Big Fork - Last season, UND attracted more fans than any North American hockey team outside the NHL.

At Ralph Engelstad Arena, there are 11,614 games in UND's 18 regular season home games.

It ranked No. 1 on the college hockey team for its 11th straight season.

It also leads any American Hockey League, ECHL, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League team.

The top branch of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jacket, AHL's Cleveland Monsters, ranked second out of 11,438. The University of Wisconsin ranks third with 10,461.

UND also surpassed an NHL team - Utah Hockey Club. Utah averages 11,131.

“It’s incredible how much support there is in the entire region,” UND coach Dane Jackson said. “It’s incredible that there are numbers like this every Friday and Saturday night. Our players and staff can play at a high level due to how much interest and support we have. This is what separates our program from all other programs – from the level of support and commitment from fans.

"Whatever happens, they are always there to support us. It's very thankful and humble."

Jody Hodgson, general manager of the arena of Ralph Engelstad, said the number is particularly impressive given the size of the big fork.

While the Metropolitan Area of ​​Grand Forks is about 100,000, the rest of the top five are over 400,000.

“We are lucky and grateful to have one of the best fan bases in all sports,” Hodgson said. “We often say that we are one of the best fan bases in college hockey. But when you look at our scale and market, it is probably one of the best fan bases in all sports.”

Traditionally, Ralph Engelstad Arena is a difficult place for opponents to play.

UND has released a winning record at home for 23 consecutive seasons.

UND has played 33 games in 33 games since 2019-21 years as part of four seasons.

The Fighting Eagles defeated 19-4-1 in 2023-24. Three of the four losses are overtime.

Last season, UND lost 4-3 to Boston University on October 26, marking the first time in a whole year that UND lost home games under regulations. The Fighting Eagles averaged home for the rest of the time, ending the season 10-7-1 in Ralph.

"You want to make it hard for us to play at our rink," Jackson said. "Last year wasn't the best, but it's definitely a pride. We're going to work on making sure when the team gets into Ralph, they know it's an extremely difficult game and they're going to have to compete to try to get points from here. It's going to be a stress."

Jackson said UND's fan support is also great and recruitment is also great.

"It's huge to have them visiting our rinks on game night," Jackson said. "It's a special place. There aren't many places that have our support when it comes to support. Being able to continue to point to this leading college hockey year after year - it's big."

UND will open next season with an exhibition against the University of Manitoba on October 4.

The regular season opener is scheduled to face St. Thomas at Ralph Engstad Arena on October 10. A week later, the Fighting Eagles hosted rival Minnesota.

Hodgson said Ralph Engelstad Arena and UND have been working hard to evaluate how best to fill the venue.

“We are focused on continuing to try to deliver a top-notch fan experience,” he said. “We are looking at the promotion schedule for next year, what elements we can include in the game and continue to try to stay aggressive with our outbound sales team to ensure we maintain a history of attendance.”

Outside the NHL
1. North Dakota (NCAA) 11,614
2. Cleveland (AHL) 11,438
3. Wisconsin (NCAA) 10,461
4. Laval (AHL) 9,925
5. Quebec (QMJHL) 9,805
6. Hershey (AHL) 9,744
7. Jacksonville (ECHL), 9,234
8. Minnesota (NCAA) 9,233
9. London (OHL) 9,060
10. Chicago (AHL) 9,027
11. HALIFAX (QMJHL) 8,221
12. Fort Wayne (ECHL) 8,185
13. Toledo (ECHL) 8,037
14. Coachella Valley (AHL) 7,905
15. Grand Rapids (AHL) 7,634
16. Tulsa (ECHL) 7,585
17. Ontario (AHL) 7,568
18. Edmonton (WHL) 7,527
19. Savannah (ECHL) 7,485
20. San Diego (AHL) 7,262
twenty one. Providence (AHL) 7,109
22. Boston College (NCAA) 7.009
23. Charlotte (AHL) 6,964
24. Lehigh Valley (AHL) 6,795
25. Florida (Champion) 6,758