UND Hockey’s Jake Sanderson selected fifth by Ottawa in 2020 NHL Entry Draft 

Sanderson becomes eighth first rounder at UND since 2010 

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — North Dakota hockey adds another player to the professional ranks.

Freshman defenseman, Jake Sanderson, — was selected fifth overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2020 NHL Draft. Sanderson is the first american player and the first defensman taken.

The selection is yet another by the Senators from UND. In 2019, the Sens selected forward Shane Pinto and in 2018, d-man, Jacob Bernard Docker.

Sanderson played for the U.S under 18 national team last season. Finishing with 29 points, the most among blue liners.

Sanderson is just the second player from Montana drafted..His father, Geoff, is a former NHL player and thinks the senators are the perfect fit for his son.

They’re a franchise that’s rebuilding right now,” Geoff Sanderson said. “They have a lot of draft picks in this draft with a lot of character. Prospects in their system which I’m excited about. I think in a few years they’ll be at the top of their division.”

“He just thinks the world of Jacob-Bernard Docker and Shane Pinto. It’s just so nice that’ll he know some faces in that locker room,” Ellen Sanderson, Jake’s mom, said. “It makes a really bad difference and that was one of the most exciting parts.”

Day two of the draft is expected to be a busy day  for local talent. Starting with defenseman, Tyler Kleven, at number 44 overall. Kleven is from Fargo, went to Davies and spent last season playing in the USHL with the USA U-18 team.

Grand Forks native — and UND commit, Jackson Kunz, is projected at 94.
Warroad’s Grant Slukynsky and Thief River Falls, Evan Busy can also be selections.

Rounds 2-7 begin — bright and early Wednesday at 10 A.M.