The University of North Dakota’s hockey program continues to serve as a fertile breeding ground for NHL prospects, with a dozen Fighting Hawks participants dispersed across development camps this summer.
Development camp highlights
Hudson Malinoski, the transfer from Providence, turned heads at the Toronto Maple Leafs camp by launching a home run during batting practice, a surprising display that underscored his athletic versatility.
Freshman defenseman Ethan MacKenzie spoke about the steep learning curve of facing older, more seasoned opponents in college hockey, noting that the experience has sharpened his decision‑making under pressure.
Sophomore defenseman E.J. Emery used the camp circuit to showcase the physical transformations he has achieved, emphasizing a more robust frame and refined defensive positioning.
Bruins camp camaraderie
Cooper Simpson and Will Zellers, both UND players, trained together and attended the Boston Bruins development camp, where they talked about their goals and the importance of team success.
Connor Davis, a UND freshman forward, recalled the thrill of meeting NHL legends Henrik and Daniel Sedin at the Vancouver Canucks camp, an encounter that deepened his excitement about joining the Fighting Hawks.
Sam Laurila, still recuperating from an injury, made his debut at a New York Islanders development camp, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and optimism about his recovery trajectory.
Other UND representatives — including Keaton Verhoeff, Cole Reschny and Carson Carels — tested themselves with the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames, while undrafted forwards Gavin Lindberg and Jack Kernan earned free‑agent invitations to the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers camps.
Former UND forward Ben Strinden, now eyeing a professional contract, declared his readiness to transition to the next level after a productive college stint.