UND hockey notes: Matt Smaby can relate to developing in college hockey

Russell Hons / UND athletics By Brad Elliott Schlossman Today at 8:07 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? GRAND FORKS — Matt Smaby knows the development process well. It wasn't all sunshine moments when he came to UND as an 18-year-old defenseman in 2003. ADVERTISEMENT But he made progress throughout his time on campus, and by the time he was a junior, he was the team captain and anchor on the back end of an NCAA Frozen Four team. Smaby is now an associate head coach at UND, working through the development process with UND's young players, especially on the back end. They've had their rough moments in the first month — a pair of losses at rival Minnesota — but their steady progress was evident in last weekend's tie and win against Western Michigan. "It's a tough position to play," Smaby said. "I think about myself and my career. . . I wasn't the best defenseman until I was 30 years old. You're continuing to learn all the way through. "These guys are not only extremely talented, but they still have a lot to learn in regard to how to play. They're playing the game against teams and players who are really good." UND's top two time-on-ice leaders on the back end are Carson Carels and Keaton Verhoeff, who also are the two youngest players in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. "It's impressive what they do," Smaby said of the defensive corps. "I would not be able to compete at the same level as those guys. But it's also growth. It's learning. It takes time and that's OK. That's part of it. But they're starting at such a high floor." ADVERTISEMENT Tough decisions on defense UND has eight defensemen on the roster and has played seven per game. Lately, it has rotated the scratch — three different players the last three games. The coaching staff discussed Wednesday the dilemma that all eight have given them reasons to be in the lineup. "We say everything is earned here," UND head coach Dane Jackson said. "We're really trying to have good conversations with guys and say, hey, everybody's got to be accountable to earn their ice and we're really trying to stand by that. The guys that play the best are going to be in." Jackson said it's important to reiterate that. "That's a cornerstone of our culture that you've got to earn your ice," Jackson said. "We'll just keep hitting that and trying to get guys in and out, spread the opportunity until it starts to become more clear on who has really elevated." Midco picking up this weekend's games Midco Sports (Channel 27/622 HD in Grand Forks) will carry both UND-St. Thomas games live, picking up the feed from a local broadcast. The games will be carried on Fox9+ in Minnesota on delay. ADVERTISEMENT Tony Pasquesi will handle play-by-play duties. Grand Forks native Grant Potulny will serve as the analyst. Both games also will be streamed on NCHC TV. Signing day is here College hockey's early signing period opened Wednesday. At least three players inked their aid packages with UND — U.S. Under-18 Team teammates Beck Thoreson, Nolan Fitzhenry and Carson Scott. Once players sign, other teams cannot attempt to recruit them. UND's coaching staff members also are permitted to speak about them publicly. Players must be at least high school seniors to sign, meaning they can begin playing college hockey as early as next fall, though signing doesn't guarantee it. Fitzhenry, a projected first-round NHL Draft pick, is a lock to come next fall. ADVERTISEMENT USA Hockey's NTDP Jackson on Benák's suspension The NCHC suspended Western Michigan forward Adam Benák for one game for slashing UND's Cody Croal in the neck area as Croal scored the game-sealing empty-net goal Saturday night. Jackson was asked for his thoughts on the one-game suspension. "I didn't think it was a malicious play; I thought it was a careless play," Jackson said. "The referees and the league, they don't care what a guy is thinking. They just say, 'What happened on the play?' So, it was probably appropriate." Croal is expected to be available for this weekend's series at St. Thomas. No. 8 UND at St. Thomas When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Where: Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, St. Paul, Minn. TV: Midco Sports (GF Ch. 27/622 HD). Radio: The Fox (96.1 FM). Stream: NCHC TV. More UND hockey coverage NCHC suspends Western Michigan forward Adam Benák 1d ago UND beats No. 5 Western Michigan to complete unbeaten weekend 3d ago Get to know UND freshman forward Cooper Simpson 5d ago How an elbow, a beer and a live TV shot made two brothers internet famous Nov 4 Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING HAWKS UND SPORTS UND FIGHTING HAWKS HOCKEY SUBSCRIBERS ONLY By Brad Elliott Schlossman Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald's circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year twice. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at [email protected]. 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