UND Wins Series Opener Over Miami After Hakstol's Pre-Game Message

Former UND coach Dave Hakstol returns to deliver inspiring words to current Fighting Hawks squad.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The University of North Dakota men's hockey team defeated Miami in the series opener after former UND coach Dave Hakstol, now with the Colorado Avalanche, delivered a pre-game message to the current Fighting Hawks squad about the intensity of tournament-style games and the need to be ready for anything.

Why it matters

Hakstol's return to Grand Forks and his words of wisdom for the current UND team provided an emotional boost and inspiration for the Fighting Hawks as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Before Friday night's game, former UND head coach Dave Hakstol, who is now the head coach of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, visited the Fighting Hawks' locker room to deliver a message to the current team. Hakstol spoke about the challenges of tournament-style games and the need to be prepared for anything that may happen on the ice.

  • Dave Hakstol visited the UND locker room before Friday night's game against Miami.

The players

Dave Hakstol

The former head coach of the University of North Dakota men's hockey team, who is now the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL.

University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks

The men's hockey team at the University of North Dakota, who won their series opener against Miami after receiving a pre-game message from former coach Dave Hakstol.

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The takeaway

Hakstol's return to UND and his words of wisdom for the current team provided a meaningful boost of inspiration and motivation as the Fighting Hawks look to make a deep postseason run, drawing on the experience and leadership of their former coach.