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