Und Hockey Alumni In The Nhl: 7 Notable Players

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The University of North Dakota (UND) has a rich hockey tradition, and its alumni have made a significant impact in the National Hockey League (NHL). With a strong program that has produced numerous talented players, it's no surprise that many UND alumni have gone on to have successful careers in the NHL. Here are 7 notable UND hockey alumni who have made a name for themselves in the NHL.

1. Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews is one of the most successful UND alumni in the NHL. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native played for the Fighting Sioux from 2005 to 2007 before being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks with the third overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Toews has gone on to win three Stanley Cup championships with the Blackhawks and has been named a NHL First-Team All-Star twice.

College Career

Toews played two seasons for UND, scoring 40 goals and 106 points in 76 games. He was named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2007.

2. Zach Parise

Zach Parise is another highly successful UND alumnus in the NHL. The Minneapolis, Minnesota native played for the Fighting Sioux from 2002 to 2004 before being drafted by the New Jersey Devils with the 17th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Parise has played for the Devils and Minnesota Wild, scoring over 350 goals and 800 points in his NHL career.

College Career

Parise played two seasons for UND, scoring 58 goals and 123 points in 82 games. He was named the WCHA Rookie of the Year in 2003 and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2004.

3. Drew Stafford

Drew Stafford is a UND alumnus who has had a successful NHL career. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native played for the Fighting Sioux from 2003 to 2006 before being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the 13th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Stafford has played for the Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, and Boston Bruins, scoring over 200 goals and 400 points in his NHL career.

College Career

Stafford played three seasons for UND, scoring 51 goals and 113 points in 115 games. He was named the WCHA Rookie of the Year in 2004 and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2006.

4. T.J. Oshie

T.J. Oshie is a UND alumnus who has had a successful NHL career. The Mount Vernon, Washington native played for the Fighting Sioux from 2005 to 2008 before being drafted by the St. Louis Blues with the 24th overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Oshie has played for the Blues and Washington Capitals, scoring over 200 goals and 500 points in his NHL career.

College Career

Oshie played three seasons for UND, scoring 59 goals and 142 points in 121 games. He was named the WCHA Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2008.

5. Travis Zajac

Travis Zajac is a UND alumnus who has had a successful NHL career. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native played for the Fighting Sioux from 2004 to 2006 before being drafted by the New Jersey Devils with the 20th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Zajac has played for the Devils and New York Islanders, scoring over 200 goals and 500 points in his NHL career.

College Career

Zajac played two seasons for UND, scoring 31 goals and 73 points in 88 games. He was named the WCHA Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2006.

6. Chris VandeVelde

Chris VandeVelde is a UND alumnus who has had a successful NHL career. The Moorhead, Minnesota native played for the Fighting Sioux from 2006 to 2010 before being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers with the 97th overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. VandeVelde has played for the Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Ottawa Senators, scoring over 100 goals and 200 points in his NHL career.

College Career

VandeVelde played four seasons for UND, scoring 52 goals and 104 points in 165 games. He was named the WCHA Defensive Forward of the Year in 2010.

7. Corban Knight

Corban Knight is a UND alumnus who has had a successful NHL career. The High River, Alberta native played for the Fighting Sioux from 2010 to 2013 before being drafted by the Florida Panthers with the 135th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Knight has played for the Panthers, Calgary Flames, and Philadelphia Flyers, scoring over 20 goals and 50 points in his NHL career.

College Career

Knight played three seasons for UND, scoring 45 goals and 119 points in 120 games. He was named the WCHA Rookie of the Year in 2011 and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2013.

Gallery of UND Hockey Alumni in the NHL

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