Ian Engel is a name synonymous with Bobcat Hockey over the last 3 seasons. This past weekend he sat down with Voice of the Bobcats, Brandon Luisi, to discuss his time in Bismarck and reminisce about last season’s Championship run.
Engel appeared in 161 regular season games for Bismarck. Throughout his tenure he notched 63 points. Ian reflected on his growth as a hockey player, but also as a human being throughout his time. “I grew so much as a player, but more importantly I think as a person. Just my overall maturity, I learned how to treat people. That was one of the biggest takeaways I had from Bismarck for sure,” Engel mentioned.
Engel also made it known how important it is to maintain those friendships and connections from his previous locker rooms here in Bismarck, also throwing in that last year’s group chat still gets fired up every now and again. “Pretty much the whole team from last year. We’re still in pretty consistent contact. Those three group chats fire up every once in a while when something gets sent in there, the boys are pretty active. Definitely lots of lifelong friendships built through the Bobcats,” Engel said.
The big news in the offseason obviously was the commitment to UND. Ian Engel, while he is not the first former Bobcat to attend UND, he is the first Bobcat to go directly from the Bobcat organization to Grand Forks. “It’s been nothing short of amazing. I’m super honored and super blessed to have this opportunity. I obviously couldn’t have done it without all the support of my family and my friends and coaching staff, overall throughout my career, especially in Bismarck. I developed so much there, so that was a huge piece of why I’m at where I’m at today. Engel added.
For the full interview between Brandon Luisi and Ian Engel, hit the play button below!