UND Prepares for Crucial Weekend Series Against Mercyhurst

As the University of North Dakota (UND) gears up for a pivotal weekend series, excitement is palpable among the players and coaching staff. The Fighting Hawks, currently ranked No. 4 in the nation, will host Mercyhurst University on January 5 at 19:07 and January 6 at 18:07 in Ralph Engelstad Arena. Coach Dane Jackson emphasized the team’s enthusiasm following their return from the holiday break, stating, “The excitement about our mission ahead is palpable. Guys are fired up to be a part of this and excited for the opportunity to compete and see how good we can become.”

This weekend’s match will be particularly challenging for UND as several key players are unavailable. Defensemen E.J. Emery and Keaton Verhoeff, winger Will Zellers, and center Cole Reschny are competing at the World Junior Championship in the Twin Cities and will miss the series. Additionally, defensemen Jake Livanavage and Abram Wiebe are returning from the Spengler Cup in Switzerland, and their availability remains uncertain as they travel back to Grand Forks.

Injury Updates and Team Depth

With a dwindling roster, Jackson confirmed that the team will rely on their remaining players. “Everyone available is going to play. We’ve talked a lot about our depth this year. We think we have good players sitting out,” he noted. Dalton Andrew, who has seen limited ice time, will be stepping into a more significant role this weekend.

Currently, UND’s defense consists of four players at practice: Andrew Strathmann, Sam Laurila, Bennett Zmolek, and Jayden Jubenvill. The coaching staff hopes to have Livanavage and Wiebe back for the games, as they were initially scheduled to arrive just hours before Friday’s opener. Jackson’s optimism is tempered by the challenge of their recent travel schedule, acknowledging, “If they play both games, it will be six games in nine days with a cross-ocean trip in the middle.”

Mercyhurst’s Struggles

On the other side, Mercyhurst enters this series with a difficult season behind them. The Lakers, who currently stand at 0-15-1 in Atlantic Hockey, have faced significant injury challenges. Rick Gotkin, the longest-tenured coach in the nation, expressed his disbelief at the number of injuries, stating, “I have never seen this many injuries. It’s absolutely crazy.” The Lakers managed to dress only ten forwards in their last game, with two of those being defensemen.

Despite these hurdles, there is a glimmer of hope for Mercyhurst, as they anticipate the return of five players this weekend, including forwards Will Schumacher and Noah Sedore, and defensemen Kaden Muir and Caleb Price. However, they will still be without several key players, including forwards Barrett Brooks, Riley Fitzgerald, and others.

Gotkin acknowledged the difficulties but remains hopeful, saying, “Our record isn’t good, but we haven’t been as bad as our record. We just don’t score enough goals. That’s been our biggest Achilles’ heel.” As the Lakers prepare to face UND, the focus will be on improving their offensive output and seizing opportunities as they arise.

Jackson emphasized that the Fighting Hawks will not underestimate Mercyhurst, despite their winless record. “This group has been quite good at being focused and ready to compete,” he said. With important nonconference games on the line, both teams will be looking to make a statement this weekend.

Fans can catch the action live at Ralph Engelstad Arena or tune in via Midco Sports on local channels or streaming at NCHChockey.com/tv.