Grand Forks ND (UND) – The highs and lows of the past few days have overwhelmed me, first bringing excitement, then starting a flood of tears and heartache.

First things first. With a new coach in charge of the UND hockey program in Dane Jackson and a roster consisting of more than half of it being freshmen or transfers, it’s hard to know what to expect.

We here in Grand Forks and followers of the UND hockey program for years, it is given that the expectations are high, with 8 NCAA titles hanging on the banners of Ralph Engelstad Arena, we have high hopes, every year.

So it was with curiosity, we got our first real look at this team last weekend in the exhibition game against the University of Manitoba Bisons.

It was not hard to like what we saw on the ice. A 7-0 thumping over Manitoba once again drove home the point that this program at UND doesn’t rebuild, it reloads.

Jackson brought into the program a very aggressive style of play, hounding the puck and the opponents all over the ice. It was a style that was fun to watch, and a style that could be the trademark of play under Jackson.

The talent is there, young as it may be, and unseasoned at this level as it certainly is.

But it is a team that will grow together in a hurry, and I have no doubt will potentially contend for league and national honors as the year progresses.

Against Manitoba, 13 of the 23 skaters who saw action had at least one point, led by Mac Swanson with a goal and two assists and the look of a breakout star this season for the sophomore from Alaska.

Three goalies played, and none of the allowed a goal. The eight defensemen who saw action allowed just 13 shots on net over 60 minutes, another great sign of a good season ahead.

I get a strong feeling that the combination of a strong freshman class, the energy and leadership of a new coaching staff and their contacts with potential players in the future will bode well for UND’s hockey program moving forward.

I’ve been around UND’s hockey program as a reporter since 1969. That’s a long time, but when you love the program, the game, and the players and coaches involved with it, time flies by.

So bring it on for real, starting this weekend against Division I newcomer St. Thomas. I’m ready.

On a sobering note, the last few days have been sprinkled with tears and a heavy heart, mixed in with the excitement of the season start at hand.

My son, Steve, a long-time reporter himself and my only son, lost his wife Lisa to cancer on Tuesday, in their home in Ely, Minn. They loved each other more than I can put into words, and this will be devastating for Steve. I worry about that, and I am not sure how to help, other than to be there for him in any way i can.

So that’s how it is this week for me, the excitement of another season for UND, the love for Lisa and Steve, the sorrow for Lisa’s passing, the confusion as to help my son get through this.

I thank you for understanding how it is for me right now, of the emotions and excitement over hockey and great emotion and sorrow over the loss of a loved one, the two twisting and turning in my mind right now.

The game at the Ralph Friday night calls to me, most certainly. But so does Ely, and a son who needs the love and support of his Dad.

This will be my 55th season reporting about UND hockey, It is my first time being there for a son who just lost the love of his life.

It will all play out in time. It has to.