GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- One of my favorite singers, Dolly Parton, had a number of hit songs in her legendary career, including one with the lyrics of "Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living.''

That popped into my head as I look at the scores of the last three UND hockey games, against Big 10 teams, Minnesota (twice) and Michigan State (once). 

All ended with the score of 5 to 3 against UND, certainly not a way to make a living for the Fighting Hawks trying to build a winning resume this early in the season. Five seems to be the magic number for this 2026-27 version of UND's hockey team.

The Fighting Hawks reached the magical number of 5 win in both wins over Bentley and even scored 5 in the exhibition victory over Manitoba.

So as Western Michigan comes to Grand Forks this weekend to open National Collegiate Hockey Conference play against the Fighting Hawks, it might be a 'Drive to 5' to determine who wins these important games.

There's a good chance both the Broncos and the Fighting Hawks will be among the contenders for NCHC honors this season. So this early matchup at Ralph Engelstad Arena carries much importance with it. Even more so because it is the only regular-season meetings between the two teams with no road trip on the schedule to Western Michigan for UND.

The Broncos, 6-1 overall, come into North Dakota ranked fifth nationally while the 4-3 Fighting Hawks come in ranked 10th after those three straight losses.

Western Michigan's roster includes senior forward Cole Spicer from Grand Forks, averaging a point a game with a goal and six assists through seven games. It will be the last college games Spicer will play in his home town, barring any post-season matchup in Grand Forks.

As for UND, it is a young team in transition trying to put the pieces together to find consistent success to this season. All positions of the team have shown glimpses of excellence but to build that into a sustainable performance is still a work in progress.

Western Michigan will provide provide a stern test as to the progress of this year's version of coach Dane Jackson's Hawks.

How well UND's youthful defense plays in front of freshman Caleb Heil or sophomore Jan Spunar in goal will be a major factor in how these games turn out for the Fighting Hawks. Both of those goalies are certainly capable of stealing a game or two this season as well. Will that happen this weekend?

This season carries the intrigue that there is no clear overwhelming favored team in the NCHC. Denver, Minnesota Duluth, Western Michigan -- and UND -- all have the potential to finish on top, in my view from results to date.

So a sweep by either team here this weekend will carry much weight if either team can pull that off.

I am looking forward to the games. Hope to see you at The Ralph.

Virg Foss covered UND hockey for the Grand Forks Herald from 1969 through 2005. He now writes a weekly column for UND each hockey season. He can be reached at virgfoss@yahoo.com.