In the wee hours of the night, with only the most dedicated fans still up and watching, it ended.
In heartbreak, as these things often do.
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks, or the North Dakota Senators as they are known around these parts, lost in a fifth overtime. Despite entering the tournament as the top seed, NoDak just couldn’t find a way to breakthrough against the team from Minnesota Duluth.
It was disappointing and surprisingly early end to the season for the four Senators prospects at UND including Jake Sanderson, Shane Pinto, Jacob Bernard-Docker and Tyler Kleven.
You can see the game summary below. Settle in though- even the highlight package is close to 20 minutes long.
The comment section was buzzing last night although most were feeling a tad conflicted. Obviously we all want what’s best for the organization’s top prospects but watching those four guys in action, it was impossible not to have the mind wander a little bit.
And that’s because there is a very real possibility that two and maybe even three of those prospects wear Ottawa colours before the season is out.
Bruce Garrioch talked about the situation at length during his recent appearance on The SensChirp Podcast (starts at about 24:55).
While the specifics obviously still need to be ironed out and although the Senators wanted those players to focus on their UND season, it’s clear that the wheels are in motion.
Both Shane Pinto and Jacob Bernard-Docker are going to have an opportunity to turn pro. Whether it’s entry-level deal that allows them to step right into the lineup or a tryout-agreement at the AHL level, it sounds like the Sens are keen to make it happen.
Tyler Kleven is expected to return to UND but the situation with Jake Sanderson is a little less predictable. Watching Sanderson last night, it’s obvious that this kid is on another level. It’s not that the NCAA game is easy for him but my goodness did it ever appear that way at times last night.
His skating ability is off the charts.
Shawn Simpson reported that Sanderson has made the decision to return to UND for another year and in my interview with Garrioch, he mentioned that he hasn’t heard any different. With that said, it really didn’t sound like the organization has closed the door on Sanderson also turning pro.
With the UND season ending in disappointment and with the team expected to take a step back next year, you have to wonder if Sanderson and his advisers reconsider their decision. It would be a lot to expect an 18-year old kid to jump into an NHL lineup mid-season, especially on defence, but the idea of getting some pro games under his belt down the stretch, in a relatively low pressure environment, seems like a good opportunity. Waiting another year would be fine too but this kid definitely has all the tools to eventually be an impact player at the NHL level.
It’s going to be an interesting few days for the Senators as they figure out next steps for these three talented prospects.
While there are decisions to be made, contract details to be ironed out and quarantine requirements to be met…help is on the way.
