Forward Isaac Gordon to stay at Michigan Tech – Grand Forks Herald

GRAND FORKS — Isaac Gordon won’t be transferring to UND after all.

The forward from Landmark, Man., has informed UND’s coaching staff that he wishes to return to Michigan Tech, where he played his first two collegiate seasons.

The change in heart for Gordon comes soon after Michigan Tech made a coaching change.

Michigan Tech announced on May 22 that it parted ways with head coach Joe Shawhan and hired Bill Muckalt from Lindenwood. Muckalt was previously an assistant at Michigan Tech.

Gordon entered the NCAA transfer portal in late April and committed to UND after an on-campus visit.

“It’s the school that got me introduced to college hockey,” Gordon told the Herald after his commitment. “That’s what everyone talks about when you refer to college hockey in Manitoba — it’s North Dakota.

“I’ve been following the team from when I was 13 or 14 years old on social media. They were the only college team I followed until I got to the U.S. to play juniors. It’s the only one that’s been on my radar for that long. Now that the opportunity has come, it’s pretty special.”

The right winger was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association’s Rookie of the Year in 2023-24.

His exit means UND has to add two forwards for the upcoming season – and it likely means UND will be younger up front.

The Fighting Hawks now have just four upperclassmen up front – senior Dylan James, senior Ben Strinden, senior Ellis Rickwood and junior Anthony Menghini.

The sophomore forward class is comprised of Mac Swanson, Cody Croal, Cade Littler and Dalton Andrew.

The freshman forward class, so far, is Cole Reschny, Will Zellers, Jack Kernan, Josh Zakreski and David Klee.

The NCAA transfer portal has closed for everyone except players from Lindenwood and Michigan Tech, who have an exemption due to a new head coaching hire.

Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald’s circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year twice. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at bschlossman@gfherald.com.