UND played much of the 2011-12 season without enough forwards to fill out a full lineup.
It appears the Sioux are determined to not let that happen again.
UND added to its forward depth Monday, receiving a verbal commitment from Saskatchewan native Coltyn Sanderson, who was the fourth-leading scorer in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League last season.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward had 32 goals and 81 points in 57 games while skating for the Weyburn Red Wings, who lost in the SJHL finals.
"He's one of the best captains we've had here and I've been here for 38 years," Weyburn coach Dwight McMillan said. "He's a hard-working young man. He never quits, no matter what the score is. He plays injured. He has great speed and he has the ability to make plays."
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Sanderson won team awards as the most valuable forward, most dedicated player and the team's community service award.
Sanderson, who will turn 21 in May, finished second on his team in scoring during the regular season and first in the playoffs, where he had nine goals and 18 points in 17 games.
McMillan says that Sanderson is a skilled forward.
"I think he'll be a top college player," he said. "He has to go there and fit into North Dakota's system and plans and I know he will. He's a willing learner, easy to coach. I'm sure he will progress very quickly there."
Sanderson will join the Sioux in the fall. Also expected to join him are forward recruits Bryn Chyzyk, Miles Koules and Drake Caggiula. Chyzyk plays for the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League, Koules plays for the U.S. Under-18 team and Caggiula plays for the Stouffville Spirit in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Portland talking
with Jones
The Portland Winterhawks acquired the rights to negotiate with Seth Jones, the top prospect who is picking between the Western Hockey League and UND.
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The move signals that Jones likely won't play for the Everett Silvertips, who hold his WHL rights, but that he's open to playing elsewhere in the WHL. Jones has not committed to UND or to the WHL yet.
