Canucks prospect Jackson Kunz earns huge honor ahead of next season

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Cooper Godin
September 3, 2024 (8:38 PM)

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Vancouver Canucks prospect Jackson Kunz has been named to the leadership group of his NCAA team for the 2024-25 season.

Jackson Kunz is getting ready for his fourth season in the NCAA with the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks and it's set to be an important one for him, especially if he hopes to be signed by the Vancouver Canucks before next August.

On Monday, the University of North Dakota announced their leadership group for the 2024-25 season and Kunz was among those announced as an alternate captain for the Fighting Hawks.

"Joining him in the leadership group is senior forward Jake Schmaltz, who will wear a letter for the second straight season, as well as senior forward Cameron Berg, senior forward Jackson Kunz and junior defenseman Bennett Zmolek, who will all don the "A" on their sweaters for the first time in their careers." The Fighting Hawks said in a statement.

The 22-year-old was selected in the fourth round, 113th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Kunz saw his game explode with North Dakota last season. After registering a combined 11 points in 55 games during his first two seasons with the Fighting Hawks, Kunz had 19 points (nine goals, ten assists) in 37 games in his third year.

"Kunz also put together his best offensive season as a collegiate player in 2023-24 and is set to join the leadership group for the first time in the green and white. The Grand Forks, N.D., native also set career highs in goals (9), assists (10) and points (19) while playing in a career-best 37 games. He became an important part of a lethal power play last season, often using his big body to screen the goaltender, helping the Hawks finish top-10 nationally with the man advantage. He was crucial in helping NoDak get back to the national tournament, scoring a point in all four postseason games and potting a goal in the final three. Kunz is a three-time NCHC All-Academic Team honoree as a management major." The Fighting Hawks added.

Kunz and the University of North Dakota will begin the 2024-25 season on October 12th as they take on Providence in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game.

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Source: University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks
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