Ryan Duncan returns to the Ralph to be honored during UND's "One More Shift"

GRAND FORKS— Saturday’s tilt against the University of Minnesota- Duluth Bulldogs will feature more than just a great hockey matchup.

Former UND captain and Hobey Baker Award winner Ryan Duncan will return to the Ralph to participate in North Dakota’s “One More Shift” event. 

Before the puck drop on Saturday, Duncan will be honored and have the opportunity to skate a few laps in front of what is expected to be a sold-out Ralph Engelstad Arena.

During his time at UND, Duncan collected numerous accolades; he played in a school-record 175 games, recording 172 total points (85 goals, 87 assists), and helped lead the Fighting Sioux to multiple Frozen Fours.

Duncan won college hockey's most prestigious honor in his sophomore campaign, the Hobey Baker Award. He also finished with 57 points in 43 games while helping lead UND to the Frozen Four for a third year in a row.

On a phone call this week, Duncan discussed what winning the Hobey Baker Award for UND meant to him.

“That was surreal,” Duncan said. “Not something that I ever dreamt was possible. Just a lot of momentum that went my way at the right time.”

Duncan also deflected his success in winning the award onto his teammates.

“To me, that was always a team award; we got things rolling at the right time, our line was on fire, and it made things a lot easier on me.”

Duncan played on the renowned DOT line along with future NHL stars Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie. After winning the Hobey Baker Award, he was asked what it's like being the best player in college hockey. His response was along the lines of : Best player in the country. I'm not even the best player on my line.

Long before coming to UND, Ryan's father, Bob (Robert) Duncan, played for the Sioux. Ryan talked about how his Mom and Dad influenced him during his hockey journey and their effect on his life.

“The program means a tremendous amount to me. My parents met there (UND). I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that kind of thing, my Dad having played for the Sioux and just having that kind of hockey background growing up in Western Canada, and getting the opportunity to come visit in eighth grade, getting to see a game first hand, the love grew from there.”

Once arriving at UND, Duncan grew as a player and a leader on and off the ice. Even after Oshie and Toews left, Duncan continued to put up points no matter his linemates, and in his senior year, he was elected captain by the team.

“He didn’t have to rely on Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie,” UND head coach Brad Berry said when asked about Duncan's time at UND. “He did it with other players; he said, you know what? I can replicate that. He's such a true player in our culture, and it's nice that we get to honor him here with his family this weekend.”

After graduating from UND, Duncan played professional hockey for a decade in various teams and leagues, including the American Hockey League, Germany, and Austria. He spent eight seasons playing in Salzburg (Austria), where he won four championships. 

Since retiring from pro hockey, Duncan has had time to reflect upon his career and time playing at UND.

“To have the opportunity to play for the University of North Dakota for four years is something I look back on and cherish immensely,” Duncan said. 

Duncan also talked about how he is an avid follower of UND hockey and is thrilled for this upcoming weekend.

“I am looking forward to watching the team play in person. They have had a great season so far. Getting to come back and see people you haven't seen in a while gives you a good chance to reflect on things. I am very grateful for all the experiences that I got to be a part of.”

Duncan will hit the ice following a video ceremony; he will have the chance to skate a few laps under the bright lights of the Ralph like he once did 15 years ago.

During our interview phone call, Duncan laughed while admitting he was a little nervous.

“I don’t skate as much as I used to. Hopefully, I won't embarrass myself and fall on my face. Gotta get my skates sharpened first, for sure.”

Puck drop is slated for 7:07 PM Friday and 6:07 PM Saturday. This weekend's results will play a significant factor in the final stretch of the race for the Penrose Cup.

**ND Ice will have live coverage from the Ralph on both nights. Additionally check out our podcast with Ryan Duncan from last June**