Four University of North Dakota alumni are set to converge on Buffalo, New York, for the NHL Combine, a pivotal pre‑draft showcase that will shape the upcoming draft board. The event, scheduled for June 26‑27, will bring together the top prospects from across the hockey world, but the spotlight is firmly on the Fighting Hawks contingent.
A Draft Class Like No Other
Keaton Verhoeff and Carson Carels, both UND defensemen, are projected to be among the top ten selections in the upcoming NHL Draft. If their forecasts hold, they will become the first players from the University of North Dakota to be chosen in the top ten of the same draft, a milestone that has eluded the program historically.
Verhoeff, who graduated high school early, emerged as a key figure for the Fighting Hawks, recording six goals and 20 points in 36 games last season. His blend of size, skating ability, and offensive upside has drawn praise from scouts who see him as a potential franchise‑defining talent.
Carson Carels, meanwhile, honed his game in the Western Hockey League with the Prince George Cougars, where he posted 20 goals and 73 points in 58 contests. His offensive output and playmaking skills have positioned him as a strong candidate for a top‑ten slot, adding depth to the UND contingent.
The draft also welcomes two other UND recruits: Ethan MacKenzie and Cooper Williams. MacKenzie, passed over in the last two drafts, tallied 22 goals and 58 points in 59 games for the Edmonton Oil Kings, while Williams contributed 23 goals and 57 points in 66 games for the Saskatoon Blades. Both players bring additional offensive firepower to the mix.
Beyond individual statistics, the group is linked by a shared experience on Canada’s blue line at last year’s World Junior Championship, where the team secured a bronze medal. That international exposure has further amplified expectations for the quartet as they prepare for the NHL Combine.
The upcoming NHL Draft will be held in Buffalo, New York, on June 26‑27, providing the final stage for these prospects to showcase their abilities in front of scouts, coaches, and management from all 32 teams. The outcomes of the combine could dramatically alter the draft landscape for the University of North Dakota and its fans.