Rochester native Bennett Zmolek leads North Dakota to Frozen Four

After overcoming injuries, the UND captain will play in the national semifinals in Las Vegas.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicts a hockey player in motion, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes, conveying the intensity and perseverance of the sport.A fractured, cubist-inspired illustration captures the grit and determination of North Dakota defenseman Bennett Zmolek as he leads his team to the Frozen Four.Rochester Today

Bennett Zmolek, a defenseman from Rochester, Minnesota, has led the University of North Dakota hockey team to its first Frozen Four appearance in 10 years. Zmolek has battled through recurring hip injuries over the past few seasons, but has played a key role for the Fighting Hawks this year, averaging over 17 minutes of ice time per game. North Dakota will face off against Wisconsin in the national semifinals on April 9 in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

Zmolek's perseverance and leadership have been crucial for a North Dakota team that has overcome adversity to reach the Frozen Four. His story resonates with the program's passionate fan base, who are eager to see the Fighting Hawks compete for a national championship.

The details

Zmolek, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound defenseman, had a promising start to his college career at Minnesota State University, Mankato, recording two goals and five assists in 28 games as a freshman. However, a recurring hip injury cost him the entire 2022-23 season and led him to transfer to North Dakota. This season, Zmolek has played in 32 of the Fighting Hawks' 39 games, averaging 17:19 of ice time per game. North Dakota's coaching staff has carefully managed his minutes to keep him healthy for the team's most important games.

  • Zmolek missed the entire 2022-23 season at Minnesota State due to his hip injury.
  • Zmolek transferred to North Dakota after the 2022-23 season.
  • North Dakota defeated Merrimack 3-0 and Quinnipiac 5-0 in the NCAA regional to earn a trip to the Frozen Four.
  • The Frozen Four will take place April 9-11 in Las Vegas.

The players

Bennett Zmolek

A 23-year-old defenseman from Rochester, Minnesota, who is the captain of the North Dakota hockey team. He has overcome recurring hip injuries to lead the Fighting Hawks to the Frozen Four.

Dillon Simpson

A North Dakota assistant coach and former Fighting Hawks defenseman who has worked closely with Zmolek to manage his playing time and recovery.

Dylan James

A senior forward for North Dakota who was impressed by Zmolek's serious demeanor and toughness when he first joined the team.

Ben Strinden

A senior forward and alternate captain for North Dakota who praises Zmolek as a quiet leader who exemplifies the program's values.

Abram Wiebe

A junior defenseman for North Dakota who admires Zmolek's ability to overcome adversity and lead the team despite his injury history.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are some times late in games when I give him that tap on the shoulder and he turns around and gives me the (get out of here) look, but he knows it's the right thing to do.”

— Dillon Simpson, North Dakota assistant coach

“From the start, you could just tell he's a quiet leader who leads by example. Every day that I know him, I think more highly of him. He's someone who exemplifies what the UND program is. He's just a warrior. He's playing through a lot of pain every single night, and he does it at a high level.”

— Ben Strinden, North Dakota senior forward and alternate captain

“Just to start off, (Zmolek) is such an unbelievable guy, just the way he carries himself. Looking back at his career, he's had so many ups and downs with injuries … with the adversity that he's had, just being able to come to the rink every day with a smile on his face and have that mindset to get better and be a leader.”

— Abram Wiebe, North Dakota junior defenseman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Zmolek's perseverance and leadership have been crucial for a North Dakota team that has overcome adversity to reach the Frozen Four. His story resonates with the program's passionate fan base, who are eager to see the Fighting Hawks compete for a national championship.