The University of North Dakota (UND) faced a challenging start to its National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) season, narrowly losing 4-3 to Minnesota Duluth in a thrilling overtime match on March 15, 2024. Despite the loss, freshman forward Ollie Josephson made a significant impact, scoring his first collegiate goal and assisting on another.
Josephson’s Breakthrough Moment
As the game progressed, the Fighting Hawks struggled to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, generating 19 shots on goal before the second period was halfway through but failing to score against sophomore goaltender Adam Gajan. With just under seven minutes remaining in the second period, the Bulldogs held a 1-0 lead and were given a power play. That’s when Josephson seized the moment.
Josephson intercepted a puck escaping the defensive zone, darted forward on a breakaway, and skillfully flipped it past Gajan. The shorthanded goal marked a significant milestone for the freshman. “Kind of got a lucky bounce, went past their defender and had a great play out of it,” he remarked. “Felt really good, especially in a place like this. It was super special.”
Contributions Beyond Scoring
Josephson’s contributions extended further than his goal. He assisted senior forward Ben Strinden on the game-tying goal, which came with just 1:11 left in the third period. Strinden praised Josephson, stating, “He’s had a great start so far. He hasn’t gotten the points he’s deserved, but they’re starting to come for him, and he’s a heck of a player.”
Although UND ultimately fell in overtime, Josephson showcased his skills on both ends of the ice. He centered the Fighting Hawks’ third line, which faced off against the Bulldogs’ elite top line, consisting of Max Plante, Zam Plante, and Jayson Shaugabay. Despite the Bulldogs’ top scorers combining for ten points, Josephson’s line effectively limited them to zero 5-on-5 goals.
“Thought he did a good job,” said Dane Jackson, head coach of the Fighting Hawks. “His goal was really good. He’s effective; he skates so well. It was nice to see him create some offense, and I thought he was a really good two-way player for us.” Josephson was on the ice for only one goal against, the Bulldogs’ game-winner during the 3-on-3 overtime.
“I thought it went well,” Josephson reflected on his performance. “They’re a really good line. They’re tough to play against, so I think we just got to stay on tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
Through seven games this season, Josephson has recorded one goal and two assists. The native of Victoria, B.C., is still adjusting to NCAA hockey after a strong tenure with the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League. Last season, he captained the Rebels, scoring 14 goals and providing 21 assists. His previous year saw him achieve 12 goals and a total of 35 points over 68 games.
Josephson, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 191 pounds, was selected 105th overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2024 NHL Draft. Reflecting on his early experiences in NCAA hockey, Josephson stated, “I think it’s going well. It’s a really good league, definitely a step up from juniors. Just trying to get better every day and consistently improve my game has been big.”
As the Fighting Hawks prepare for their next challenge, Josephson’s development and impactful play will be crucial for UND’s success in the remainder of the season.
