Mac Swanson 'ahead of schedule' after offseason surgery

Jul. 29—GRAND FORKS — Mac Swanson has ditched his sling. He's back on the ice with his UND hockey teammates.

UND head coach Dane Jackson says the junior winger from Anchorage is progressing well after having offseason shoulder surgery.

"He's ahead of schedule on everything," Jackson said. "He's done a great job on his rehab. He's had no setbacks."

Swanson attended development camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this month, but he did not participate in on-ice activities.

Pittsburgh selected Swanson in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas.

Jackson said there's still a road to go in Swanson's recovery, though.

UND does not expect Swanson to be cleared for physical contact until September.

The Fighting Hawks have preseason exhibitions on Oct. 3 (vs. Augustana) and Oct. 4 (vs. Manitoba).

UND opens the regular season Oct. 9 at Bemidji State.

"We think there's a high likelihood he'll be ready to play for our first game," Jackson said.

Swanson was playing through an injury at the end of the season. After consultation with medical personnel, Swanson opted for surgery to fix it.

Swanson had a strong sophomore campaign, tallying 11 goals and 28 points in 40 games.

The dynamic setup man figures to be one of UND's top offensive players in 2026-27.

"He was playing so well last year," Jackson said. "What's interesting about Mac is that everyone thinks about him as a high-end offensive thinker and playmaker, but he's got really good habits and details. I thought his pace of play really improved. He was playing fast. He was a reliable two-way guy with high-end offensive instincts. To have him healthy and playing at his best will be a huge factor for our team."

All 26 players on UND's roster have been in Grand Forks this summer now that goaltender Jan Špunar has arrived.

Špunar spent two extra weeks in his native Czechia, because he's unable to go home in August when most of his teammates do.

Four UND players are currently at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ont.

Forward Cole Reschny, defenseman Keaton Verhoeff and defenseman Carson Carels are with Team Canada. They were all members of Canada's bronze-medal team last winter.

UND freshman forward Cooper Simpson is with Team USA. Carter Sanderson, a 2027 forward commit, is with Team USA, too.

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