GRAND FORKS - With the graduation of the University of North Dakota's entire top line and its top offensive defenseman, goal scoring will be one of several question marks for a young team in 2011-12.
But the pieces are in place for the Sioux to be a pretty good defensive squad come the fall.
One day after All-America goaltender Aaron Dell announced he would return for his junior year, UND's top shutdown defenseman, Ben Blood, said he will return for his senior year rather than signing a pro contract with the Ottawa Senators.
Ottawa drafted Blood in the fourth round in 2007 and was interested in signing 6-foot-4, 235-pound defenseman who led the country with a plus-32 rating last season. But after a week of consideration, the Plymouth, Minn., product decided that he would play out his career at UND.
"I talked to everyone important in my life since the season ended," Blood said, "and after discussing everything when them, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to come back for my senior year and play for coach (Dave) Hakstol. I think I can learn a lot from him. I'm excited to finish my time the right way, taking advantage of the resources here with the coaches, the gym, the rink ... everything."
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Blood was paired with freshman Derek Forbort for UND's stretch run, and they became one of the most difficult duos to play against.
Blood's plus-minus rating skyrocketed during the team's
15-game unbeaten streak that brought the Sioux to the Frozen Four.
"We were really comfortable at the end of the season," Blood said. "We can still get a lot better next year."
That combo could remain intact as UND's top defensive pairing. Andrew MacWilliam and Dillon Simpson also were regulars for the Sioux last season. Joe Gleason, a key member of UND's Broadmoor Trophy defensive corps two years ago, Ryan Hill and incoming freshmen Nick Mattson and Andrew Panzarella should fill out the defensive corps.
"I'm just really excited," Blood said. "And it's a relief to be done with that. I'm excited to get back in the gym with the boys next Tuesday, working toward another successful season."
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Schlossman writes for the Grand Forks Herald
