Jordan Schmaltz heard plenty of UND stories growing up from his father and two uncles -- all Sioux football players.
He'll be coming to campus in a few years to create some stories and memories of his own.
Schmaltz, a highly-recruited defenseman from Verona, Wis., verbally committed to UND, choosing the Sioux over Boston College, Colorado College, Denver, Minnesota, Miami and Notre Dame.
"He was sought-after by pretty much every school in the country," said Sioux City Musketeers coach Luke Strand, who coaches Schmaltz. "UND got a good player. He has a big frame at 6-foot-3 and there is so much upside. We haven't even touched what's there. There are parts of his game that are head-and-shoulders above the other players. His vision and poise with the puck is special."
Schmaltz, who originally committed to Wisconsin at age 14 but decided to re-open recruiting in June, is a strong candidate to join Team USA for the World Under-18 tournament in April.
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"I just feel like North Dakota is the place for me," Schmaltz said. "Obviously, the rink is the best in the country, maybe in the world. I really like the coaching staff, the campus and everything."
And he has the family connection.
His father, Mike, played football from 1988-91. His uncles Marc and Monte also played in the early 1990s. Schmaltz's grandfather still lives in Bismarck.
"We're excited about it," Mike said. "It will be fun to get back on campus. We haven't been there for a while."
Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
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