Mon, Jan 29th, 2024 - 8:52pm
January 14, 2022 - 11:55am | By James McCarty
University of North Dakota star sophomore defenseman Jake Sanderson will be suiting up in the red, white, and blue once again. This time it will be for the 2022 United States Olympic Men’s Hockey Team, USA Hockey announced on Thursday afternoon.
Sanderson said, “It’s something that I’ve dreamed of for a long time. I’m so blessed and honored to be able to represent the United States again.”
He will be the 30th UND player to compete in the Winter Olympics and the 15th to don the stars and stripes. He is hoping to join a handful of former players who won medals for the USA. If they win a medal, Sanderson would join UND alumni John Noah (1952, Silver), Gordon Christian (1956, Silver), Dan McKinnon (1956, Silver), Ken Purpur (1956, Silver), Mike Curran (1972, Silver), Dave Christian (1980, Gold), and Zach Parise (2010, Silver) as a medalist in the Olympics.
UND head coach Brad Berry had high praise for his defenseman. “We are very proud and honored to have Jake Sanderson accept such a tremendous and deserved opportunity to represent the United States in the upcoming Winter Olympics,” said Berry. He also added, “We wish Jake all the best and look forward to having him back for the remainder of our season and the opportunity of winning future championships.”
Sanderson is one of the best defensemen in the country having tallied 22 total points in 17 games this season on six goals and 16 assists.
He will play in UND’s final two series this month, Jan. 21-22 (at #3 Western Michigan) and Jan. 28-29 (vs #5 St. Cloud State), before heading off to the Olympics. USA’s first game will be Feb. 10 against China, followed by Feb. 12 (vs Canada) and Feb. 13 (vs Germany). Qualifications are set for Feb. 15. The quarter finals are Feb. 16, semifinals Feb 18, and medal games are Feb. 19 (bronze) and Feb. 20 (gold).
