University Of North Dakota Hockey Roster
If you are a fan of college hockey, then you must have heard of the University of North Dakota (UND) hockey team. The Fighting Hawks, as they are popularly called, are one of the most successful collegiate ice hockey teams in the United States. UND has won eight National Championships and produced over 80 NHL players. In this article, we will take a closer look at the current UND hockey roster and examine the players who have brought glory to this prestigious institution.
The History of UND Hockey
Before we delve into the current roster, let's take a brief look at the history of UND hockey. The Fighting Hawks first hit the ice in 1929 and have since established a rich legacy in collegiate hockey. The team has won eight NCAA Division I National Championships, with the most recent one coming in 2016. UND has also produced numerous NHL players, including Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, and T.J. Oshie.
The Current Roster
Heading into the 2021-22 season, the UND hockey team has a formidable roster that is capable of contending for another National Championship. Here is a breakdown of the current Fighting Hawks squad:
Forwards
The UND forwards are led by a trio of seniors - Mark Senden, Collin Adams, and Jasper Weatherby. Senden is a defensive forward who is known for his physicality and penalty-killing abilities. Adams is a skilled playmaker who led the team in scoring last season. Weatherby is a towering presence in front of the net and is a constant threat to score on the power play. Other notable forwards include sophomore standout Riese Gaber and freshman sensation Carter Randklev.
Defensemen
The UND defense is anchored by veteran blueliners Matt Kiersted and Ethan Frisch. Kiersted is an offensive-minded defenseman who can create scoring chances from the back end. Frisch is a stay-at-home defenseman who is responsible in his own end. Other notable defensemen include Jacob Bernard-Docker, who was a first-round NHL Draft pick in 2018, and Tyler Kleven, who was a second-round pick in 2020.
Goaltenders
The UND goaltending tandem consists of two freshman netminders - Erik Portillo and Cameron Rowe. Portillo was a third-round pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2019 NHL Draft and is considered a potential star in the making. Rowe is a steady presence between the pipes who has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career.
The Impact of UND Hockey
UND hockey has had a significant impact on the sport of hockey in the United States. The program has produced over 80 NHL players, including some of the game's biggest stars. UND has also played a key role in developing hockey talent in the state of North Dakota, with many local players choosing to stay home and play for the Fighting Hawks. The team's success has made UND a household name in the world of college hockey and has helped to raise the profile of the sport in the United States as a whole.
Final Thoughts
The University of North Dakota hockey roster is filled with talented players who are capable of achieving great things on the ice. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the Fighting Hawks or simply a lover of college hockey, there is no denying the impact that UND hockey has had on the sport. We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what makes this program so special and why it continues to be one of the most successful in collegiate hockey history.
