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. 

UND Hockey - Tic-Tac-Toe - Goal, Revisited?

Last night, as I sat in the press box watching UND score its fifth goal, it was a thing of beauty. Jack Kernan scored from Cole Reschny and Mac Swanson. For a moment, I felt a bit of deja vu.  

The rookies combine! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/2aWw659ajn

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) October 5, 2025

On November 13, 2015, Nick Schmaltz scored this beautiful goal against the Miami RedHawks, a tic-tac-toe play. The box score read, Nick Schmaltz (Brock Boeser, Troy Stecher). History may be repeating itself. Yes, it's early, and the Manitoba Bisons aren't very good, but the UND hockey team has a lot of skill throughout its roster. 

  

UND Hockey: The Bubbles Are Back

Photo Credits: Leighton Chamblee, UND Hockey team. On Tuesday, F'n Hawks Talk tweeted this on X, "Is that a bubble I spot?!". Apparently, there are a few fans who are really excited about seeing players wear the bubble face mask (some people call them fish bowls). This year's UND hockey team has two new players who wear the bubble: senior Ellis Rickwood and freshman Will Zellers.  

The logic is that the last time UND won a national championship, there was a player who wore the bubble, forward Colton Sanderson. Is this just luck? Who knows? Okay, there was a 16-year hiatus between the 2000 and 2016 titles. Looking back to the 1999-2000 team, Wes Dorey, Jeff Panzer, Ryan Bayda, Kyle Radke, Brad DePauw, and Tim Skarperude are a few players who come to mind who wore the bubble. Mind you, it was 25 years ago, and I may have missed a player or two. 

Is that a bubble I spot?!#LGH | #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/FQsKOMCFPm

— F’n Hawks Talk (@fnhawkstalk) September 29, 2025

You want some good memories. Watch the video embedded below. I don't think the UND hockey team won because of their headgear; they won because they were a well-coached and talented team that played well. They were fast and solid defensively, and they could skate up and down the ice, hitting everything that moved. They were extraordinary. They were a very special team.

 

NCHC Hockey Media Day: A Few Things I Heard From Dane Jackson

Last week, the NCHC had its annual media day over a Zoom call.  I have yet to see a video from the interviews that were released. There were a few key points that stood out from UND head coach Dane Jackson's interview. 

Let's say that there's a new sheriff in town, and the message is coming in loud and clear. 

"I couldn't have been any more invested than I was over the previous 19 years, Jackson said. "The only difference is being the head man; you've got to make the final call on things. To make the tough decisions and have the hard conversations, but I'm fine with that. 

"We run our program by what's best for the program, and you make that decision. Whether it's hard or it's easy. You do what you think is right for your program. That's kind of our North Star, and who we are."

You can determine which direction the comment was directed. 

The UND hockey team is going to get back to being hard to play against and having players that want to play that way. UND's identity will resemble that of past teams. Former head coach Dave Hakstol comes to mind. 

"When I came and played here under Gino Gaspirini, he talked to us right away about our identity as a team, and what it meant to play at North Dakota," Jackson said. "He said, We build our teams differently. We build it on the man. I want character guys, tough players, guys that are committed to the group first. 

"Those things really resonated with me. They stuck with me. I learned those from John Tortorella, Pat Quinn, Bruce Boudreau, guys that I played with in pro, and then when I came back, a lot of those lessons and words about our identity and how hard we had to play. That's what I believe wins."

Jackson discussed modernizing the UND hockey program and hiring Bryn Chyzyk as the general manager. 

"The first thing people talk about is having Bryn Chyzyk as our general manager," Jackson said. "Obviously, we all invest in our recruiting, but the fact that Bryn is focused on that. He doesn't want to be on the bench (during games). He wants to be building our rosters and getting our future recruits." 

Connecting past players with the current players. 

"Our first week of school started here on August 25, and we had 20 of our pro players back," Jackson said. "It was cool to see (Brock) Boeser and (Nick) Schmaltz and a bunch of guys back. We had Matt Green come back. He was our so-called social coordinator, culture coordinator. He was connecting our past players, who are still playing professionally, with all of our current players. 

"That was really fun for him to connect our former players, guys who have been through the battles here at North Dakota. North Dakota has figured out what it takes to be a pro player, and they try to pass those things along to our guys."

"That we improved a lot, and we cemented in our culture, those two things we have, Jackson said. "We're really excited at the start. We have 15 new players out of 27. That's not an excuse, just the reality. They're good players. They're sharp young guys. They're Captain-type character-filled guys. We're gonna have a lot of coming together to do. 

"Most teams in general that are more veteran-laden, and spot in a few new guys, those are the teams that are picked (to win). We have a lot of building to do, as far as how we come together, how we play, and how we do things on a day-to-day basis."

Jackson was asked what the biggest challenge is in maintaining the tradition of playing at UND. 

"College hockey has become more transactional," Jackson said. "Guys can transfer. Guys can get lured away if they get a better offer and get more money elsewhere. One of our big challenges is just making guys understand how important it is to play here, how special it is to play here, what a kind of privilege and honor it is to play in an iconic program."

Finally, the UND hockey team's mission statement is: 'You play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.' No one is bigger than the program. You have to want to be here. No one is promised anything. You'll earn it every day. Nothing is given, it's earned. 

CBS Sports Net Will No Longer Showcase NCHC Hockey Games; Positive or a Negative?

 

For the first time since the NCHC was formed in 2013, it will not have games on CBS. The league says every game in an NCHC building will be on https://t.co/fPAbe0ZsGL this season... and it might free up Alex Heinert to do more UND in second half. Story: https://t.co/A7FkNqNRyo

— Brad Elliott Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) August 21, 2025

It was announced last August that the NCHC would not renew a deal with the network ahead of the 2025-26 season. Upon reviewing this announcement, it's neither positive nor negative. Yes, it's not ideal that there won't be any NCHC hockey games on the network anymore. 

However, looking at it from a fan's perspective, they really didn't have that many games on anyway. Each NCHC team had at a minimum one game on the network and at most three games. 

Negative: It sucks that we won't have Alex Heinert doing play-by-play and Dave Starman as analyst. Let's not forget that Shireen Saski did a great job as a rinkside reporter. Someone could bring them in for a few games. 

Positive: Looking at it from a UND hockey fan's perspective, that's a win; Heinert should be back in the booth for most, if not all, of UND's hockey games. Winning! 

Positive: In speaking with fans and reading some of the comments, it's clear that many people don't have access to CBSSN. I took it for granted because it's included in my DirecTV stream package. I've had CBSSN since I switched from cable to DirecTV.  Having all of the games on NCHC.TV fans will be able to watch all their favorite teams' games on the streaming service if they have a subscription. 

Negative for some: In the past, I've been critical of the NCHC.TV. Primarily, because there are a few schools with poor broadcasts. The quality is not very good, making it difficult to watch those games. 

Positive: For UND fans, Midco Sports does a good job of producing UND hockey games and UND sports in general. They've set the bar very high for the rest of the NCHC. 

Eventually, I'd like to see Midco Sports take over the production of the NCHC.TV, like they did with the CCHA's streaming service. 

Is it hockey season yet? 

Live In the Moment, for Tomorrow Is Not a Given -- A Tribute to My BFF Trinity Lang

 

Recently, one of my best friends of nearly 30 years was called home by our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, I feel a big hole in my soul. The last six to eight weeks have been rough. I will never again be able to go to the races with him. There will be no more goose hunts or conversations about Ford versus Chevy. 

At the time of his death, Trinity E. Lang was 52 years old. By today's standards, that seems young. Many factors contributed to this, but my feeling of loss remains unchanged. Ultimately, my buddy was struggling with some things, and he's now in a better place. 

My wife, Jennifer, posted this on Facebook, and it effectively summarizes the theme of what Trinity meant to our family. 

We’re really going to miss Uncle Trinny. He’s been a part of our lives for over 20 years, really one of the few people who knew what it was like to live in Goon’s World after all those trips to the hunting shack with Eric. He helped Eric raise Abby all those evenings & weekends I was working shifts and was a special Godparent to her. We’ll miss his sense of humor, laughter, hugs, and friendship.

Lol! It's no small task being able to live in Goon's World. I don't know how my wife has managed to do it for 28 1/2 years, but Trin also managed to pull it off.

But I digress.

Trinity was like a brother to me. He was my daughter's Godfather, and he was always there when I needed him. If I needed help with fixing my lawnmower, Trinity would help me. My wife once called him our spare husband because he fixed those things that I couldn't. 

When we were hunting, he shot many ducks but failed to take credit for them. He'd say, Eric, you shot that one, and I knew that I was nowhere near it and couldn't hit the broad side of a mountain on that particular day. 

During the period from approximately 2008 to 2017, we had a hunting shack near Starkweather, ND, and spent many weekends there enjoying God's Grocery store. There were many adventures, too many to name in this short post. We also spend many nights at the fire pit or on the deck, solving all the world's problems. Trinity referred to his place as a refuge because it really was a mental health escape from the rat race that life throws at us. 

We attended numerous dirt track races, including World of Outlaws events featuring both sprint cars and super late models. The John Seitz Memorial was a yearly must-see event. Next weekend isn't going to be the same without him. 

I am not big on giving advice, because I have many faults and ticks, some of which drive my wife nuts. With that said, we're all human beings. To those who are experiencing the loss of a friend or family member, remember you're not alone. We don't have to go down the path alone. We can lean on each other to make life a better experience. 

One thing in life is for sure: we're all going to die eventually. Each and every one of us. Remember the good days, laugh, smile, live in the moment, and don't look back. Be thankful that the person was a part of our lives.  We know that we are better people for having had them in our lives. 

Here's my advice: pay attention to the little subtle comments the people around you make. Observe the subtle signs that all is not as it seems. If someone you know seems off, ask them, "Hey, can I check in with you for a moment. You've been through a lot, and I want to make sure you're doing okay." Listen to what they have to say. You might save a friend's life. 

I am off to Devils Lake, ND, to watch my buddy be inducted into the Devils Lake Speedway Hall of Fame. 

No doubt, I will miss you, buddy. Vios con Dios. To quote the late Ozzy Osborne, "I'll see you on the other side."

Alex Ovechkin Scores His 895th Goal Surpassing Wayne Gretzky

 

ALEX OVECHKIN IS THE GREATEST GOALSCORER IN NHL HISTORY! 🚨🚨🚨 #Gr8ness pic.twitter.com/NKef3VvNaJ

— NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2025

The timeline: At the 7:26 mark of the second period, history was made as Capitals All-Star forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 42nd goal of the season and the 895th goal of his career in his 1487th game. This is Ovechkin's 20th season of his historic career.  Ovechkin's goal propelled him past NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.  The goalie of record is New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin.

Hockey fans, where were you when Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin was scoring his record-breaking goal to surpass the Great One Wayne Gretzky? I was returning from Menards after picking up an Item I needed at home. I was listening to the game on NHL's XM91. I could've picked a better time to run errands. When I got home, the internet was buzzing about Ovechkin's accomplishment.   

 The NHL all-time goal scorers as of April 6, 2025, are: 

1. Alexander Ovechkin - 895 goals 

2. Wayne Gretzky - 894 goals 

3.  Gordie Howe - 801 goals 

4. Jaromir Jagr - 766 goals 

5. Brett Hull - 741 goals 

For those who are wondering.  Here are the active leaders in goal scoring. 

1. Alex Ovechkin       2005-06 895 

2. Sidney Crosby       2005-06 622 

3. Steven Stamkos     2008-09 579 

4. Evgeni Malkin         2006-07 513 

5. John Tavares          2009-10 492 

6. Patrick Kane           2007-08 491 

7. Corey Perry            2005-06 445 

8. Anže Kopitar           2006-07 438 

9. Brad Marchand       2009-10 422 

10. Phil Kessel            2006-07 413 

11. Jamie Benn           2009-10 399 

11.  Leon Draisaitl       2014-15 399 

13. Auston Matthews  2016-17 398 

14. David Pastrňák     2014-15 388 

15. Jeff Skinner           2010-11 372 

15. Jonathan Toews    2007-08 372

Redwing77's Take: New Coach... Direction?

 

Whoo boy.  Here we go!

I recently posted my thoughts on the next coach of UND hockey.  So much weight is put on whom it was who takes the reins that it often goes hand in hand with the rumors of how and why we got into this situation in the first place.  I had no issues with Brad Berry.  I've only talked to him once, and that was briefly over the phone.  Most who blog or follow UND hockey closely within the media know him far better than I ever will.

That being said, I have no qualms about saying that I was surprised by Berry's firing.  However, it happened and everyone asked:  What next?  What direction would UND take?  The answer was the same direction, it appears, that UND took when Blais left.  This poses an interesting bit of reading when it comes to what the fanbase thought.  After Jackson's hiring, I joking told Goon that perhaps we should start up X threads and UND hockey message board threads about when to fire Jackson.  This direction was not what the angry UND fan mob wanted to go.  They all seemed to want Hakstol or other untouchable coaches (like Fershweiler from WMU or even David Carle from DU).  

Regardless of "spin," I believe that hiring Dane Jackson was the safe, if not predictable move by Chaves.  Jackson has been around UND hockey for 19 years as a coach and almost 25 years all together.  His dedication is hardly arguable.  But image weighs a lot to the fans outside of the inner circles.   If memory serves, Jackson was a Blais or Hakstol hire whom Berry promoted to associate when Hakstol departed.  Therefore it's not a stretch to claim that Jackson is simply a younger variant of Hakstol and Berry.  He inherits a team in turmoil amidst NCAA college sports in its own turmoil.  NIL and CHL (and USports by extension) is now a thing for NCAA DI college hockey.  This, in itself, is a topic for another day. Jackson inherits a challenge and I hope he's up to it.  We'll find out either way.

I watched the press conference and there were a few things that jumped out at me:

1.  Modernize the program.  It's perhaps a not so challenging argument to be made that the program had sort of stagnated.  We were still getting decent recruits, but times were changing and it was thought, imo, that UND was falling behind the curve.  Having a recruiting/portal/GM coordinator as an assistant is a pretty decent idea of changing that complacency... assuming that UND and the 1883 Collective can compete against big money programs like those found in the Big 10 Hockey Conference.  Right now, it's not out of control, but it's rocketing towards that direction; following in the wake of college football and perhaps college basketball.

2.   Jackson's Staff.  Coach Jackson hasn't said much about who he will be hiring other than the fact that UND will hire an assistant coach/GM/recruiting guy.  This seems to scream Bryn Chyzyk.  I think this job redesign is essential but it's also going to be a severely time consuming and stressful job to do it well.

3.  Building a program of no excuses filled with 3-4 year players is all well and good but in the day of NIL and player selfishness, one has to wonder what kind of players we'll end up with?  UND fans aren't really patient and sometimes lose sight of everything short of the Frozen Four.  To me, it's an ideal situation but in reality it would put us in the same tier as UNO.  They go after high-character and hard-working guys.  However, if they are in fact top tier hockey talent, they're invariably going to transfer out to a program with money like Jayden Perron did for UND to Michigan or Tanner Ludtke of UNO transferring to Minnesota.  Top tier players now see DI hockey as more of an academic CHL with the added bonus of having control over where you play.  Don't like what it's like here?  Transfer there.  UND fans might not like what type of program that would display.  But then again I'm a skeptic and a cynic.  

4.  The NIL.  Jackson talked about the role of the 1883 Collective in the future of UND.   I think that the 1883 Collective will quickly, if it isn't already, become the most important off ice factor in bringing championships to UND.  And that's a problem considering UND doesn't have the financial clout that most of the teams in the Big 10 Hockey Conference does as well as teams like ASU and, perhaps, some teams out East.   

Coach Jackson has to address the remainder of his staff.  He has two openings to fill.  One will be the GM he spoke about, but the other will be the Associate Head Coach if he doesn't name Simpson to that role.  I wonder whom it will be?  Will it be a former UND player like Matt Smaby or Colten St. Clair?  Or will he go off the board?  Maybe someone from the CHL or the pro minor leagues?  Who knows outside of him.  

It will be interesting to see what happens.  It will definitely be an interesting ride.

UND Head Coach Dane Jackson Introduced as 17th Head Coach; Messages Were Sent

A few people asked me what I thought about the Dane Jackson introductory press conference. I was going to get to it earlier, but I have been busy being a Just for Kix Dance Dad, attending band concerts, and taking care of other personal things that need to be taken care of in the off-season. This afternoon, I listened to yesterday's press conference again. 

Wow! Messages have been sent. It's a new dawn, a new day, a new direction. 

First, I would like to recognize former UND head coach Brad Berry. He always had time to sit down with the media and give you his thoughts on the team and college hockey. Good luck in the future, coach. He will be remembered for leading UND to its eighth NCAA title. Coach Jackson mentions Berry in his opening statement.

"Our staff wants to acknowledge and thank the recent leaders of our program: Brad Berry, Dave Hakstol, Hacks, and Gino Gasparini," Jackson said. 

Coach Jackson sent quite a few messages during the brief press conference. It was obvious who he was pointing his comments at. If you missed that, you should watch the video again (embedded below). 

"Gino (Gaspirini) taught us about toughness, competing, selflessness, Jackson said. "His passion and fire were inspiring. He talked about the logo on the front being more important than the name on the back."

There's more. 

"These leaders (Gaspirini, Blais, Hakstol) taught us about humility and respect, how to work and compete, and that everything is earned," Jackson said. "We are a selfless team, first being part of something bigger than yourselves."

You can already see where this is going. UND will commit to hard work and won't put up with entitled passengers. Draft status will not matter to the new staff moving forward. Every player will earn it every day. The UND hockey team will give 100 percent. That means on the ice in games. They will outwork their opponents for every game. UND will train hard in every drill in practice and in the weight room. The players will earn every inch, every day, and work hard. They will bring pride back to the UND brand and hockey jersey. The coaching staff is committed to getting UND hockey back to where it belongs. No excuses. 

Our staff's plan: "North Dakota has always been built differently. We've been built on the man -- the character -- the toughness -- the grit, Jackson said. "(We want) the guys that rise up in big moments. That's what our coaches have picked for years. We will get back to that. We have done that a lot, and we will ensure that's our core identity. Our core identity is to get the right players, for the right reasons, who want to play at UND, win championships, and develop as players and people."

Interpretation: There is a new sheriff in town, and things will change. Jackson and the staff will be ready for the new year with a new attitude. If you don't want to be here, pack your bags, we don't want you. 

"We need to modernize our program in this fast-changing college landscape," Jackson said. We need to adapt. We're going to hire a person who's a GM/recruiting coach dedicated to recruiting, roster management, and portal management. Having said that, we'll ensure we get back to a sustainable model of recruiting and developing three and four-year players (who) are tied to UND and love the program." 

Boom!

There are about six months until the 2025-26 season begins. There is a lot of work to be done, but you will see a new UND hockey team when the puck drops on the 2025-26 season. 

 

Dane Jackson Is UND Hockey's 17th Head Coach, Now What?

Grand Forks, ND—What a week it's been. Last Sunday, around 6:20 pm, the University of North Dakota announced that it had fired Brad Berry and named Associate Head Coach Dane Jackson interim head coach. UND also announced that a national search would start immediately and close at Midnight on Wednesday.

Fast-forward to Saturday evening, around 9:30 pm, when UND announced that it had promoted Dane Jackson to head coach. Apparently, after conversations with current and former players and others, UND decided they didn't need to look outside the organization.

Well driving home from the @jfkdance meet in Wahpeton, the @UNDmhockey drops their announcement of who is the next head coach. The phone blew up on I-29—an impressive list of finalists. I wonder if UND could pull an assistant coach or two out of that list.

Matt Smaby, Jason… https://t.co/epbBNGvzkz

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) March 30, 2025

Now what? From this day forward, UND head coach Dave Jackson's chair will immediately be hot. If you think I am kidding, I am not. All you have to do is peruse social media and our favorite fan messageboard. Some from this group wanted Dave Hakstol fired after he didn't win an NCAA title after numerous trips to the Frozen Four. 

Again,  we've come full circle. 

Exhibit A: UND Hockey: Making the Case for Dave Hakstol

Exhibit B: Fire Coach Hakstol, Not Likely

For the record, I am not a burn it to the ground fire everybody kind of guy. Did we need to make a change? I don't know. Something had to change. The loudest fire Brad Berry fans got their wish. We now have a new head coach. I don't know if UND got better. Only time will tell. It is what it is, that's the nature of the business. College sports are now a professional minor league. 

As I tweeted on X today, checking the responses to this announcement, it would appear that it's about 40/60 or 50/50 on the @UNDmhockey team's new head coach.

Checking the responses to this announcement, it would appear that it's about 40/60 or 50/50 on the @UNDmhockey team's new head coach. https://t.co/IpNJGIr6Jq

— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) March 30, 2025

My question is, how long of a honeymoon does Jackson get? How long before the fans start calling for his head, too? Some people are never happy. I guess time will tell. It will be interesting to see how the 2025-26 UND hockey team responds. There will be a lot of background noise, especially if they stumble out of the gate. 

Also, if Jackson wins a title in his first year, will fans say, "Well, he did it all with Brad Berry's recruits?" 

Also, should we be concerned that the players chose Berry's replacement? Is everyone comfortable with this? This is 2025, not your daddy's UND Fighting Sioux team or a 1990s version of college sports. Everything has changed. In the old days, if you were unhappy with your playing time, you'd talk to the coach, and he'd tell you to practice harder and play better. Now, players go somewhere else. The unhappy players take their sticks and leave. It's just a different time. 

After Jackson was hired, Dylan James and Jake Livanavage announced their return. That's excellent news for the UND hockey team. We should see more personnel announcements as the week moves forward. 

I recommend that you listen to the "Live in Five" podcast. It's interesting. It features former UND hockey players Gage Ausmus and Jordan Schmaltz from the 2016 NCAA title-winning team. Obviously, Ausmus is dialed in to the college hockey NIL.  

🚨Episode 80: New Bench Boss

-Weekend Recap
-Bob Rock is all time
-UND fires Brad Berry
-Best candidate for the job
-NailGun of the week
-People’s 📞📞 term of the week
&& much more !!

🎧: https://t.co/U0U3Qs1P8W pic.twitter.com/nDGQEFVMFc

— Live in Five (@LiveInFivePod) March 26, 2025

Here are a few things that stood out for me from the podcast. 

"The fans think they have the answers: We can go out and get whoever we want, or replacing Bubs is the better option," Ausmus said. "Are we sure we'll find a better coach than Bubs? Are you sure about that? You don't know. I don't know, either. Who knows if it's the right call?" 

 "The college landscape has changed, Jordo," Ausmus said. "The Gopher's first line this year cost them 225k or something like that, that's a rumor that I heard. Our first line cost 12k, and some free Deeks pizza on Saturday nights. What are we ranking right now in NIL money compared to these other schools? It ain't near the top 10 or 15. There might be like 10 to 15 teams spending more money than us. Do we expect to be better than them? I know we got a huge tradition and culture at North Dakota, and it's a great place to play, but at the end of the day, we've got to figure that out."

Redwing77's Coaching Musings

Ok, I was wrong.  I admit it.  I didn't think UND would fire someone with only a few really down years as a Head Coach and a lot of talent on the roster.  But today I was proven wrong.  Brad Berry had a win percentage of over 64% in his time with UND as the head honcho.  Admittedly, all the hate online for him as the season progressed must have swayed the AD at UND because I thought there were a lot of exceptions to this year that would have bought at least one more season from other programs.  First, the injuries.  We faced a LOT of injuries this year in key positions.  Second, the screwy pairwise.  For the first time since 1990, we failed to make the NCAA tournament despite having 20+ wins.  But hey, we're not Arizona State, right?

 I'm too far south to be "in the loop" anymore, so I didn't see this coming.  Maybe I should have.  I guess the signs were there: our D not being as fearsome as in years past, fundamentals not being as stout as they should, raiding "lesser" programs for top-line players (We're the southern campus, apparently, of Alaska Fairbanks), and running the risk of turning into another transfer portal surfing plug and play institution when our reputation is built based upon our developmental programming as much as our winning.  I'm still not a fan of "If we're not in the Frozen Four every year, fire the coach" mentality many on social media seem to possess.  

I'm curious who they will find.  I wonder how our recruits will handle this change.  I wonder who will transfer out because of this?  Will this ensure Boisvert signs with Chicago?

I wonder what the national search will bring UND?  Here are a few names that I know are out there.  I don't know if they're under consideration or, if approached, would even consider coming to Grand Forks.

Dane Jackson - He's been named Interim Head Coach.  He's familiar, and his style is known.  He's an ex-UND player and has pro-playing and coaching experience.  It is unclear to me how much of the recruiting that UND has done during his time at UND was performed by Coach Jackson.  In my opinion, the penalty kill, which he's the main coach of, has regressed mightily the past few seasons as well.  This might or might not signal a diminishing return for him.  However, retaining him on the staff would be a good sign for Karl Goehring and Dillon Simpson.

Cary Eades:  He's currently the President of Hockey Operations and Assistant GM of the Fargo Force.  I am told he left under questionable circumstances, and I've heard from some unaffiliated USHL folks that he's not the most popular guy.  That's all rumor and I know nothing about this.  What I do know is that he was the 2023-2024 GM of the Year for the USHL and built Fargo into a powerhouse USHL program.  I don't think Eades will get the job, but his name is out there.

Dave Hakstol:  This is probably what all of the armchair social media GMs want to happen... just like they wanted Dean Blais back after he left Columbus.  He is currently out of hockey after being let go as head coach of the Seattle Kraken.  He experienced some success in the NHL with Philadelphia and was even a candidate for NHL coach of the year with the Kraken.  Then again, his dismissal came with storm clouds after reports were made that Hakstol and some of the Kraken players were not on the best terms.

Matt Smaby:  This is an odd choice but not unbelievable.  Matt Smaby played for UND, has served at one point as team manager, coached abroad in a Swiss pro league, and currently is the head coach of the USHL Waterloo Blackhawks.  It's unclear to me how good he is at recruiting or whether or not his coaching acumen is ready for DI hockey (which isn't a big deal to me as I argued that UNO's hire of Gabinet would bite them and so far, I'm wrong).

Long Shots that are NOT likely regardless:

Scott Sandelin:  Ok, he's come up when Blais and Hakstol left so why not know?  He has strong ties at UND and in Grand Forks.  After the past few years where UMD has fallen on their faces more often than they'd like, I'm not so sure they'd be upset if UND came calling.  That being said, I doubt Sandelin would leave Duluth while still employed.

Jason Herter:  He's currently an assistant with WMU, he's had a lot of coaching experience, and he's well-liked.  He's a former UND player as well.  That being said, I highly doubt he'd take the job.  He was coaxed out of retirement by WMU head coach Ferschweiler (I'm thinking I'm spelling that wrong).  For that reason, I'm not so sure he'd want the job.  Could be wrong though.

Dave Tippett:  He's currently a senior advisor for the Seattle Kraken.  Has loads of experience as a player and a coach.  The only reason why I think Dave Tippett would take this job is if he wanted to be another Andy Murray.  Go out coaching into retirement.  This is about as long of a long shot as they come.

Aaron Schneekloth:  Currently head coach of the Colorado Eagles of the AHL.  Former UND guy.  Other than that, he's so well established in the AHL that I don't see it likely he'd come down a level or two to D1 college hockey, even if it is his alma mater.  Oh yeah, and he's leading the first-place team in his division right now.  Would be nice though. 

Evan Trupp:  This is unlikely because of experience or lack thereof.  Evan was a great player for UND and played for a while in the ECHL, AHL, and the German pro leagues before returning to be an assistant coach in the NAHL and now an assistant coach and Director of Hockey Ops for Muskegon of the USHL.  He lacks experience in a head coaching position.  He, along with Matt Smaby (should he be passed up for the head coaching position) would be a great candidate as an assistant with UND should the new head coach decide to change staff.

Dean Bla... just kidding folks.  He's retired.  I only bring him up because there are still fans of the Nebraska Cornhuskers who are still pining for Tom Osborne to come back.  He's gone, Jim.  

NON-UND guys

Brett Skinner:  Ok, he's not a UND guy.  Worse yet, he's a DU guy.  But he's been leading the Fargo Force for a few years and has been very successful.  

Stu Bickel:  Ok, that's not going to happen.  Former Minnesota defenseman and current assistant coach of the AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds.  I did say long shots, but he's a college hockey guy and has a coaching resume and player resumes. (On a tangent, former UND goaltender Peter Thome is the video coach for Coachella Valley!  Who knew!)

 Jeff Blashill: WMU guy.  Currently an assistant coach with Tampa Bay.  Has massive connections all over the place.  No way he'd come to Grand Forks, but it's a name.

Grant Potulny: HA!  He just left Northern Michigan for an AHL gig.  No way he's coming back to D1 so soon.  But he is a Grand Forks kid, even if he did play for some stinking rodents in college.

Greg Moore:  Ok, he's a UMaine guy, but he's the current head coach of the NTDP program and has connections throughout USA Hockey, NHL, USHL, and the AHL. It would give us an in-road back into the National program.

Nick Fohr: U17 head coach.  Very respected and has much of the same connections that Greg Moore has.

Dallas Ferguson:  Current DU assistant coach.  Former Alaska Fairbanks head coach.  Hey, we take all of their castoffs, so why not take a former head coach?  :D

 

SOMEBODY ELSE

There are a ton of coaches out there.  Maybe we'll raid the Major Junior ranks or the ECHL or AHL coaching ranks for a coach?   Who do you think will take the reins?