Preview: UND is back at home, where it has been strong for the last 12 months

Grand Forks — UND will play at Ralph Engelstad Arena for the first time in three weeks when it faces Western Michigan on Friday and Saturday. Coach Dane Jackson highlighted the significance of playing in the home rink, noting the energy provided by the enthusiastic fans. This season, UND has been strong at The Ralph, boasting a 14-2-1 record. The team has also won two exhibition games at home. Davenport Boser emphasized the positive impact of the home crowd, hoping for a strong showing to entertain the fans.

Western Michigan, on the other hand, has not visited Ralph Engelstad Arena since January 2025. They last faced UND, winning the series 3-2 in overtime and 5-1. Since last season, UND has struggled at home, allowing the first goal in its last three games and losing all three contests. Head coach Jackson stressed the importance of maintaining strong shifts and not getting behind, aiming for a lead to play with at home.

Undeterred by the challenges, UND boasts a formidable lineup. Junior defenseman Joona Väisänen, who returned from a season-ending knee injury, leads the country in points per game by a defenseman with 1.71. Freshman Ollie Josephson's defensive skills are equally impressive, as he wins 60% of his faceoffs and ranks first on the roster as the unluckiest player, receiving more points than he earns.

With these players and the support of the passionate UND fanbase, Friday and Saturday are expected to be crucial games for the Fighting Hawks in their quest for improvement.