The 2026 NHL Draft turned into a showcase for the University of North Dakota, as six of its prospects heard their names called across the seven rounds.
A historic haul for the Fighting Hawks
Among the selections, two players cracked the top ten, a feat not seen in the program for over a decade, and the Ruck twins became the highest‑drafted pair of twins since the Sedin brothers in 1999.
Carson Carels, a defenseman from Grand Forks, was taken sixth overall by the Calgary Flames, while forward Keaton Verhoeff slid to ninth with the San Jose Sharks. Both expressed excitement about joining the professional ranks.
Liam Ruck was selected 22nd by the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his twin brother Markus followed at 39th, marking the first time a set of twins were drafted in the same year for the Fighting Hawks.
Ethan MacKenkie went 69th to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Connor Davis was chosen 129th by the Vancouver Canucks, bringing the total UND representation to 14 players on the 2026‑27 roster, the most since the 2014‑15 season.
The influx of talent signals a new era for North Dakota hockey, with fans and analysts alike watching how these prospects will adapt to the pro game.