GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Sixteen University of North Dakota alumni have made opening-night rosters in the National Hockey League, which begins its regular season schedule tonight.
 
Several other UND alumni also currently serve in the coaching, management or scouting ranks with NHL franchises, including Edmonton head coach Dave Tippett, Toronto assistant coach Dave Hakstol, Arizona video coach Steve Peters, Calgary assistant general manager Brad Pascall, Minnesota director of player development Brad Bombardir, Vancouver senior director of player development Ryan Johnson, New York Rangers director of professional scouting Kevin Maxwell, Los Angeles pro scout Matt Greene, Philadelphia player development coach Brett Hextall, and Arizona skill development coordinator/assistant director of special projects Jeff Ulmer.

Wednesday's opening night will see several UND alums see the ice for the first time-- two in new coaching roles-- in the 2019-20 regular season. New Toronto assistant coach Dave Hakstol faces the Ottawa Senators, who will be without the services of injured Christian Wolanin. New Edmonton Oilers head coach Dave Tippett draws Brock Boeser, Troy Stecher and the Vancouver Canucks in his debut with a new organization. Aaron Dell's Sharks battle Vegas while T.J. Oshie's Washington Capitals face the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues on the opening night. 

Three former UND players will wear letters again this season with Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and assistant captains Zach Parise (Minnesota) and Travis Zajac (New Jersey). 

All told, 101 former North Dakota players have appeared in an NHL game with Luke Johnson (then with Chicago and now in the Minnesota Wild system) becoming the most recent last season. 

UND ON 2019-20 NHL OPENING NIGHT ROSTERS
(Years at UND in parentheses)
F Brock Boeser (2015-17), Vancouver Canucks
F Drake Caggiula (2012-16), Chicago Blackhawks
G Aaron Dell (2009-12), San Jose Sharks
D *Derek Forbort (2010-13), Los Angeles Kings
F Rocco Grimaldi (2011-14), Nashville Predators
F Tyson Jost (2016-17), Colorado Avalanche
F Brock Nelson (2010-12), New York Islanders
F T.J. Oshie (2005-08), Washington Capitals
F Zach Parise (2002-04), Minnesota Wild
D Tucker Poolman (2014-17), Winnipeg Jets
F Carter Rowney (2009-13), Anaheim Ducks
F Nick Schmaltz (2014-16), Arizona Coyotes
D Troy Stecher (2013-16), Vancouver Canucks
F Jonathan Toews (2005-07), Chicago Blackhawks
D *Christian Wolanin (2015-18), Ottawa Senators
F Travis Zajac (2004-06), New Jersey Devils
*Injured