UND players selected in first round of NHL Draft

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 9:17 AM

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

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.

Source Links
Key Details
  • Carson Carels selected sixth by Calgary Flames.
  • Keaton Verhoeff picked ninth by San Jose Sharks.
  • Liam Ruck chosen 22nd by Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Last time three UND players drafted in first round was 2005.
  • Carels plans to join UND for summer training on July 9.
Latest Updates
  • 9:17 AMYahoo SportsA memorable first round for UND in the NHL Draft
What they're saying
"

Jun. 27—GRAND FORKS — Carson Carels was sitting at his Manitoba farm, watching the NHL Draft with family and friends on Friday night. He watched Hockey Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald walk up on stage at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., take the microphone and call his name. Carels, who has signed to play at UND next season, went No. 6 overall to the Calgary Flames in the 2026 NHL Draft, kicking ...

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days