Tony Hrkac, James Patrick to return to UND for 'One More Shift' this season
Oct. 10—GRAND FORKS — Two of UND's all-time greats will be back this season to participate in the 'One More Shift' event.
Former Hobey Baker Award winner Tony Hrkac and UND's all-time leader in NHL regular-season games played, James Patrick, will be recognized.
The players — both of whom were first-team All-Americans — will be introduced during starting lineups and skate a couple of laps around UND's zone. A video tribute also will be played.
Hrkac will be recognized on Saturday, Oct. 21, before the series finale against rival Minnesota. Patrick's night will be Feb. 24, 2024, before the series finale against Minnesota Duluth.
UND started the promotion in November 2018 with Jim Archibald, the program's all-time leader in penalty minutes. His shift preceded a game against Wisconsin.
Since then, Brandon Bochenski, Dave Christian, Ed Belfour and Matt Greene have been recognized.
Hrkac played for UND in 1984-85 and 1986-87, putting together one of the greatest college hockey seasons of all time.
In 1986-87, he tallied an NCAA-record 116 points in leading UND to the NCAA national championship and winning the Hobey Baker Award. His points record still stands today.
Only one other UND player has won a Hobey Baker Award — Ryan Duncan in 2007.
Hrkac went on to play 758 NHL games for the St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks and Atlanta Thrashers. Hrkac won a Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999.
Since his playing career ended, Hrkac has worked as the head coach of the Concordia-Wisconsin men's hockey team and as an assistant with the Madison Capitols in the United States Hockey League. In 2015, Hrkac became a pro scout with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He's been there ever since, winning a pair of Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.
Patrick played two seasons at UND from 1981-83, winning an NCAA national championship as a freshman and earning Hobey Baker Award finalist honors as a sophomore.
He racked up 77 points in 78 college games before moving to the NHL. He is still the school record-holder for assists by a freshman defenseman with 24.
Patrick played in 1,280 NHL regular-season games for the New York Rangers, Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres. He wore the captain's 'C' for the Sabres in 2003-04.
No former UND player has played more NHL regular-season games. Craig Ludwig is second with 1,256 and Zach Parise third with 1,224.
Since his playing career ended in 2004, Patrick has served as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres and Dallas Stars. He recently spent six seasons as a head coach in the Western Hockey League. He is currently the director of player development for the Victoria Royals of the WHL.
