The Fighting Hawks hockey program, better known as the Fighting Sioux, is the Eiffel Tower of Division 1 men’s college hockey. Their arena is as beautiful as the northern lights, and their fan base is more dedicated than a mama bear is to her cubs. If you have never had the pleasure of visiting Ralph Engalstead Arena, it’s time to pack your trunks and hit the road. The rink is breath taking with its jaw dropping marble Sioux head on the concourse floor and the Organ Bar giving its customers a true hawk eyes view of the ice.

The season of 2022-2023 has been filled with goals but not much of the glory their fans may have hoped for. This season the Fighting Hawks win percentage looks much like a Blair Walsh field goal attempt, just above .500 with a record of 9-8-4 overall, and 3-5-2 within their conference. Their biggest win of the year came against the University of Minnesota Gophers when Mark Senden scored an overtime thriller to split the series one apiece. All hope is not lost for this Hawks hockey team, with 14 games left, all against conference opponents, these games will be more important than a puck is to the game of hockey. Minnesota Duluth, Western Michigan, Omaha and Colorado College are all within five points of North Dakota. The most crucial wins need to come against Duluth, Western Michigan and Omaha to position themselves in the top four of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

The Hawks can put the puck in the net, there is no doubt about that. Oftentimes, they look like true hawks diving down on their prey as they pick apart goal tenders and opposing defenseman. A wise man once said that a great defense is the best offense, something which the Hawks haven't possessed this year. Many of their losses come when they give up five or more goals, it’s hard to win a hand of blackjack when the dealer is already at 21. The Hawks need to pick up sticks like they are $100 bills and protect their house as offensive lineman protect their quarterback. Ethan Frisch, Ryan Sidorski and Ty Farmer know how to get it done. Totaling 76 blocked shots between the three of them, these guys treat a hockey puck like a beach ball, or they simply don’t feel pain.

If you have had the pleasure of watching these predators on ice than you have witnessed some of Riese Gaber’s electric offensive abilities. A junior forward from Manitoba, Canada with 20 points on the season and man does he love to shoot the puck. Weighing in at 5ft 8in and 163 pounds, he plays like a 6ft 2in 220-pound unit never shying away from contact and battling in the corners or in front of the net. He has the play making and scoring ability young hockey players dream of, leading the team with 11 goals and following it up with nine assists. As the Fighting Hawks make their final push to climb the standings, he will be more important than Tom is to Jerry.