UND begins announcing hockey team's freshman class; here's what to expect from them

Jun. 15—UND began announcing its 2021 freshman class Monday on its social media channels.

The announcements will run all week until the school has gone through the eight rookies who will head to college for the first time. They are forwards Jake Schmaltz, Jackson Kunz, Nick Portz and Matteo Costantini, defensemen Luke Bast and Brent Johnson, and goaltenders Jakob Hellsten and Kaleb Johnson.

Those eight will join with five transfers — forwards Connor Ford and Ashton Calder, defensemen Chris Jandric and Brady Ferner, and goaltender Zach Driscoll — to give UND a total of 13 new faces this fall.

With so much roster turnover, a lot of spots will be up for grabs this fall.

Here's a quick look at what to expect from the eight rookies:

F Jake Schmaltz: The cousin of former UND standouts Nick and Jordan figures to be the biggest instant-impact guy of all the rookies. Schmaltz was named third-team all-United States Hockey League on Monday after averaging a little more than a point per game this season. His skill level isn't as high as Nick's — almost nobody's is — but like Nick, he sees the ice very well and can efficiently distribute the puck. He's an extremely smart player with great hockey sense, doesn't unnecessarily give away the puck, and he doesn't back down from battles along the walls. Schmaltz's return to junior hockey in 2020-21 proved to be a wise decision as he greatly improved his finishing ability. The seventh-round Boston Bruins draft pick is a player UND could use up and down the lineup with success in 2021-22. Also of note, Schmaltz and Kunz were linemates in Green Bay and had a lot of chemistry. So, keep an eye on whether the UND coaches try to replicate that sometime at the college level.

F Jackson Kunz: The former Grand Forks Red River player will bring even more size to UND's already-big lineup. He's 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. A lot of players with similar profiles (that type of frame and a strong skillset) coming to UND have had progressive development paths, making big jumps between their underclassman years and upperclassman years. Think of players on the current team like Jasper Weatherby and Judd Caulfield or those who have come before them like Brad Malone or Chris VandeVelde. Kunz is unlikely to put up 20 points as a freshman, but production will come for the fourth-round Vancouver Canucks draft pick. Kunz is excellent around the net and can score Zach Parise-like goals, so don't be surprised if the coaching staff gives him a look at the net-front/goal-line spot on the power play. He was great in that spot for Green Bay.

F Nick Portz: The St. Cloud, Minn., product is coming in unheralded compared to the others. He's the only freshman forward who isn't an NHL Draft pick. But Portz will make a strong push for a lineup spot. He's posted solid point totals the last two years in the USHL, while also playing a complete game. UND won't look to Portz to be a top-six forward this season, but his play away from the puck will earn him a long look at the bottom-six.

F Matteo Costantini: The fifth-round Buffalo Sabres draft pick had an adventurous season. He planned to play in Penticton, but after the BCHL season was pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic, Costantini went to Sioux City in the USHL. Costantini jumped in mid-season and played third-line center for a Sioux City team that went on a tear at the end of the year. Costantini played more of a defensive role for the Musketeers, which could come in handy this season. It's unlikely he'll be a candidate for top-six minutes, so that's where he's bound to fit in.

D Brent Johnson: Johnson is the youngest player in the freshman class, but has some high-end offensive ability. The potential second- or third-round NHL Draft pick is a terrific skater, shifty at the blue line and is effective at getting pucks to the net. The college game can be a learning process for young players, but Johnson won't be counted upon to play first-pairing minutes. Those will belong to Jake Sanderson and Ethan Frisch. That will help the coaches get Johnson into situations to succeed right away. He has potential to be an all-conference player down the road.

D Luke Bast: The younger brother of former UND defenseman Gabe Bast is a little bit different than his brother. For starters, they shoot with different hands. Luke is a left-handed shot. Bast doesn't have the high-end offense that Johnson can bring, but he has a lot more experience. At 20 years old, he's already a veteran player who has been on a Canadian Junior A national championship team in Brooks and has two years of USHL experience. Bast can be a safe option as a third-pair defender.

G Jakob Hellsten: Hellsten is expected to start the season as the No. 2 goaltender behind Bemidji State senior grad transfer Zach Driscoll. Hellsten is probably the most unknown of the rookie class, because he hasn't played hockey in North America. UND has recruited a few Europeans in the past, but every recent one — Rastislav Spirko, Joel Janatuinen, Ludvig Hoff and Matej Tomek — were playing in North America when they committed. Hellsten said his goal is to learn from Driscoll and be ready when his name is called.

G Kaleb Johnson: The former Grand Forks Central state champion will likely start the season, along with Harrison Feeney, behind Driscoll and Hellsten. Johnson won't be expected to see game action this season — outside of a possible exhibition — so his goal will be to learn from Driscoll and goalie coach Karl Goehring.