From Sorrow to Success: Ben Strinden’s Inspiring Journey

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – For Ben Strinden, a forward for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, the path to collegiate success has been paved with both joy and profound adversity. The Fargo, North Dakota native has emerged as a key player in his senior season, but his journey has been deeply shaped by personal loss and unwavering determination.

A Family’s Hockey Legacy

Hockey is deeply ingrained in the Strinden family. Ben’s father, Tom, played collegiate hockey at Concordia College and was a lifelong fan of the University of North Dakota. Tom’s father, Earl Strinden, dedicated over three decades to the North Dakota alumni association, and hockey season tickets have been a cherished tradition for generations of the family . Ben is believed to be the eighth Fargo, N.D., native to play for North Dakota .

Facing Unimaginable Loss

In February 2024, Tom Strinden received a diagnosis of brain cancer. After a 17-month battle with Glioblastoma, he passed away on July 13, 2025 . The loss deeply impacted Ben, his fiancé Anna, his mother Michelle, and siblings Jacob, Joseph, and Sarah.

Finding Strength in Family and Faith

“He was really an inspiration to me and I think to a lot of people,” Ben said of his father . “He was always just a hard-working and honest man, and he kind of showed me how I should live, and we always had such a close relationship.” Ben and Anna frequently traveled to be with Tom during his treatment, balancing the demands of being a student-athlete with the need to support their family.

Perspective and Perseverance

Despite facing personal hardship, Strinden remained committed to his dream of playing for the University of North Dakota. “There was some talk out there and people asked me if I would ever transfer to find a better opportunity…but I always believed I was here for a reason and God wanted me to stay,” Strinden explained . He recognized that his father’s struggle provided a crucial perspective.

A Breakout Senior Season

Strinden’s perseverance has translated into a remarkable senior season. In 34 regular-season games in 2025-26, he led the Fighting Hawks with 33 points, ranking 10th in the NCHC, and scored 15 goals, third-most on the team . This represents a significant improvement from his first three years at UND, where he totaled 16 goals and 34 points.

Leadership and Team Impact

Strinden’s contributions extended beyond scoring. He helped North Dakota (25-8-1) finish atop the NCHC with a 17-6-1 conference record, securing their seventh Penrose Cup . He also served as an assistant captain, demonstrating leadership and a strong function ethic.

“Ben’s a real high-character guy,” said first-year UND head coach Dane Jackson . “He’s a leader on our team and he’s taken a huge step with his poise and play-making, and his offensive production.”

Future Prospects

As Strinden’s college career nears its end, he looks ahead to the possibility of a professional career. He was a seventh-round draft pick of the Nashville Predators in 2022 . He and the Fighting Hawks will initiate the NCHC postseason against Omaha, with games scheduled for March 6th, 7th, and potentially 8th.

“This has been a year where everything has arrive together perfectly,” Strinden said . “It hasn’t always been perfect, but that’s made this last year sweeter.”