Fans began lining up outside Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks as early as Thursday night ahead of Friday’s rivalry matchup between Minnesota and North Dakota, the first meeting between the former WCHA rivals since 2023.
Per Taylor Budge of Midco Sports, some fans were already waiting near the student entrance well before 11 a.m. Friday, with several saying they camped out overnight. The arena doors aren’t scheduled to open until 6 p.m.
The Gophers (1–2–1) enter the weekend ranked No. 13 in the USCHO poll, while North Dakota (2–0–0) sits at No. 8 after sweeping St. Thomas in St. Paul. Since their first matchup in 1930, Minnesota holds a 151-137-16 edge in the all-time series.
Is it the greatest rivalry in college hockey? It’s hard to argue otherwise. Sure, Boston College, Boston University, Colorado College, Denver, and Michigan, Michigan State all have rich histories, but Minnesota, North Dakota remains the gold standard. The intensity may have dipped since the men’s WCHA breakup and the Big Ten’s entry into hockey, yet few rivalries can match its legacy or passion.
The teams faced off annually from 1930 through 2010–11 before a brief hiatus. They didn’t meet again until 2017–18, and aside from last season (2024–25), they’ve renewed the rivalry every year since — with matchups locked in through 2029.
In recent years, Minnesota has had the upper hand. The Gophers have reached the Frozen Four twice since 2017–18, making national semifinal runs in 2022 and 2024. North Dakota hasn’t advanced that far since winning it all in 2016. Minnesota has also qualified for every NCAA Tournament since 2021, while North Dakota missed the field in both 2023 and 2025.
Still, the rivalry’s fire hasn’t cooled. Sellout crowds are expected inside Ralph Engelstad Arena for both games, puck drop set for 7:07 p.m. Friday and 6:07 p.m. Saturday (CT).
Source: SI.COM
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