Keaton Verhoeff's NCAA year at North Dakota shaped his draft stock

Keaton Verhoeff logged 20 points in 36 NCAA games at North Dakota before captaining Canada at the U18s and being selected ninth overall by the San Jose Sharks.

From WHL Victoria to Fighting Hawks campus

Verhoeff posted 20 points across 36 regular-season appearances after leaving the WHL Victoria squad. North Dakota assistant coach Dillon Simpson described the addition as a huge get that exceeded expectations once the staff observed Verhoeff’s daily approach.

The 18-year-old turned pro-level travel into an advantage by flying on chartered planes for trips longer than four hours instead of ferries and buses required in junior hockey. Verhoeff noted that the upgraded logistics let the team bond through card games and social activities during flights.

North Dakota reached the Frozen Four semifinal in Las Vegas where a hot Wisconsin squad ended the season. Simpson credited the coaching staff with placing Verhoeff in matchups against top lines without concern by the stretch run.

Verhoeff started his NCAA career immediately after the World Junior Championship bronze medal run with Canada and returned to campus without rest before leading the under-18 team.

Focusing on defensive maturity

Verhoeff entered the season knowing he needed to fix holes in his defensive game and deliberately shifted from run-and-gun tendencies to a complete 200-foot approach. Simpson confirmed the player bought into coaching plans that sometimes pushed him outside his comfort zone.

The move exposed him to older stronger opponents unavailable in junior hockey. Simpson measured progress by the way North Dakota trusted Verhoeff against elite competition without hesitation.

Verhoeff also completed coursework in sports communication that exposed him to media perspectives and prepared him for professional interviews.

Simpson highlighted the rare combination of elite tools and mature teammate presence that made the freshman a cultural fit on campus.

Draft outcome and next steps

The Sharks selected Verhoeff ninth overall on the strength of his NCAA performance and international leadership. Verhoeff plans to return to North Dakota for the 2026-27 campaign rather than turning pro immediately.

The experience of filling opposing rinks with traveling fans reinforced the professional atmosphere he sought. Simpson expects the continued emphasis on 200-foot reliability to accelerate Verhoeff’s NHL transition.

Verhoeff returns to North Dakota for the 2026-27 season with 36 regular-season games already under his belt as the benchmark for his continued growth.