GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Two exhibition games in the books so far does not put anything officially on the record about this current UND hockey team.

Coming out on top vs. the University of Manitoba and Augustana in the exhibitions last weekend gave us a better look at this year's version of the Fighting Hawks. But the season officially kicks off this weekend with this series against old rival Bemidji State.

One thing we have learned over the years that regardless of the talent differences between the two teams, the games are highly competitive and usually close on the final scoreboard.

It is a rivalry of long standing, built in large part on former UND goalie Bob Peters eventually going to coach at BSU. He built the Beavers into a national power at a lower level of NCAA hockey with a series of national championships under his belt before the program eventually moved up to Division I.

So even though UND and BSU do not compete in the same conference, it is fitting that the games with BSU, UND's closest geographical Division I rival, remain on the schedule. 

What I did take away from watching the two exhibition games last weekend is that UND looks to be very strong in two areas of play that will win you a lot of games -- goaltending and defense. If those areas stay strong, this UND team will be a very difficult opponent for anyone on the schedule. With the depth on roster at both those positions, I see no reason why those two positions won't be a strength all season.

I have always enjoyed watching BSU teams play, because of the way they play the game. While BSU may not attract the elite talent that some other schools at Division I do, the Beavers play a smart game, technically sound and with excellent coaching to organize that and back it all up.

BSU forces you to earn your wins, and that alone is a great reason for UND to continue keeping the Beavers on future schedules. BSU forces an opponent to pay attention to the details of the game in order to beat it. Stray far from that, and BSU will send you spinning to the losing column in short order.

I do like the fact that this series features one game in Grand Forks, one in Bemidji, giving fans in both cities a taste of this unique rivalry every year. Let's hope it remains that way. It is also an easy drive for fans, a little over 100 miles one way, so easy travel for the teams, and the fans who choose to take in both games.

The expectations are high for the 2026-27 Fighting Hawks, so a fast start to the season against Bemidji State would set UND on a course to achieve great things this season.

Virg Foss, who has written about UND hockey either for the Grand Forks Herald or UND since 1969, can be contacted at virgfoss@yahoo.com or at (701) 213-6866.