BREAKING: Freshman forward Ollie Josephson made a stunning impact during his first NCHC matchup Friday night, scoring his first collegiate goal in a thrilling overtime loss to Minnesota Duluth. The game, held at Ralph Engelstad Arena, ended with a close score of 4-3 after an intense back-and-forth battle.
Just moments before Josephson’s historic goal, UND struggled to penetrate the Bulldogs’ defense, generating 19 shots on goal in the first two periods without finding the back of the net. With just over six minutes remaining in the second period, the Fighting Hawks were down 1-0 when Josephson seized a fortunate breakaway opportunity.
“I got a lucky bounce and went past their defender,” Josephson said. “It felt really good, especially in a place like this. It was super special.” His shorthanded goal not only marked a personal milestone but also ignited the crowd, showcasing his potential as a key player for UND.
Josephson didn’t stop there. He later assisted senior forward Ben Strinden in a game-tying goal with just 1:11 remaining in regulation. “He’s had a great start so far,” Strinden praised. “His points are finally coming, and he’s a heck of a player.”
Despite the exciting contributions from Josephson, UND fell short in overtime, with the Bulldogs clinching the victory. Josephson played a crucial role in restricting UMD’s elite line, which included Max Plante and Jayson Shaugabay, to zero goals during even-strength play.
“Thought he did a good job,” said UND head coach Dane Jackson. “His goal was really good. He’s effective; he skates so well. It was nice to see him create some offense.” Josephson was only on the ice for one goal against, a testament to his defensive skills.
Josephson, who stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 191 pounds, is transitioning from a successful junior career with the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL, where he served as captain and tallied 14 goals and 21 assists last season. Selected 105th overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2024 NHL Draft, Josephson is already proving to be a valuable asset for UND.
Reflecting on his early season performance, Josephson expressed optimism, stating, “It’s a really good league, definitely a step up from juniors. I’m just trying to get better every day.”
With one goal and two assists through seven games, Josephson’s development is on the radar as the Fighting Hawks prepare for their next challenge. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see how this promising rookie continues to grow. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!
