UND players selected in first round of NHL Draft

During the 2026 NHL Draft held at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY, Carson Carels was selected sixth overall by the Calgary Flames. Shortly after, Keaton Verhoeff was picked ninth by the San Jose Sharks, followed by Liam Ruck, who went 22nd to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This marks a significant achievement for the University of North Dakota, as three players were chosen in the first round, a rare occurrence last seen in 2005. Head coach Dane Jackson expressed excitement about the players' futures, with Carels aiming to join UND for summer training on July 9.

• 9:17 AMYahoo Sports — A memorable first round for UND in the NHL Draft