Bulldogs built for a bounce-back season, but Gajan and the Plantes must lead the way

DULUTH — Let’s not kid ourselves. The last few years in Bulldog Country have been tough sledding.

Once the bullies of the NCHC and kings of college hockey’s second season, Minnesota Duluth has been stuck in neutral — battling inconsistency, turnover, and the kind of stat sheets that don’t land you in the NCAA tournament, let alone in April championship contention.

The 2024-25 Bulldogs finished just 13-20-3 overall and 9-13-2 in league play — good for seventh in the nine-team conference. In the three seasons prior, they went a combined 50-48-12 and missed three straight national tournaments.

This isn’t just a dip. It’s been a drought by UMD standards.

In that span, goals dried up. Goaltending, once a program hallmark, wobbled. The power play struggled to connect. And while there were bright spots — a few solid sweeps, some gutsy Saturday-night wins — the Bulldogs lacked the kind of finish and fear factor that once defined Scott Sandelin’s teams.

But here’s the good news: a few of the key contributors from last year's young, inexperienced team are back — older, hungrier, and just maybe, ready to flip the script.

Who’s Back, and What They Bring

Zam Plante, a Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick (2022, Round 5, No. 15o overall), had 2o points (7 goals) in 33 games last season. The sophomore forward from Hermantown plays with bite and vision — a classic Sandelin player who can finish off a tic-tac-toe.

His younger brother Max Plante, drafted by the Detroit Red Wings (2024, Round 2, No. 47), had 28 points (9 goals) as a freshman despite missing time. A skilled winger with a deceptive shot and elite puck control, Max is expected to take a top-six role and quarterback one of the power-play units this year.

Jayson Shaugabay, the former Mr. Hockey from Warroad and a Tampa Bay Lightning draftee (2023, Round 4, 115), put up 26 points (12 goals) in 36 games in his freshman year. He has elite vision and hockey IQ — and the staff believes he’s only scratching the surface.

On the back end, Ty Hanson posted 14 points (4 goals) as a true freshman and played in all 36 games. Undersized at 5-foot-9 – and undrafted – but fast, shifty, and relentless. He went undrafted, perhaps due to size, but don't be surprised if NHL teams come sniffing soon.

Adam Kleber, 6-foot-5 and right-handed, chipped in seven points and 60 blocked shots in a quietly effective rookie season. He was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2023 (Round 6) and has the tools to become a shutdown, top-four stay-at-home defender.

Aaron Pionk, the younger brother of NHLer Neal Pionk, logged 12 points and skated big minutes — he’s the kind of smooth-skating, responsible defenseman who anchors your second pair.

Adam Gajan, the linchpin in net, returns with a .903 save percentage and a 2.86 goals-against average from his freshman year. Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023 (Round 2), Gajan was thrown into the fire early and responded with stretches of brilliance — and some growing pains. This year, the expectation is simple: he must be better. And the bet? He will be.

Senior defenseman Joey Pierce (Minnesota native, not drafted) had 6 assists and a team-leading 72 blocked shots last season — a classic Bulldog grinder who plays hard, smart minutes and never takes a shift off.

Harper Bentz (13 points), Callum Arnott (8 points), Blake Bechen (7 points) and Braden Fischer (9 points) round out a forward core that may not flash, but brings work rate, maturity, and chemistry — the glue that holds lines together when games get tight.

Incoming Talent and Transfer Muscle

Grayden Siepmann, who arrives from the WHL with nearly 300 junior games and 135 career points, is arguably the most seasoned freshman in the country. At 20 years old, he’s physically and mentally ready for top-pair college minutes. Undrafted but heavily scouted, Siepmann could easily become UMD’s next NHL signee by spring.

Ashton Dahms, who had 24 points in 41 USHL games, adds a sniper’s touch. Ryan Zaremba, a smart centerman from Saskatchewan, brings two-way savvy and faceoff reliability. Daniel Shlaine, a hulking Russian forward, has the body and tools to contribute early.

Then come the portal veterans:

. Kyler Kovich (Cornell): a defensive-minded forward and former Vancouver Canucks draft pick (2020, Round 7) who plays heavy minutes and wins draws.

. Kyle Gaffney (Alaska): adds scoring depth and grit.

. Scout Truman (UMass Lowell): a depth forward with 70+ NCAA games and the kind of experience that helps in those tight NCHC grindfests.

The Bottom Line

This Bulldog team returns over 70% of its scoring from last year, adds three NHL-drafted sophomores with upside, and has plugged key roster holes with proven juniors and experienced transfers.

The power play has options again. The penalty kill should be nastier. And for the first time in a few seasons, UMD has a goaltender who can steal games, not just survive them.

So yes — the road back from mediocrity is steep. The NCHC doesn’t offer soft landings. But if Gajan turns into the wall the NHL thinks he can be, if Siepmann anchors the blue line like he did in the WHL, and if the Plantes start playing like top-line threats?

Then Duluth isn’t just back in the conversation.

They’re back in the hunt.