UND hockey staff getting first looks at the team
· Yahoo Sports
Sep. 14—GRAND FORKS — UND's coaching staff has gotten its first few looks at the 2026-27 hockey team.
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Due to NCAA rule changes, coaches can be on the ice with the team earlier than in the past.
"We're working out some kinks and getting the rust off," UND second-year head coach Dane Jackson said. "The professionalism, preparedness, focus and mindset of our guys has been very good. They all seem to have a real passion to come to the rink and are excited to be working. We've been really happy with the work we've been getting done."
Players initially returned to Grand Forks in July. They skated on their own for about five weeks.
Now, the coaches are working to implement systems and to sharpen details.
"To a man, they've had that competitive approach where it's process-driven," Jackson said. "Stacking up good days matters. They've taken that idea to heart. They're doing an excellent job of working and staying dialed in the meetings, putting a really professional mindset to our team and being ready for the first game."
UND opens with back-to-back exhibitions on Oct. 3-4 against Augustana and Manitoba.
The regular season begins Oct. 9 at Bemidji State. The home opener is Oct. 10 against Bemidji State in Ralph Engelstad Arena.
UND won the National Collegiate Hockey Conference's Penrose Cup last season and advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four.
Freshman forward Brock Schultz, who sat out this summer recovering from an injury, recently began practicing for the first time.
The East Grand Forks Senior High graduate won a Clark Cup with Sioux Falls in the United States Hockey League last season.
"Schultzy is such an energy guy and a great teammate," Jackson said. "He's had a long road of working and rehabbing to get his body going. It's really nice to see him out there battling and competing and bringing his energy."
Junior forward Mac Swanson, who had offseason shoulder surgery, has been one of UND's best players this fall.
Swanson still hasn't been fully cleared for contact, but he's started to participate in all drills.
UND is hopeful he'll be ready for Game 1.
"Mac looks really good," Jackson said. "He looks fast, smart, competitive, ahead of the play. He looks like he's done an outstanding job on the rehab and conditioning. We're very happy with where Mac is at after having that big surgery."
* Last season was the first time in 10 years that a UND player wore a full visor instead of a cage on his helmet. In fact, two of them did — Ellis Rickwood and Will Zellers. Rickwood has graduated, but UND might have two wearing "bubbles" again. Freshman defenseman Ethan MacKenzie has been wearing one at practice.
* UND hasn't voted for captains yet but is expected to do so as soon as this week.
* The NCHC has set media day for Sept. 22-23.