UND Forward Josh Zakreski Undergoes Surgery After Injury

Josh Zakreski, a forward for the University of North Dakota (UND), successfully underwent surgery on October 31, 2023, following a lower-body injury sustained during practice last week. The injury has compelled head coach Dane Jackson to anticipate a recovery period of several months for the freshman player.

Team Support and Future Expectations

“Obviously, we’re all pulling for him, but he’s going to have a lengthy rehab,” Jackson commented regarding Zakreski’s condition. “We know he’ll work hard at it. It’s going to be a while, but he’s going to have a good attitude and he’ll have all the best care.”

Zakreski’s season started strong, as he had already scored one goal and notched three points in just six games, while maintaining a plus-3 rating. The winger from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, had climbed the depth chart, earning a spot on Ellis Rickwood‘s right wing during UND’s recent split against Clarkson University.

He was expected to return to this role for the anticipated home series against Minnesota Duluth last weekend. Unfortunately, Zakreski’s injury occurred late in practice on Thursday, forcing the team to make adjustments.

Next Man Up

In Zakreski’s absence, Jack Kernan, another freshman forward, stepped into the right wing position alongside Rickwood. Kernan’s performance proved pivotal, as he assisted on a key goal during Friday night’s closely contested 4-3 overtime loss to the Bulldogs. The team rebounded with a decisive 5-1 victory in the series finale on Saturday.

“I thought his pace was really good,” Jackson remarked about Kernan’s contributions. “I noticed him driving the net. He had some great backchecks, some great pressure on forechecks. I thought he was playing a lot more direct, a lot more inside. I thought he was a real positive and did a great job. That’s the response we’re looking for.”

Looking ahead, the No. 8 ranked UND team will face Omaha in a weekend series at Baxter Arena. Games are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, both starting at 19:00. Fans can tune in via radio on The Fox (96.1 FM) or stream the matches on NCHChockey.com.