MEN'S HOCKEY: Forbort set to play larger role

Derek Forbort played a regular shift at the World Junior Championship last year.

Now, he's no longer a young guy at the under-20 event and the UND sophomore will be counted on to provide big minutes for the U.S. squad when the tournament begins Monday in Calgary and Edmonton.

The Americans have a gold and a bronze in the last two events, marking the first time in the tournament's history that they've medaled in back-to-back years. Forbort is one of just two returning defensemen from last year's team that the U.S. will lean on (Michigan's Jon Merrill is the other).

Forbort's versatility will be a big benefit for U.S. coach Dean Blais.

"I think he can do a lot of things," UND coach Dave Hakstol said. "His game has really grown. I think he's going to bring a real veteran presence. I think he should be a real stabilizing factor for their D-corps. No question, he can be an outstanding, reliable, two-way guy for them.

"Behind that, Dean and his staff have to put together for roles for everyone on the team. Is Derek going to be in a penalty killing role? Is he going to be in a power play role? Those things are going to be left to the coaching staff. Derek can be pretty versatile and he can play a large role."

Since returning to UND from last year's tournament, Forbort has played big minutes for UND. He has routinely been on the top defensive pairing along with Ben Blood. Hakstol and the coaching staff have expanded Forbort's role this year to include more special teams play.

Through 18 games this season, Forbort has a goal and three assists. The Duluth native and first-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings says he's excited for the opportunity.

"It's a little change of pace," he said. "Hopefully, it's a good experience."

Forbort will miss UND's home series against Harvard and will meet the team in Winnipeg to play against Clarkson on Jan. 7 in the U.S. College Hockey Classic. Forbort believes the experience will help him, as it did last season.

"Definitely, just playing at that level and against guys of that caliber helps me," he said.

After winning five straight gold medals from 2005-09, Canada has finished a disappointing runner-up two years in a row. The Canadians are favorites to get back on top this year before the tournament moves to Europe for 2013 and 2014.

The Americans will look to Western Collegiate Hockey Association players like Denver's Jason Zucker and Minnesota's Nick Bjugstad to pump up the offense. Goaltender Jack Campbell will be the go-to guy in net.

And Forbort should be one of the leaders of the defensive corps as he spends his second straight Christmas break playing in the prestigious tournament.

"The guys come back a little mentally and physically tired," Hakstol said. "But I think in 100 percent of the cases, in the long run -- the long run being two, three, four weeks later -- the guy comes back as a better player for it. . . a better, more mature, more experienced player. It's a great experience for these guys to be able to go there and have the experience wearing a country's jersey and playing at that level in an atmosphere like that.

"They are playing in Calgary and Edmonton this year. It's going to be a phenomenal atmosphere this year. Derek's going to have a great experience and come back a better player down the stretch for us."

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