Jakub Husár, a 18‑year‑old goaltender from Slovakia, announced his commitment to the University of North Dakota (UND) hockey team, securing a scholarship and a guaranteed roster spot for the 2028‑29 season.
Recruitment Decision
The decision came after extensive dialogue with UND head coach Dane Jackson, whose program stood out for its distinctive fan atmosphere and coaching philosophy, attributes that resonated strongly with Husár during his evaluation of dozens of collegiate options.
Having spoken with roughly ten to twelve schools — including Michigan, Vermont and Lake Superior State — Husár ultimately selected UND, noting that the campus vibe and coaching staff offered a compelling package that no other program matched.
His international résumé includes appearances for Slovakia at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton and a stint at the U17 Four Nations tournament in Michigan, experiences that have prepared him for the transition to North American college hockey.
Before arriving in Grand Forks, Husár plans to compete in the U.S. Hockey League with the Waterloo team, a stepping stone he believes will sharpen his game ahead of his collegiate debut.
Future Outlook
Eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, the Slovak prospect aims to become the fourth UND goaltender drafted in the top 100, a milestone that would underscore the program’s growing reputation in developing elite net‑minders.
With a clear pathway from the USHL to the NCAA ranks, Husár envisions a steady progression toward his NHL aspirations, while the University of North Dakota looks to capitalize on his talent to enrich its defensive lineup.
The commitment reflects a broader trend of European goaltenders seeking developmental opportunities in the United States, a movement that could reshape the competitive landscape of college hockey.