North Dakota blueliner Kleven inks NHL contract with Senators, gives up senior season with Fighting Hawks

North Dakota junior Tyler Kleven has signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators. The defenseman will give up his final year of eligibility at North Dakota. Kleven appeared in 95 games over his three-year career at North Dakota, finishing with 20 goals and 35 points. The Fargo, N.D., native had his best … Read more

Western Michigan’s Polin named NCHC player of year, Denver’s Chrona top goalie, North Dakota’s Blake best rookie for ’22-23 campaign

On the eve of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff in St. Paul, Minn., the conference named its major award winners Thursday night. Western Michigan’s Jason Polin took home player of the year and forward of the year honors, while WMU’s Pat Ferschweiler was named Herb Brooks coach of the year. Denver’s Magnus Chrona was named goaltender … Read more

Former North Dakota player, broadcaster Dunn passes away at 65

The University of North Dakota Athletics Department mourns the loss of Travis Dunn, who passed away suddenly on Feb. 1, 2023. He was 65. Dunn had his fingerprints all over the North Dakota hockey program after his playing days concluded, starting as a color commentator on hockey broadcasts alongside Pat Sweeney for 12 years beginning … Read more

NCHC admits penalty error in Jan. 27 North Dakota-Miami game, suspends North Dakota’s Kleven one game for third game misconduct of season; Miami’s Dukovac also suspended one game for game DQ

Following video review and discussion with the on-ice and off-ice officials working the North Dakota at Miami game last night, the NCHC has determined that a game misconduct penalty was inadvertently not recorded on the official score sheet approved by game officials. In consultation with the NCAA, the conference has corrected the penalty retroactively, which … Read more

NCHC suspends North Dakota’s Kleven one game for cross checking/head contact penalty Jan. 13 against Western Michigan

The NCHC announced Saturday that it has issued a one-game suspension to North Dakota junior defenseman Tyler Kleven, in accordance with the conference’s supplemental discipline policy. The suspension stems from an illegal hit during the Fighting Hawks game against Western Michigan last night at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D. During Friday night’s game, … Read more

NCHC suspends North Dakota’s Ness one game for head contact penalty Dec. 31 against U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team

The NCHC has issued a one-game suspension to North Dakota junior forward Griffin Ness, in accordance with the conference’s supplemental discipline policy. The suspension stems from an illegal hit during the Fighting Hawks exhibition game against the U.S. Under-18 National Team on Dec. 31 at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D. During the game, … Read more

This Week in NCHC Hockey: DeRidder standing tall in goal for North Dakota as Fighting Hawks leaning on defense to gain victories

It’s hard to argue with the case made in this week’s Tuesday Morning Quarterback column that this college hockey season is reminding us to expect the unexpected. That has been particularly true with several NCHC teams, including North Dakota. As three-time defending regular-season league champions, the Fighting Hawks (7-8-4 overall, 3-5-2 NCHC) sit outside the … Read more

This Week in NCHC Hockey: North Dakota’s ‘One More Shift’ event puts spotlight on former goalie, NHL star Belfour

Former North Dakota goaltender and 2011 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Ed Belfour got a chance last week to strap on the pads and don the colors of one of his old teams. And not for the first time. In 2017, Belfour participated in a “One Last Shift” pregame ceremony with the Chicago Blackhawks, the … Read more

Bemidji State, North Dakota to co-host 2023 Ice Breaker Tournament, which will kick off ’23-24 college hockey season

The Ice Breaker Tournament, the traditional start to the NCAA Division I men’s hockey season, will be co-hosted by Bemidji State and North Dakota in 2023-24, it was announced jointly this week by the host schools and College Hockey Inc. Army West Point and Wisconsin will also participate in the event, scheduled for Oct. 13-14 … Read more

This Week in NCHC Hockey: After dropping U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game to Arizona State, North Dakota planning to ‘turn the page’

Many things come to mind when North Dakota fans think about their hockey team’s unique selling points. There are the eight national championships, but more recently, the Fighting Hawks have also become known for their destination games. The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game, exempt from teams’ 34-game regular-season limit, is a tradition that has … Read more

NCHC Hockey 2022-23 Season Preview: Denver the early favorite as Pioneers look to repeat as national champions

You’ve clicked on a link to this conference season preview, so chances are you already know how strong the NCHC is. So does Heather Weems, who spent the last decade as St. Cloud State’s athletic director before being named in May as the NCHC’s new commissioner. She succeeds Josh Fenton, who previously accepted another NCAA … Read more

Denver earns 19 first-place votes, sits atop 2022-23 NCHC preseason media poll

The NCHC announced Wednesday the results of the 2022-23 preseason media poll. Defending national champion Denver took the top spot with 19 first-place votes, while second-place North Dakota garnered the remaining four first-place votes. 2022-23 NCHC Preseason Media Poll 1. Denver – 180 points (19 first-place votes) 2. North Dakota – 160 (4) 3. Minnesota … Read more

Denver dominates with four players on 2022-23 NCHC preseason all-conference team

The NCHC on Tuesday announced its 2022-23 preseason all-conference team. Defending national champion Denver is represented with four players on the team, which was picked by the media. Media members voted for three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender on their ballot with each vote worth one point. The top three vote-getters at forward, top … Read more

North Dakota goaltender Driscoll ‘honored and humbled’ in receiving 2022 Senior CLASS Award

North Dakota goaltender Zach Driscoll has been selected as the 2021-22 Senior CLASS Award winner in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey. The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I men’s hockey coaches, national hockey media, and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I men’s hockey. An … Read more

Senden, Hain returning to North Dakota for fifth seasons of college hockey eligibility in 2022-23

North Dakota forwards Mark Senden and Gavin Hain have announced that they will return for the 2022-23 season, exercising the extra year of eligibility granted to them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Senden served as the team captain this past season, recording a career-high 17 points in 34 games. He was awarded the NCHC sportsmanship … Read more