Arizona State Sun Devils Set for First Visit to Ralph Engelstad Arena

Grand Forks will host the first-ever series between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the University of North Dakota (UND) at Ralph Engelstad Arena this weekend. The games are scheduled for 7:07 p.m. on Friday and 6:07 p.m. on Saturday. This matchup is particularly significant as it marks the Sun Devils’ inaugural visit to the venue, known for its electric atmosphere and passionate fan base.

Head coach Greg Powers expressed enthusiasm about the trip, acknowledging the challenge of playing in such a formidable environment. “We’re excited to go to The Ralph for the first time as a program,” Powers stated. “It’s obviously a tremendous venue with a tremendous program and fan base. When you go into those types of environments, you have to use it to your advantage.”

As the Sun Devils approach this weekend’s games, their current season record stands at 3-6-1. This situation is reminiscent of last season when Arizona State began with a 4-7-1 record but went on to achieve remarkable success, including a sweep against the defending national champions, the Denver Pioneers. That pivotal moment sparked a run where Arizona State won 10 of 11 games, with their only loss coming in overtime against UND.

Powers reflected on the team’s current performance, saying, “Never in a million years did I think that would be our record, but it is our record. We have to draw on experiences. There are a lot of good things we’re doing. There are a lot of positives, but we still have yet to piece together a complete team game.”

The atmosphere at Ralph Engelstad Arena is expected to be electric, with over 11,000 fans anticipated to fill the stands. This crowd size will be the largest Arizona State has played in front of since their participation in the 2022 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which attracted 15,503 spectators.

“We’ve gone on the road into situations like these before in tough, tough environments and had success,” Powers added. “We believe we can on Friday.”

The Sun Devils will travel to Grand Forks on Thursday, with plans for a practice at Ralph Engelstad Arena later that day, followed by a morning skate on Friday. Team captain Kyle Smolen, who has experience playing in the region as a former member of the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League, is eager for the opportunity. “There’s a lot of energy in the building,” Smolen noted. “It’s a crazy place to play. But I think it’s a great experience for anybody to go up there and see what that kind of atmosphere is like.”

Smolen holds the record for the most games played in Fargo, with 192 appearances, and he is ready to channel that experience into the upcoming games. “I kind of know what it’s all about. I’m excited to get up there and get a chance at it.”

As the weekend approaches, both teams prepare for a competitive series in what promises to be a thrilling display of collegiate hockey. Fans can tune in to the games via Midco Sports or listen on The Fox (96.1 FM), with streaming available at NCHChockey.com.