This past Saturday in Austin, I had the pleasure of meeting some new friends who had traveled to the city for a collegiate sporting event. During our shared car ride, conversation shifted to the performance of their alma mater’s football team that day, prompting me to check the score for them.
To my surprise, they were unaware of the outcome because they hadn’t attended a football game that day. Instead, their focus was on ice hockey, as North Dakota was playing Michigan State at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, which was a neutral venue in name only. In reality, the University of North Dakota treated it as a home game, bringing a significant number of their supporters, whose vibrant Kelly Green attire dominated the scene. Finding fans in Spartan Green proved to be quite a challenge, reminiscent of the difficulty in drawing a sizable crowd for men’s college hockey on a football Saturday in Texas.
Some college fanbases are renowned for their dedication, particularly in football. Schools like Kansas State and Notre Dame consistently bring large contingents to road and neutral-site games. This level of support extends beyond football; I’ve witnessed BYU fans passionately supporting their soccer teams in Texas and the vocal Nebraska fans at women’s gymnastics events. Earlier this year, at a volleyball showcase in Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, Nebraska’s red-clad supporters were a notable presence.
Fandom in various sports can be deeply ingrained, particularly in regions without major professional teams. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, for instance, have claimed five national titles in volleyball, while the UND men’s hockey team boasts eight championships, with the legendary Ed Belfour, goaltender for the ’87 champions, dropping the ceremonial first puck. This U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game, a non-conference matchup, carries weight in national rankings. It’s no wonder the Hall of Fame has invited North Dakota to participate in eight of the last twelve editions. The event drew an impressive attendance of 6,483, nearly filling the H-E-B Center.
The match itself was thrilling, featuring a combined total of 13 first-round NHL draft picks. The fourth-ranked Spartans responded swiftly to a late equalizer from UND, sealing their victory with an empty-net goal.
Regrettably for my newfound friends, their football team also faced defeat that Saturday, losing to Youngstown State in Ohio with a late score. However, they remain hopeful that their promising young hockey team will develop throughout the season and make a strong push. Despite the disappointing results, they enjoyed their time playing golf and exploring Austin before returning to the chilly temperatures back home.
Many still refer to North Dakota’s team as the “Sioux,” a name officially changed years ago to the “Fighting Hawks.” Their dedication is evident in their willingness to travel approximately 1,300 miles from Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks to watch their team compete in Central Texas, showcasing a loyalty that rivals that of any football fanbase.
