagram post today.

[burd]

2 hours ago, The Sicatoka said:

I avoid the summer ledgies with summer Leinies. 

Sic Swami

[brianvf]

3 hours ago, beastandco said:

Verhoeff essentially confirms he will be returning next season with his instagram post today.

Great news.  Not totally unexpected, but always nice to confirm.

Now we just need a couple more D commits, and we're set.
I'm hoping for one after the WHL playoffs (or Memorial Cup, depending on who advances) and then another after the NHL draft.

[Brett0909]

53 minutes ago, brianvf said:

Great news.  Not totally unexpected, but always nice to confirm.

Now we just need a couple more D commits, and we're set.
I'm hoping for one after the WHL playoffs (or Memorial Cup, depending on who advances) and then another after the NHL draft.

Just being greedy here, but I think there’s a reason to be optimistic. Who had Keaton as potentially the second highest drafted defenseman on our team from this draft class? Carels or Reid would be great. 

But really, it’s not like I’m suggesting all three of them or anything crazy. Right, Bryn??

[beastandco]

18 minutes ago, Brett0909 said:

Just being greedy here, but I think there’s a reason to be optimistic. Who had Keaton as potentially the second highest drafted defenseman on our team from this draft class? Carels or Reid would be great. 

But really, it’s not like I’m suggesting all three of them or anything crazy. Right, Bryn??

Reid is committed to Michigan State. Carels would be a great fit for UND. I imagine Bryn will be doing his due diligence on DuPont and Rudolph as well. Just speculating, UND probably would have filled their defensive core already if they knew there wasn’t a good chance that they could land at least one of those guys. 

[brianvf]

25 minutes ago, Brett0909 said:

Just being greedy here, but I think there’s a reason to be optimistic. Who had Keaton as potentially the second highest drafted defenseman on our team from this draft class? Carels or Reid would be great. 

But really, it’s not like I’m suggesting all three of them or anything crazy. Right, Bryn??

Reid is heading to MSU.

But I would take Carels and then one of DuPont/Rudolph in a heartbeat.    

[brianvf]

Just now, beastandco said:

Reid is committed to Michigan State. Carels would be a great fit for UND. I imagine Bryn will be doing his due diligence on DuPont and Rudolph as well. Just speculating, UND probably would have filled their defensive core already if they knew there wasn’t a good chance that they could land at least one of those guys. 

That's my thinking as well.  They obviously knew that they had no shot at the 1st rounder CHL forwards (or knew that those players were sticking in the CHL), that's why the forward spots were filled up early.
And if they were only in the running for one of those two big D, then I'm guessing we'd have seen a portal or other commit already on D.

My guess is that they are holding both spots open to see how it lands.
Plan A - land two of the big boys
Plan B - land one of the big boys, then get a portal/commit
Plan C - land zero of the big boys, panic, fire & brimstone, pitchforks, then get two portal/commits

[beastandco]

55 minutes ago, brianvf said:

That's my thinking as well.  They obviously knew that they had no shot at the 1st rounder CHL forwards (or knew that those players were sticking in the CHL), that's why the forward spots were filled up early.
And if they were only in the running for one of those two big D, then I'm guessing we'd have seen a portal or other commit already on D.

My guess is that they are holding both spots open to see how it lands.
Plan A - land two of the big boys
Plan B - land one of the big boys, then get a portal/commit
Plan C - land zero of the big boys, panic, fire & brimstone, pitchforks, then get two portal/commits

Worst case scenario is that UND has three defenseman with world juniors experience on next year’s roster and that’s something few teams have. I would love to add one of the top uncommitted defensemen but as long as the spots are filled with quality recruits, I am content. Either way, there is a ton of talent on this roster.

[Fratt Mattin]

It’s clear that they’re trying to land one of Carels, Rudolph, or DuPont, but I’m very curious what the plan is for the last spot. Getting 2/3 seems unlikely and honestly maybe ill-advised given how young and inexperienced it would leave the d-core. So assuming they don’t plan to add two of the big three, I wonder what the reason for the delay is in announcing the other defenseman? I assume it will be an older guy with a few years of junior hockey under his belt