Francis & 12 New UMD Faces Eager for Regular Season Opener

UMD will also face Manitoba in an exhibition contest on Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday will mark the start of their 2024-2025 campaign for the UMD men’s hockey team as they drop the puck with Bemidji State.

Head Coach Scott Sandelin welcomed in 12 new faces this off-season as the Bulldogs undergo somewhat of a drastic change.

But, Sandelin says he’s excited for what that group will bring to the fold this upcoming season.

“I think it’s refreshing, it’s new. I think they bring a different hunger there, because they’re new. Certainly there’s some really good players that have some really good track records. I believe that they’re going to continue that at this level,” said Sandelin.

Saturday will also be a special day for UMD defenseman Will Francis, who’s returning after two bouts with leukemia.

“Pretty much every doctor said in April that there’s going to be no chance that you’re playing hockey come October. Some even said they’ll be surprised if I was skating and I was like well someone has to do it, someone’s got to prove you wrong. So that what kind of my mindset through the whole thing. Just having these games here, I knew right away that this was the light at the end of the tunnel for me,” added Francis.

The Bulldogs and Beavers get things going at 5:07 PM on Saturday.