Andrew MacWilliam did not register a point at the World Junior A Challenge last winter, yet still made the all-tournament team.
That depicts the type of hard-hitting, physical impact the UND freshman can bring to the table.
He's not the only one.
Between MacWilliam and sophomores Ben Blood and Corey Fienhage, the Sioux have three throwbacks on the blue line who have the ability to change games without putting points on the board.
"That's an element that they have to bring," UND coach Dave Hakstol said. "Those guys have to establish themselves as everyday miserable guys to play against. They are all good players and have to be efficient in playing that role. Hopefully they'll be able to add a little more on the offensive side as they mature, but right from day one, they have to be miserable to play against."
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The bonecruncher
Blood, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound Plymouth, Minn., product, showcased his abilities last season. He earned a spot on the highly competitive defenseman corps and was named the team's most improved player. Several times down the stretch, the fourth-round Ottawa Senators pick threw bone-jarring hits.
"We felt like he had the ability to play regularly and play against good players regularly," Hakstol said. "It took a little while to get that consistency level, but at the end of the year, he was very efficient. He moved the puck well and had good poise with the puck.
"Since the day last season ended, Ben has been very focused on his training. That leads me to believe that he's on a great schedule for this season."
A quick study
Fienhage didn't get in the lineup at all during the second half of last season because of a logjam on defense. But the coaches lauded the former Eastview (Apple Valley, Minn.) High standout for the way he was practicing.
Fienhage attended the Buffalo Sabres' development camp during the summer and earned good reports from the Buffalo media for his physical play.
"I just needed to get a little more confident and I think I did that over the summer," Fienhage said. "I'm looking forward to showing what I can do.
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"I try to play a strong game in front of the net and in the corners. I like to muck it up. I don't like it when people get in front of the net, so I pride myself on that. I can add offense, but that's not my No. 1 priority."
Hakstol added: "Corey's had a very limited playing experience for us, so there's still going to be a transition period. But he has to be an everyday force for us. That's what we need from him and we hope he can do that right away. We hope that he can continue to develop."
MacWilliam, like Fienhage, will have to grow into his role. MacWilliam could have come to UND last season, but decided to spend another year in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he was captain of his Camrose team.
"I think there is going to be a transition there," Hakstol said. "He's coming off of significant shoulder surgery.
"But Andrew brings that element. He's got a physical edge to him that not everybody has, for sure. We're looking forward to that. He's a good open-ice hitter. He's probably going to take a few penalties, but he'll make his mark."
Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
Manitoba at UND (exhibition)
When: 6:07 tonight.
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Where: Ralph Engelstad Arena.
TV/radio: FSSN (GF Channel 23), The Fox (96.1 FM).
Records: UND 0-0, Manitoba 0-0.
Of note: UND will dress two extra skaters and play two goaltenders, Brad Eidsness and Aaron Dell, tonight.
