Top-10 Clash Headlines Pivotal UND-Denver Series
THIS WEEKEND: #9 DENVER AT #5 NORTH DAKOTA.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) –The biggest series of the season so far has arrived in Grand Forks.
North Dakota and Denver, the top two teams in the NCHC standings, meet this weekend in a top-10 matchup with conference positioning at stake. The Fighting Hawks and Pioneers renew a rivalry that never lacks intensity, but this series carries added weight with both teams firmly in the national spotlight.
UND enters the weekend alone atop the conference standings with 29 points. Denver sits five points back at 24, setting up a series that could shape the race for NCHC supremacy as the season moves into its second half.
Head coach Dane Jackson did not shy away from the importance of the matchup, while keeping the focus on his team’s identity.
“Yeah, they’re all important, but I’d say so. Yeah, it’s a big one,” Jackson said. “You just look at the standings and you say these are extremely important games. The biggest thing for us is that we play our best game. We find that level where we’re passionate and engaged. We’re disciplined, playing hard, and playing to what we do. You show up, play your best game and let the chips fall where they may.”
The rivalry has produced plenty of memorable moments, including a heated exchange between UND sophomore defenseman EJ Emery and Denver defenseman Zeev Buium during a February 2025 game in Denver. Emery says that edge is part of what makes the series special.
“I remember I had a good time with Buium over there, and that competitiveness really got a hold of us,” Emery said. “It’s kind of like that Minnesota rivalry. Everyone’s excited and pumped for it because there’s always that feeling in the air when you get a matchup like this.”
North Dakota is coming off a weekend split against Colorado College, earning a regulation win after an overtime loss. Denver enters the series looking to respond after being swept at home by Western Michigan, giving the Pioneers even more motivation heading into the weekend.
UND knows it will see Denver at its best.
“The biggest thing about Denver is how fast they play,” Jackson said. “Their pace of play is high. They skate very well and move the puck quickly. If you’re not ready for that pace, you’re going to turn pucks over and spend a lot of time in your zone. They’re also a very skilled, offensively gifted team, so checking well, having great habits with our sticks, and managing the puck is really important so we can push back and play in their zone.”
Puck drop is set for Friday night at 7:07 p. m., with Saturday’s game scheduled for 6:07 p. m. at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks.
According to UND Athletics, North Dakota leads the all time series 140 to 119 with 13 ties. Denver holds a 6 to 4 edge over the last 10 meetings, and the Pioneers won last season’s series 3 to 1.
