UND will get a look at its re-tooled roster during an exhibition Saturday night, but a big piece of it will be missing.
Western Collegiate Hockey Association preseason rookie of the year Rocco Grimaldi suffered an undisclosed lower-body injury and will not play against the University of Regina. He is listed as "week to week."
The Sioux also may be forced to play without freshman Colten St. Clair, who hasn't received clearance from the NCAA Clearinghouse yet.
"One of the areas that we're going to be challenged with is depth at the forward position," UND coach Dave Hakstol said. "Health is going to be a significant key for us as we develop that depth. That's going to be a challenge right from Day One."
There is some good news on the injury front, though. Freshman Mike Parks, who had to sit out some of the captain skates with an upper-body injury, is ready to go and will play against Regina.
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All three goalies are expected to see at least some ice time against Regina, with Brad Eidsness and Aaron Dell seeing "significant minutes," Hakstol said.
UND opens the regular season Oct. 7 at home against Air Force in the Ice Breaker Invitational. Michigan State and Boston College also are in town for the tournament.
Lamoureux named captain
Grand Forks native Mario Lamoureux has been named captain of the 2010-11 team, following in the footsteps of other Grand Forks natives like Andy Schneider and Jeff Panzer.
Senior Ben Blood and juniors Andrew MacWilliam and Corban Knight will serve as alternate captains.
"That's a huge honor," Lamoureux said. "Watching Sioux hockey growing up, it's very exciting for me. I'm going to wear it with pride. I know there's a lot of responsibility that goes along with that. I'm going to do my best job to lead the guys to success this year and hopefully we can grow together as a group and get better through the season so we can win that last game at the end of the season that we want to win."
A Lamoureux will captain both Sioux hockey teams this season as Mario's sister, Jocelyne, was named captain of the women's team two weeks ago. His other sister, Monique, will be an alternate captain.
For more on the Lamoureuxs, see the Herald's college hockey preview section inserted into today's edition.
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Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
Exhibition game
Who: University of Regina at UND.
When: 7:07 p.m. Saturday, Ralph Engelstad Arena.
TV/radio: FSSN (GF Ch. 27); The Fox (96.1 FM).
Of note: UND opens the regular season Oct. 7 against Air Force.
