Let There Be Blood...

B. Blood  (AP Photo/Grand Forks Herald, Sarah Kolberg)

As per GF Herald beat writer Brad Elliott Schlossman's blog, Sioux defenseman Ben Blood will return to UND for his senior season rather than sign a professional contract. Blood's NHL rights are held by the Ottawa Senators.

The return of Blood, paired with WCHA Goaltender of the Year Aaron Dell's decision to return to UND for his junior year, will certainly make the defensive end of the ice a strength for the Sioux next season. The Sioux also return veteran defensemen Andrew MacWilliam, Derek Forbort, Dillon Simpson and Joe Gleason, while incoming recruits Nick Mattson (Indiana-USHL) and Andrew Panzarella (Waterloo-USHL) will be counted upon to contribute significant minutes as well. Mattson and Panzarella were both USHL all-stars this past season.