HOCKEY: Davidson signs in Sweden

• UND's Brent Davidson

Denver's John Ryder is upended by UND's Brent Davidson in the third period. Herald photo by Eric Hylden.

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Brent Davidson came to UND as a walk on.

He will be leaving with a pay check to play hockey professionally.

Davidson, who is finishing his senior year at UND, signed a contract with Boras HC — a pro team in southern Sweden. Davidson is expected to go overseas in the late summer.

“It’s really exciting,” Davidson said. “I’m happy to know that my hockey career isn’t over. The University of North Dakota is great for developing players and giving them exposure to making the step to the next level. Thankfully, I was able to progress my game enough to head over to Sweden. We’ll see where the next chapter takes me.”

Davidson played sparingly as a freshman and a sophomore, but improved his game enough to be moved the most improved player after his first year.

As a junior, the coaching staff asked him to move to defense because of injuries and he was a regular during the Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs. UND ended up winning the Broadmoor Trophy.

As a senior, he produced career highs in games played (26), points (eight), goals (five), assists (three) and plus-minus (plus-10). UND was 22-3-1 with Davidson in the lineup.

Come the stretch run, he played on a line with first-round NHL draft pick Brock Nelson and second-round pick Danny Kristo.

Davidson said that UND women’s hockey associate coach Peter Elander helped hook him up with Boras HC. Elander previously served as the women’s national team coach for Sweden.

“He’s got contacts over there and he helped me out,” Davidson said.

Davidson, a Mordan, Man., native, said he’s already received some words of wisdom from fellow Morden native Colby Genoway, who previously played in the Swedish league.

He plans to spend the summer in Grand Forks training.

“I just want to say that I appreciate everything UND and the coaches have done for myself and everyone else,” Davidson said.

Davidson is the fourth of seven seniors to sign a pro contract. Matt Frattin (Toronto), Brad Malone (Colorado) and Chay Genoway (Minnesota) all signed NHL deals.

Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com.

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