UND freshman Caleb Heil posts shutout in first collegiate start

GRAND FORKS — Caleb Heil waited a while for this one. Eight years ago, he visited Ralph Engelstad Arena with his youth coach, former UND defenseman Nick Mattson, and the idea of playing in the building was planted. Three years ago, he committed to UND. Then, Heil returned to junior hockey again and again — taking advice from UND's coaching staff — to be ready from Day 1 of his college career. Heil's moment finally came on Friday night, and it ended perfectly. The goalie from Victoria, Minn., posted a 14-save shutout in his first collegiate start, helping UND beat Bentley 5-0 in Ralph Engelstad Arena. "It's been a long time coming, being committed here for a while," Heil said. "Finally getting the chance, it was pretty surreal." UND goalie Caleb Heil covers the puck in the first period on Oct. 16, 2026, in Ralph Engelstad Arena. Eric Hylden / Grand Forks Herald Heil's parents, sister and uncle attended the game and watched him stop four shot