UND's Red Hot Ben Strinden Takes Flight

 

Entering the 2025-26 season, UND senior forward Ben Strinden had never scored more than 16 points in a season. This season, Strinden has played like a player with something to prove. 

Strinden is on a heater. 

Before this season, Strinden had played in 99 games; he scored (17g-20a--37pts), and he was also a plus-17. This season, something clicked for him. After his career-high four-point game against Minnesota-Duluth, he said his late father, who passed this way this past summer, gave him inspiration.

"I really felt him with me tonight," an emotional Strinden said. "I don't think I've ever gotten four assists at any level of hockey. I think that was my dad, for sure. It was special. It's hard to put into words. I miss him every day."  

I started tearing up listening to @realbenstrinden speak about his father in the post-game. https://t.co/TRqb9GIxE4

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) November 2, 2025

Strinden followed up that four-point effort with a three-point effort against the Omaha Mavericks. He's scored (6g-5a-11pts) in his last six games. He has four multi-point games on the season, a career-high. The next point he records will equal his career high in points from last year. Strinden leads UND with (7g-8a--15pts), and he's a plus-eight, which is second on the team in plus/minus.

Strinden's second goal against ASU was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately, UND would lose the game to the Sun Devils 4-2, but Strinden's second goal gave the team some life. 

Ben snipes it home to pull us within one! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/gdMUAn2Q8v

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 16, 2025

Strinden's play has caught the eye of the UND coaching staff. 

"He's such a powerful player," head coach Dane Jackson said. He plays with confidence; he's a driver. He's always going to the net. We're trying to get him out for some extra shifts because he's feeling it, and he's a dangerous player right now."

After his four-point night against the Bulldogs, his teammate Abram Wiebe was complimentary of Strinden's play. 

"He was dominant," Wiebe said. "He was everywhere on the ice. He did a good job coming into their zone and being a support option for the defenseman. He was flying all night, making plays, finding guys, and it was showing. I am really happy for him."

From what we have seen so far, Strinden has a very high ceiling. 

Forks Down, UND Blasts ASU, 5-2

 

Friday, UND looked to even the score against Arizona State. The Sun Devils were making their first visit to Ralph Engelstad Arena. Through the first three games, ASU had gotten the better of UND, winning two out of three games. 

On Friday night, things started great for UND. NoDak got off to a fast start and took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission, with goals from Ben Strinden and Will Zellers. 

In the second period, UND faced some adversity. With UND clinging to a 2-0 lead, the Sun Devils gained momentum, scoring a power play goal by Kyle Smolen and an even-strength goal from Lucius Cruz. The second period would end in a 2-2 tie. 

What a difference a year makes. Last year's team would have found a way to lose after the Sun Devils tied the game. That didn't happen. UND came out in the third period with a purpose. 

The game wouldn't stay tied very long. At the 1:04 mark of the third period, freshman forward Will Zellers would score his second goal of the game. For those keeping track, Zellers now leads the Hawks in goal scoring. 

Before Brian Rivers could finish announcing the Zellers' goal, senior forward Tyler Young would score his first goal of his UND career. Young would also get an assist on UND's final goal, as sophomore forward Cody Croal scored to ice the game.  

With the injury to freshman forward Jack Kernan, Young was penciled into the lineup with Mac Swanson and Ellis Rickwood. In the post-game, Young was gracious and happy to get the opportunity. This brings new meaning to the next man up. Young made the most of his opportunity. 

"This is the most special locker room I've been in," Young said. "No one's treated differently, whether you're in or you're out. You're treated the same way. You're always ready."

How did UND end recruiting the senior forward Young? 

"You have to give GM (Bryn) Chyzyk credit for that," UND head coach Dane Jackson said.

For those wondering at home, Young is the son of the former NHL player Scott Young, yes, that one, the two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche. 

When you look at this UND team, all four lines are contributing. Eleven players recorded points in Friday's game. Seventeen players have scored a goal for UND this season. 

Here are the highlights from Friday's 5-2 win. 

        

UND Sweeps Omaha in Omaha, a Night of Firsts

How sweep it is. Here are my thoughts from this past weekend. UND traveled to Omaha for its first National Collegiate Hockey Conference road series of the season. 

Mission accomplished. UND returned home with six conference points. 

What a difference a year makes. On Saturday night, after Omaha scored the goal to make it 2-1, last year's team might have crumbled and lost the game. The 2025-26 UND hockey team has a much better mental makeup. They seem to thrive on adversity. Nodak would score two more goals to give UND the win and an impressive (7-2 W, 4-1 W) sweep of Omaha. 

Not that it matters, but UND is sitting atop the NCHC standings after two weekends of conference play. Obviously, it's early, and there are 22 more conference games to go. UND has improved, but still has a lot of work to do. 

I posted this on Sioux Sports: I don't know about y'all, but I never felt that UND was going to lose last night's game. Was it a tight game? Of course. UND frustrated the Mavericks throughout the weekend. There is definitely a difference in talent level between UND and Omaha. I saw many things this past weekend that gave me hope. This team is one of the younger ones in college hockey, and they're making great strides. I have been impressed with the CHL kids, as well as the freshmen, such as Kernan and Zellers. Are there things that need to be cleaned up? Yes, 100 percent. Mac Swanson is starting to excel and make plays. 

Two-Headed Goalie Rotation

If UND has a two-headed monster in the net, that would be a good thing, too. We should find out over the next month what UND has in net. Okay, I am guilty, after I saw the lineup was posted for Saturday's game, I tweeted this. Okay, maybe it didn't age well. 

I am a little puzzled that Gibson Homer gets the start tonight after Jan Spunar was awesome in net last night. pic.twitter.com/aON6lNSOlg

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) November 9, 2025

Gibson Homer has appeared in seven games and is (4-3-0, 2.74 GAA, and a .890 save percentage). Looking at his career numbers, this is by far his worst in his three-year career. Counting this year, he has two years of eligibility left, but the word is that he's going to turn pro after the season is over. His victory on Saturday broke a three-game losing streak. 

Jan Spunar has appeared in three games (3-0-0, 1.01 GAA, and a .951 save percentage). Spunar has let in three goals in 178.09 minutes of play. That's impressive. 

Night of Firsts

Yes, it was a night of firsts. Freshman forward Jack Kernan scores the first goal of his collegiate career. It will be the first of many to come.   

Kernan gets his first and it's a big one! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/8aRBOVzIF9

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 9, 2025

Entering the season, I expected more from Anthony Menghini, the junior forward from Baxter, Minnesota. I was also excited that he was signed by UND. First, he entered the season having scored 20 goals in 72 games. This year, my excitement had faded. Through the first eight games, he's been almost invisible until Saturday night, when he scored his first goal of his UND hockey career in his ninth game. That was also his first career point with UND. Hopefully, this is the first of many for Gino.  

First in a UND sweater for Menghini! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/kY7TppPc1k

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) November 9, 2025

CHL Alumni Take Center Stage 

We've heard a lot about the CHL players being eligible to play in NCAA hockey. Now, all of a sudden, the NHL media has spent more time taking a look at NCAA hockey. Albeit, they have foamed and slobbered all over Penn State and Gavin McKenna. What the writers are discovering is that Division 1 college hockey is challenging. There are no nights off. 

When Friday’s game was over, he’d scored what would stand as Penn State’s lone goal of the weekend, finished plus-1, registered a game-high seven shots (nearly a third of the 25 his team registered) and played a game-high 23:57.

And yet the gathering collection of scouts and hockey folks weren’t kind to him leaving the rink, with multiple NHL scouts commenting to The Athletic over the course of the weekend on his work rate off the puck, a number of backchecks he appeared to give up on, pucks he didn’t stop on and an ongoing desire for more effort. (Link) 

With development of CHL players getting to play in college hockey, this has also changed how teams in the NCAA have recruited. This season, UND has four players who have come over from the WHL; these players are making an impact. After 10 games, forward Cole Reschny has scored (2g-8a--10pts), and he's also a minus-one. He's averaging 16:48 minutes a game.

It's hard to believe that Keaton Verhoeff is 17 years old. The freshman defenseman from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta has scored (4g-2a--6pts) and is plus-two. He's scored one goal on the power play and is probably going to be a top-five draft pick. 

While everyone is ranting and raving aobut Gavin McKenna, there are other players in college hockey that should be grabbing everyones attention. The aforementioned Reschny has 10 points in 10 games, McKenna has played two more games and is only four points ahead (4g-10a--14pts).  

Last weekend, Ollie Josephson (2g-4a--6pts), had a breakthrough weekend, scoring (2g-2a--4pts), Friday night, he added an assist to his points total. Unfortunatley, his three-game points streak came to an end on Saturday night.  Nodak has won four straight over Omaha and four straight at Baxter Arena, and they have won five of the last six games they've played against the Mavericks. Nodak is 6-4-0 in he last 10 games they've played against Omaha.  

Finally, freshman Josh Zakreski was having a good season, until he suffered a serious lower-body injury. Until his injury, the Portland Winterhawks Alum was playing a significant role.  In six games, the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native scored (1g-2a--3pts). He's listed as month-to-month. Hope he can return before the season is over.       

Senior Forward Dylan James 

During his collegiate career, senior forward Dylan James has scored 37 goals, nine (.243) of them have come against Omaha. Three of them were scored this past weekend.

Omaha goalie Simon Latkoczy has now played UND 14 times in his 5-9 and has lost four out of the last five games against UND. One final stat, as we mentioned earlier James has scored goals agianst Omaha, six of his nine goals have come against Latkoczy. 

Despite the Naysayers, Ollie Josephson Making an Impact, Earns Rookie of the Week Honors

This past weekend, I wrote this: One player who has stood out for me is UND freshman forward Ollie Josephson. The Victoriaville, B.C. native scored his first goal of the UND career on Friday night and added an assist to lead the team in scoring. He followed up his solid Friday performance with another goal and an assist on Saturday night. 

After scoring just a single assist in his first six games, he had a solid weekend against UMD.  His play on the ice is turning heads. Just for the record, he's only 19 years, 3 months, and 11 days old. He's a big, strong player who is good in all three zones on the ice. He's also an excellent skater. 

For his efforts, Josephson earned NCHC Rookie of the Week Honors.

After last Friday's game, Josephson gave his thoughts on the college hockey game. 

"It's a really good league," Josephson said. "Definitely a step up from junior. So, yeah, just trying to get better every day and consistently improve my game has been big."

Doesn't sound like Josephson is having any regrets about leaving the WHL for college hockey. Through eight games, Josephson has scored (2g-3a--5pts), and he's also a plus-four. 

𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞

🏅 @UNDmhockey's Ollie Josephson

Josephson had a breakout weekend vs. UMD, totaling 4⃣ points with a goal and assist each night, including his first career goal short-handed on Friday! 💥

📰: https://t.co/VU1jw2ev1N#theNational // #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/max28sL3cC

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) November 4, 2025

With the NCAA opening up to players from the CHL, some individuals may not understand or appreciate college hockey. First, both the CHL and the NCAA are great routes to the NHL. With the rule change, players who have aged out of the CHL may still have the opportunity to play college hockey if they choose to do so. There are late bloomers who develop later in college hockey and get a chance to play at the next level.    

Today, while I was browsing X.com, I came across a few tweets that are at best clueless and shortsighted. I tweeted this. I had to respond; it was one of the more clueless things that I had read today. 

Tell me you know nothing about college hockey and how Ollie Josephson is doing by one horribly inaccurate tweet. While his ex-teammates are riding buses, he's flying on a charter and playing a big role on UND’s team. However, don't let me get in the way of your flawed narrative. https://t.co/JO5NY67fQa

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) November 4, 2025

Brad Schlossman also responded to a clueless tweet, too. Another fan who thinks the CHL is better than college hockey. Schloss from the top of the ropes, times two.  

pic.twitter.com/eY8VW07Vbt

— Brad Elliott Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) November 4, 2025

Where do they come up with this people? Yes, the CHL is a good league, but it's not the only route to the NHL. Michigan is a B1G program backed by a lot of money. I am sure they can come up with the resources.

And what I'm asking is what could the Flames possibly do that the University of Michigan Medical Center cannot?

— Brad Elliott Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) November 4, 2025

A Couple of Things From UMD vs. UND

While the games between UND and UMD are a great rivalry, Nodak has owned the Bulldogs as of late. With Saturday's 5-1 win, UND improves to 162-92-11 (.632) all-time against Minnesota Duluth and 89-40-3 at home. UND has only lost twice in the last 15 games against the Bulldogs. 

One of my observations after Friday's game was that Nodak needed to simplify its game and put the puck on net instead of making the extra pass. I asked Ben Strinden about that. 

Strinden agreed, “We got a great team, but it’s a young team for sure. So there’s obviously a learning curve. Guys are gonna learn that they’re gonna maybe not pass up shots as much as they would in juniors.”         

After Saturday's game, UND has found a starting goalie, or it would appear that they have. 

A tale of two goalies from this past weekend. UND goalie Gibson Homer has been very inconsistent. In six games with UND, he's 3-3-0 with a .870 save percentage and a 2.84 goals against average. He's given up 18 goals on 138 shots. Many times, he's been out of position and given up juicy rebounds. Although I may be missing the point, I have been underwhelmed by his performance so far. 

Friday night in the 3-on-3 OT, UMD would score 43 seconds into the extra session with a goal from Bulldogs defenseman Ty Hanson. Looking at the replay, Gibsom Homer actually made the initial save on the shot, but knocked the puck into his own net with his glove. It could be bad luck, or that UND has played better when Jan Spunar is in the net. 

On the other hand, freshman goalie Jan Spunar started the second game of his college career, and after giving up a goal on UMD’s first shot of the game, he buckled down and was rock solid the rest of the way, stopping a breakaway effort by Max Plante. Spunar's positioning looks solid, and he doesn't seem to get caught out of position. While he has a small sample size, I've been impressed with his performance. I'd like to see more of him. 

Spunar may have won the starting position for UND. He is unbeaten in two games, stopping 36 of 37 shots he’s faced in 120 minutes of hockey. While it’s early, the line on Spunar is impressive: 2-0-0, GAA .50, Save Percentage: .973. 

Speaking of goalies, UMD goalie Adam Gajan has not played well against UND. Looking at his stats, he has been pulled four times out of the last six games he’s played against UND. He’s given up 19 goals and has a 1-4-0 (.200) record. At the 44.40 mark of the game, Gajan had given up a fifth goal and was relegated to the bench. I can imagine he’s not unhappy about facing a new opponent next weekend. Sophomore goalie Ethan Dahlmeir entered the game for the Bulldogs and played the final 15:20, and was solid in net. 

None of the current Bulldogs have had much luck against UND. In the last 10 games, UND has a 9-1-0 (.900) record against UMD. 

One player who has stood out for me is UND freshman forward Ollie Josephson. The Victoriaville native scored his first goal of the UND career on Friday night and added an assist to lead the team in scoring. He followed up his solid performance with another goal and an assist on Saturday night as well. After scoring just a single assist in his first six games, he had a solid weekend against UMD.  Just for the record, he's only 19 years, 3 months, and 11 days old. He's a big, strong player who is good in all three zones on the ice. 

Linkarama: Minnesota vs North Dakota Click Away

 

Last night, college hockey fans witnessed the revival of one of the greatest rivalries in college hockey. Minnesota vs. North Dakota — or, as some would say, Gophers versus Sioux. 

If you're a UND hockey fan, you're smiling from ear to ear today. If you're a Gophers fan, you're probably not as happy. 

This morning, the theme I am hearing today, Gopher Nation is complaining about the officiating. Some things never change. Four of the Gophers' minor penalties were for stick fouls. The NCHC officials will make that call every time. Don't worry, NCHC fans aren't going to show you any empathy; we've already addressed the NCHC's on-ice officials. Multiple times. 

Whine or not, UND went 1-7 (.142) on the man advantage last night. To make things work, UND held the Gophers to 6 shots over the final two periods. That's not a missprint. 

Here's the GPL Gamer from last night's game. Hey, it's a rivalry —not everyone is going to be happy with how things unfolded. Gophers coach Bob Motzko thought some of the calls weren't penalties. (Gophers Drop Opener in Grand Forks)

Here's Brad Schlossman's gamer: UND delivers rivalry win over Minnesota for a raucous crowd. 

"I don't know if I'll experience something like this again — pro hockey or wherever hockey takes me," Dylan James told the press following the game. "I don't think there's a crowd or a fan base that has more passion for their players. I'm grateful to be here and score in front of them."

Here's another stat from Brad Schlossman: UND is now 8-3 in the last 11 rivalry games against Minnesota, and 20-3-4 in the last 27 against college hockey teams from the state of Minnesota. I didn't realize that UND has owned the teams from the state of hockey in recent years.  

Brad Schlossman: Friday night rewind: UND wears on Minnesota in opener

Alex Faber: Dylan James’ latest shorthanded goal is the dagger in rivalry win

Here's my post-game post from Inside Hockey: The Roar is Back; UND beats UMN, 5-2

Let's say it was loud in the Ralph last night. I had to turn my hearing aid down because my head was ringing. One of the new players that has stuck out for me this season is Ellis Rickwood, the transfer portal pickup. He’s been a pleasant surprise. While the young kids and high draft choices get a lot of press, this guy is a solid two-way player. Through three games, Rickwood is UND’s leading scorer with (1g–4a–5pts). He’s an excellent pickup.  

Here's a stat that many of us weren't aware of.

Tanner Ludtke is the seventh player to score his first #Gophers goal at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Ludtke is the first player to score his first Gopher goal shorthanded since Grant Cruikshank versus Minnesota Duluth on Oct. 22, 2021.pic.twitter.com/sd6cwdOjRY

— Gopher Game Notes (@GopherGameNotes) October 18, 2025

I also took some pictures during the first period of last night's game: UMN vs. UND in Pictures. 

If you're one of the few people who didn't watch last night's game, here are the highlights from last night. Finally, remember it's just a game, have fun, enjoy the game, and make some good memories.

A Look Back: Minnesota and North Dakota to Battle; Oh, the Memories

After a one-year hiatus, they're back. It's that series you mark on your calendar. In the past, the players have talked about this series even in the pre-season. 

"Obviously, that Minnesota weekend, you have it circled on your calendar every time it pops up, and it's that's the big weekend," Keaton Verhoeff said. 

This weekend, the UND hockey team entertains the Minnesota Golden Gophers. 

This series is one for the ages. All of us have a memory or two that stands out. 

Looking at the series record, the UND hockey team is 7-5-1 against the Gophers since November 4, 2016. Let's take a look at this historic series. 

Who can forget the end of the game scrum? Former Gopher play-by-play announcer Frank Mazzocco with the call of the play, "It's  a Zajac hit."  There was a post-game scrum that spilled over to the handshake line. Joe Finley and Blake Wheeler got to know each other a little better after the game. Apparently, YouTube has put a warning label on it. (Here's the link)

On January 27, 2007, Robbie Bina tied the game with a 180-foot goal. UND would go on to win the game 7-3.

 

Former UND forward Chris Porter sends the Gophers packing in the 2007 West Regional, punching the UND's ticket to the Frozen Four.

 

February 8, 2008, T.J. Oshie with a sick move against the Gophers, unfortunately, he didn't score on the play. 

  

March 15, 2010, North Dakota forward Matt Frattin receives a five-minute penalty for blowing up Minnesota’s d-man Kevin Wehrs. North Dakota play-by-play announcer Tim Hennessey would name that corner Wher's corner. This violent check would spark a minor skirmish. 

  

De ju vu all over again on January 14, 2011, another period ending scrum between the Sioux and the Gophers. Gopher defenseman Kevin Whers gets blown up again as he meets Brad Malone in famous Wher's Corner. Keep your head up, son. (Here's the link). 

Former UND goalie Drew Deridder didn't have much success against the Gophers when he played for Michigan State, but he did get one of his two career wins against them while playing for UND. This was also the game in which Rhett Pitlick threw his stick into the stands after scoring a goal and was given a 10-minute misconduct penalty. UND would score four unanswered goals following this move. 

“I’ve had some challenging games in this building. Actually, my first win my freshman year at Michigan State was in this building,” DeRidder said. “This was amazing, and it’s good to finish it off like this.” (Rink Live)

 

Finally, let's remember to have fun this weekend —it's only a game.