Young stars shine early for No. 4 UMD men’s hockey

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) men’s hockey team is off to a perfect 2-0 start to their season after sweeping Arizona State University last weekend.

Already the fourth ranked squad is seeing positive impacts from their 10 freshmen, including forward Ben Steeves. Fresh out of the United States Hockey League (Sioux City) he tallied his first collegiate goal Sunday in the second period to lead ASU 2-1, then less than 60 seconds later he scored again.

“One thing Coach Sandelin emphasized before the game is don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t play tentative out there, just go out and play hockey, and it was easy to have confidence that way playing under a coach where you’re not afraid,” Steeves shared.

“Excited about seeing where these guys are going to go,” head coach Scott Sandelin added. “You got a glimpse of some of them this weekend. There’s some skill there, there’s some guys that are hockey players, and I think they’re only going to get better.”

UMD has a bye this weekend and will return to action October 14-15 visiting Ryan Sandelin and Minnesota State University, Mankato (0-0).