(KNOX) – The UND Hockey and Football teams are both at home this weekend, as they will be playing in front of what’s being reported as sold out crowds. All the tickets for both Hockey games Friday and Saturday, and the Football game Saturday are sold out, where there are projected to be 35,000 spectators combined.
Hockey is ranked No.4 in the nation and they play Bentley at Ralph Englestad Arena. They are 2-0-0 after sweeping Bemidji State last week, where Sophomore Forward Will Zellers had 2 goals, 4 assists, and 6 points throughout those games. He says the team is off to a good start this season, but that it wasn’t the easiest start.
Zellers was named the NCHC Forward of the week in light of his performance. He’s happy wit how he played against Bemidji State, but he also says a lot of his success stems from his teammates.
Both of Zellers’ goal came last Saturday and they were each one timer’s on the power play. He explains how one timer’s are an important part of his game.
Zellers is a draft prospect for the Boston Bruins, and he scored 18 goals and 34 points as a freshman last season. He says every person, including himself, is committed to their role on this team.
Hockey will face Bentley for the first time ever. Zellers expects a good series against a team that’s made some noise in recent years.
Another series sweep this Friday and Saturday would have Hockey start the 2026-2027 season 4-0-0. Zellers says a sweep against Bentley would give this team more confidence.
Hockey plays Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 6pm.
Football is ranked No.11 in the nation, and they play No.1 South Dakota State at the Alerus Center. Football is 5-2 this season with a 2-1 record in MVFC play. They lost last Saturday at UNI and had five turnovers. Quarterback Jerry Kaminski also left the game with an ankle injury. He is considered week to week, but has not been officially ruled out for this Saturday’s game.
Wide Receiver Korey Tai says this team is determined to bounce back this Saturday.
Tai is very close with Kaminski, and he says it was tough to see him get hurt against UNI.
Tai also says that Kaminski has remained in good spirits amid the injury.
If Kaminski doesn’t play, backup Quarterback Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson will start in his place. Tai says that Tupou’ata-Johnson brings a lot of talent to an offense that already has a lot of depth.
Tai has gotten to build a strong relationship with Tupou’ata-Johnson, and he says that he, Tupou’ata-Johnson and Kaminski spend a lot of time together.
Tai also says that he got to know Tupou’ata-Johnson by already being close with Kaminski.
Tai expects a hard challenge from the South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits are No.1 in the country, and expects his team to give them a fight.
Football plays on Saturday at 1pm.
Sign up below to get weekly local sports schedules and highlights delivered to your inbox!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
