Caleb Heil Will Start in Goal This Weekend
Freshman goaltender Caleb Heil is set to make his first start for the University of North Dakota against Bentley.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Hockey
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University of North Dakota freshman Caleb Heil will start in goal for the Fighting Hawks when they host Bentley University this weekend. The series at Ralph Engelstad Arena begins on October 18, 2026.
Why it matters
The team is rotating goaltenders to evaluate depth after Jan Špunar played both games in the season-opening series against Bemidji State. Head coach selection is based on the performance and preparation of the players.
Caleb Heil previously stopped 7 of 8 shots in a 5-1 exhibition win against the University of Manitoba. Jan Špunar held a save rate of 37 of 42 during the team's opening victories against Bemidji State.
The players
Caleb Heil
He is a freshman goaltender for the University of North Dakota and a seventh-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Jan Špunar
He is a goaltender who started both of the Fighting Hawks' season-opening games against Bemidji State.
The details
Heil, a Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick, joined the roster after two seasons with the Madison Capitols in the United States Hockey League. He holds a 7-4 record across 11 career playoff starts.
Timeline
August 2023: Caleb Heil committed to the University of North Dakota.
Last weekend: Jan Špunar started games against Bemidji State.
October 18, 2026: The Fighting Hawks host Bentley at 7:07 p.m.
October 19, 2026: The Fighting Hawks host Bentley at 6:07 p.m.
Season Trajectory
This roster move reflects the common early-season strategy of evaluating freshman talent alongside established starters to determine the primary rotation. Such decisions shape the team's depth chart as they prepare for deeper conference play later in the season.
Fans should monitor which goaltender starts each game to adjust projections for team defensive performance in the upcoming series. The switch confirms a split-duty approach to the net following the team's 3-2 and 4-3 victories last weekend.
The takeaway
Freshman goaltenders often provide a strategic look at a team's long-term potential during early non-conference matchups. Rotating keepers early in the schedule allows programs to maintain player fitness while identifying reliable options for critical games.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's performance, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dickinson Press.
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