University Of Minnesota Duluth Mens Hockey
The History of UMD Men's Hockey
University of Minnesota Duluth Men's Hockey has a rich history dating back to 1930. The program started as an independent team, mostly composed of local players. In 1947, UMD joined the Midwest Collegiate Hockey League and started playing against teams outside the region.
During the 1960s and 1970s, UMD experienced growth and success. In 1975, the Bulldogs joined the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), which is one of the most competitive hockey conferences in the country. Since then, UMD has been a consistent contender in the WCHA and beyond.
Over the years, UMD has produced many talented players who went on to play in the NHL, including former Los Angeles Kings' star Brett Hull and current Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel.
Recent Achievements
UMD Men's Hockey has been on a roll in recent years, winning two national championships and producing numerous NHL draft picks.
In 2011, UMD won its first-ever NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship, defeating the University of Michigan in the final. The Bulldogs won their second championship in 2018, defeating Notre Dame in the final. These victories are a testament to the program's growth and ongoing success.
Several UMD players have been selected in the NHL Draft in recent years. In 2020, defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was selected in the third round by the Chicago Blackhawks. Other recent draft picks include Dylan Samberg (2nd round, Winnipeg Jets) and Mikey Anderson (4th round, Los Angeles Kings).
The 2021-2022 Season
The current UMD Men's Hockey team is looking to continue its winning ways in the 2021-2022 season. With a solid mix of returning players and new recruits, the Bulldogs are poised to make another run at the national championship.
The team is led by head coach Scott Sandelin, who has been with UMD since 2000. Sandelin has led the Bulldogs to numerous conference championships and two national championships during his tenure.
Key returning players include leading scorer Cole Koepke, goaltender Ryan Fanti, and defenseman Matt Anderson. The team also welcomes several talented freshmen, including forward Blake Biondi and defenseman Casper Craggs.
UMD's schedule for the upcoming season includes tough matchups against top teams like the University of Minnesota, the University of North Dakota, and St. Cloud State University. Fans can catch all the action at the AMSOIL Arena, which has been the Bulldogs' home since 2010.
Final Thoughts
University of Minnesota Duluth Men's Hockey is a program with a storied history, recent success, and a bright future. With talented players, a dedicated coaching staff, and a passionate fan base, the Bulldogs are sure to continue making waves in the competitive world of NCAA men's hockey.
Whether you're a lifelong UMD Men's Hockey fan or new to the sport, there's always something exciting happening in the world of college hockey. So grab some popcorn, put on your favorite Bulldogs gear, and get ready to cheer on UMD to victory!
