Young's Emotional Homecoming as North Dakota Faces Former Program Merrimack in NCAA Tournament

Tyler Young's remarkable college hockey journey will reach its most emotional chapter Thursday when his North Dakota Fighting Hawks face Merrimack in the NCAA tournament's first round, pitting the transfer against the program where he spent his first three collegiate seasons.

Young's path from healthy scratch to key contributor exemplifies the modern transfer portal era, as the forward left Merrimack after limited playing time before finding new purpose under first-year North Dakota coach Dane Jackson.

"A bunch of different emotions," Young admitted after learning about the matchup. "You don't know what to think, but we've got to win a hockey game at the end of the day."

The 7:30 PM contest in Sioux Falls represents the collision of two successful programs traveling different paths. North Dakota earned the tournament's second overall seed after compiling a 27-9-1 record and capturing the Penrose Cup as NCHC champions. Merrimack achieved their first Division I trophy by stunning Hockey East as the eighth seed.

Young's departure from Merrimack following the 2024-25 season reflected mutual recognition that change was necessary. Despite working into a regular role as a junior after being mostly scratched his first two seasons, both player and program understood the relationship had reached its natural conclusion.

"I had some injuries," Young explained. "They were definitely turning in a new direction, but I think we kind of knew, mutually, it was time for me to look for a new spot. It was super hard, but the way it ended, it worked out perfectly for both sides."

Young's commitment to North Dakota on July 21 represented a leap of faith into unfamiliar territory. Growing up in an Eastern hockey family – his father Scott played and coached at Boston University – Young's college hockey knowledge centered around traditional Eastern powers.

"I always thought the be-all, end-all was BC, BU, Northeastern and those teams," Young confessed. "You know in the background that North Dakota is a blue blood. They've got the history. But you don't really know about the culture until you really get out here."

The cultural adjustment proved transformative for Young, who discovered the unique passion surrounding Fighting Hawks hockey. His family's first visits to Grand Forks opened their eyes to the program's special atmosphere.

"They knew it was super special, just the name alone, 'North Dakota,'" Young said. "But even my dad didn't really know. They didn't grasp how crazy this building was and the culture and the fans."

Young's on-ice contribution took time to develop, as he was scratched for five of North Dakota's first five games and eight of the first ten. His breakthrough came November 14 against Arizona State, when he scored a goal and added two points before never leaving the lineup again.

His veteran presence has proven invaluable for the Fighting Hawks' championship aspirations. Associate head coach Matt Smaby praised Young's calming influence during crucial moments.

"On the bench, he's a calming presence for the guys," Smaby explained. "You can't replicate experience and he's obviously had a lot of that throughout his hockey career. In those big moments, you need those older guys to calm the waters and settle things down."

Young's five goals and 11 points in 29 games represent more than statistical contribution. His tenacious style and excellent skating ability provide North Dakota with depth and experience that could prove crucial during tournament play.

Merrimack's tournament appearance marks a remarkable achievement for a program that has won 20 games just three times since joining Hockey East in 1989. Their playoff championship run through Providence, UMass, and UConn demonstrated the Warriors' potential despite their underdog status.

For Young, facing his former teammates creates complicated emotions balanced against competitive necessity. He maintains positive relationships with Merrimack's coaching staff, particularly head coach Scott Borek.

"Ending was bittersweet," Young reflected. "I loved my time there. It was awesome. Really appreciate the coaching staff and everything they did for me. Obviously, Scott Borek was a great mentor to me and gave me a chance. I'll forever be indebted to them."

This represents Young's second NCAA tournament experience, having reached the event as a Merrimack freshman before losing to eventual champion Quinnipiac. The veteran perspective allows him to appreciate the current opportunity more fully.

"We were kind of a Cinderella run that year," Young said. "This is so much different now. I can take it in and I'll be able to really appreciate everything, especially with this being the last ride."

North Dakota's championship expectations contrast sharply with Young's previous tournament experience. The Fighting Hawks enter as legitimate title contenders, carrying the pressure and opportunity that accompanies elite status.

"You kind of dream about these days, being the No. 1 seed, being the team that's talked about," Young said. "From my experience, it's once-in-a-lifetime, so I've got to run with it."

Thursday's matchup will test both programs' tournament mettle while providing Young with an unforgettable homecoming filled with gratitude, competitive fire, and the bittersweet nature of athletic transitions.