The 2026 NHL Draft proved to be a watershed moment for the University of North Dakota’s men’s hockey program, as six of its prospects heard their names called across seven rounds. The selections underscore a resurgence that has been building over the past few seasons, blending elite talent with a deep pool of prospects ready to make an impact at the professional level.
Top‑10 Duo Makes History
Carson Carels and Keaton Verhoeff became the first defensive pair from UND to be selected in the top ten of the same draft, each hearing their names within the opening ten picks. Their achievements mark a milestone for the program and highlight the effectiveness of the team's defensive development pipeline.
Twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruck followed suit, with Liam landing in the first round for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Markus joining him in the second round. The Ruck siblings became the highest‑drafted pair of twins in the NHL since Henrik and Daniel Sedin were chosen in 1999, adding a compelling narrative to the draft's story.
Looking Ahead
The ripple effect of that haul extends beyond draft night, with the program confirming that 14 players from the 2026 class will join the roster for the 2026‑27 season, the most since the 2014‑15 campaign and featuring four first‑round selections, a rarity not seen since the 2006‑07 season. Coach and administrators praised the coordinated scouting effort that made the surge possible, noting that the program’s recent surge in draft visibility reflects a sustained investment in player development and recruitment.