Bulldogs travel to Grand Forks and NCHC Preview

Start of the NCHC Schedule Brings Promise 

"Back in my day....." is a sentiment oft used by those longing for yesteryear. Over the many years, UMD has seen triumph in conference playoff titles in 2009, 2017, 2019, and 2022; NCAA titles in 2011, 18, and 19; and four Hobey Baker award winners in the span of time since 1993. Why 1993? That was the last time UMD won a regular season conference title. 1993, the old WCHA, names like Hauer, Marinucci, Rohloff, Larson, and Plante. 

Plante... that sounds very familiar. It may very be that with the power and pacing of two Plantes that the 2025-26 Bulldogs may very well be lined up to end the drought.

The drivers of the team may be named Plante, but the secret sauce that makes this team a promising candidate to win a conference championship are the new players added and the improved play of the returners.

Goaltending is the first stop on the tour of improvements. Adam Gajan has found a groove this year. So far he has logged a 7-1-0 record with a 0.938 saves percent and 1.25 GAA. Whatever it is, Gajan's performance has been solid this year. Even with a shaky start in Bemidji, Gajan stayed with it and finished strong for the win.

There are newcomers that are pumping life into UMD also. The freshman trio of Hunter Anderson, Daniel Shlaine, and Dylan Zaremba are proving to be prolific at contributing when they are on the ice. Additionally Scout Truman and Brady Cleveland are fitting right in and leading as portal additions. 

All in all, this is looking like a special season for UMD. As Coach Sandelin said, "It's a different feel. These guys are hungry. They're very driven. It doesn't guarantee anything, but it's a great start." The looks may be deceiving, but it will be a fun team to watch.

Predictions

Our prediction for UMD is to break the drought and take the NCHC regular season title. With the way all the NCHC teams have started, we are confident UMD will finish in the top three and we will go all the way for first.

Either way, it will be a fin season to watch.

Our start to season NCHC prediction:

1. UMD
2. Western Michigan
3. North Dakota
4. Denver
5. Omaha
6. Miami
7. ASU
8. Saint Cloud
9. Colorado College