Brasen Boser is coming home. The Minot native and Arizona State defenseman has committed to transfer to the University of North Dakota, a move that clearly carries deep personal significance. The decision was met with pure joy by his family, especially his grandfather. "He was pretty ecstatic," Boser said. "He was yelling on the phone. It was a pretty special phone call."
For a North Dakota kid, playing for the Fighting Hawks is often the dream, and Boser is now living it. "I feel like anyone from North Dakota could say that's the spot you want to play college hockey," he noted, while also expressing gratitude for his two seasons in the desert with the Sun Devils.
On the ice, Boser brings a proven, workmanlike game to Grand Forks. The 5-foot-11, 178-pound sophomore led Arizona State in average ice time this past season, logging over 22 minutes per game. His consistency is his hallmark, posting identical stat lines of two goals and seven points in each of his two collegiate seasons. Notably, two of his four career goals came against UND itself.
His defensive commitment is undeniable. Boser finished second in the entire NCHC with 76 blocked shots and led the conference by a wide margin in blocks per game (2.53). He describes himself as a reliable, steady two-way defenseman who isn't afraid to play a hard-nosed, physical style to help his team win.
Boser's commitment comes at a pivotal time for UND's blue line, which saw several players enter the transfer portal. The program moved swiftly, with associate head coach Dane Jackson contacting Boser immediately after he entered the portal. "It was the first school that reached out and it got done right away," Boser said.
He will join a defensive group that includes returners and incoming recruits, adding valuable experience and a fearless, shot-blocking mentality. Boser is also set to become the first player from Minot to suit up for UND in nearly two decades, adding another layer to this homecoming story as he prepares for the next chapter of his college hockey career.