UND and Michigan State's marquee matchup will make college hockey history

AUSTIN, Texas — UND freshman defenseman Carson Carels was selected No. 6 overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Michigan State freshman defenseman Chase Reid went one pick later. UND sophomore defenseman Keaton Verhoeff was selected two picks after that. Three more Michigan State freshmen went later in the first round, setting the stage for a history night in suburban Austin, Texas, on Saturday. The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game between UND and Michigan State will feature 13 NHL first-round draft picks — the most to ever play in a college hockey game. "It's fun and a positive for college hockey," UND general manager Bryn Chyzyk said. "I think the more eyeballs we can get on our sport, the more we can grow as a college hockey body. It's an exciting event with all the talent. We're excited to line up against all those first-rounders from Michigan State." Keaton Verhoeff pulls on a San Jose Sharks jersey while standing beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and PWHL S