UND Secures Commitment from Top Hockey Recruit Nolan Fitzhenry

GRAND FORKS — The University of North Dakota has successfully secured the commitment of a highly sought-after recruit. Nolan Fitzhenry, a forward hailing from Andover, Minnesota, has verbally agreed to join the Fighting Hawks, marking a significant milestone in an 18-month recruitment journey. Fitzhenry, recognized as the top-ranked U.S.-born college hockey prospect for the 2027-28 season, chose UND over the University of Minnesota.

Fitzhenry expressed his excitement about his decision, stating, "The biggest thing is the culture and people they have there. Their staff is just great and they're super supportive of me. They have really great people. It's a great culture and environment to be in."

Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 182 pounds, Fitzhenry had an impressive season, leading the U.S. Under-17 Team with 21 goals and finishing second overall in points with 45 in 51 games. He was later called up to the U.S. Under-18 Team and participated in the IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Slovakia, where he was one of five players born in 2009 to represent the U.S.

Fitzhenry’s skills extend beyond scoring; he is also recognized for his competitive nature and strong off-ice character. A scout compared him to Zach Parise, noting his ability to score in various situations and highlighting his remarkable shot release, which has drawn comparisons to Brock Boeser and Will Zellers. The Athletic even placed Fitzhenry at No. 12 in their early 2027 NHL mock draft.

Before joining the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP), he played for Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep School, helping the 16U team secure a national championship. His coach, Rich Metro, described him as a "gamer" who rises to the occasion in critical moments, emphasizing his commitment to team success over individual recognition.

Fitzhenry's recruitment process began when he became eligible to commit on August 1, 2025, and he appreciated UND's persistent interest. Recently, all four members of the Fighting Hawks coaching staff visited him, leading to his decision. "I told the coaches my main priority would be the year with the NTDP," he explained, adding, "It wasn't until pretty recently that I decided NoDak is the spot. I have no doubt in my mind it's going to be a perfect fit for me."

Fitzhenry's enthusiasm extends beyond his own commitment, as he is excited about joining fellow NTDP recruits Beck Thoreson and Carson Scott, both also from Minnesota. "I've been texting with those guys a lot since I made my decision," he shared. "We're all super excited. It's honestly the perfect spot for all of us. We're going to be playing with each other quite a bit."

As he prepares for the upcoming season with the U.S. Under-18 Team, Fitzhenry is focused on both personal growth and team success, with a goal of winning gold at the U18 Worlds. "I'm super excited for this year. The end goal is going to be to win gold at U18 Worlds," he concluded.