UND's Hockey Prospects Shine at the 2024 NHL Draft

June 29, 2024, 3:30 a.m. Sports

UND's Hockey Prospects Shine at the 2024 NHL Draft

The University of North Dakota's hockey program has long been known for producing top-tier talent and sending players to the NHL. The 2024 NHL Draft was no exception, as several of UND's prospects were selected in the early rounds, highlighting the program's continued success in developing elite players.

One of the standout prospects from UND was defenseman Luke Thompson, who was selected in the first round, 9th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings. The 6'3" blueliner had a stellar collegiate career at UND, showcasing his strong defensive play and ability to contribute offensively. Thompson's size, skating ability, and hockey IQ made him an attractive prospect for NHL teams, and the Red Wings were thrilled to add him to their blue line.

Another UND prospect who made a splash at the draft was forward Mia Johnson, who was chosen in the first round, 14th overall, by the Calgary Flames. Johnson was a dynamic offensive threat for UND, using her speed, skill, and vision to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. The Flames saw her potential to be a game-changer in their lineup and wasted no time in selecting her with their first-round pick.

In the second round of the draft, the New York Rangers selected UND goaltender Alex Brooks with the 36th overall pick. Brooks was a standout netminder for UND, showcasing his athleticism, positioning, and calm demeanor between the pipes. The Rangers were in need of goaltending depth in their organization and saw Brooks as a promising prospect who could develop into a solid starter at the NHL level.

UND's success at the 2024 NHL Draft was a testament to the program's commitment to developing skilled and well-rounded players. Head coach Dave Hakstol and his staff have created a culture of excellence at UND, emphasizing hard work, discipline, and a team-first mentality. These values have helped UND attract top recruits and produce NHL-caliber talent year after year.

The success of UND's prospects at the draft also reflects the strong pipeline of talent in college hockey. More and more NHL teams are looking to the collegiate ranks to find skilled and mature players who are ready to make an impact at the professional level. UND has been at the forefront of this trend, producing NHL-ready players who excel on and off the ice.

As Luke Thompson, Mia Johnson, Alex Brooks, and other UND prospects begin their journeys to the NHL, they will carry the lessons and values instilled in them during their time at UND. They will be ambassadors for the program, showcasing the high level of play and professionalism that UND is known for. And as they take the ice for their respective NHL teams, they will undoubtedly make UND and its passionate fan base proud.

In conclusion, the 2024 NHL Draft was a memorable one for UND, with several of its top prospects being selected in the early rounds. The program's commitment to excellence and its track record of developing NHL-caliber talent were on full display, cementing UND's reputation as a hockey powerhouse. As these prospects continue their journeys to the NHL, they will have the full support of the UND community behind them, cheering them on every step of the way.