UND’s newest ‘Golden Boy’ returns to UND after heroic stint with Team USA

UND freshman forward Rocco Grimaldi is back on campus this week after representing his country in grand fashion at the 2013 World Junior Championship under-20 ice hockey tournament in Ufa, Russia.

Grimaldi, a Rossmore, Calif., native, saved his best act for the finale, scoring the game-tying and game-winning goals for Team USA for a 3-1 victory in the gold medal match against Sweden.

For his exploits, the diminutive and lightning-quick UND hockey star was named player of the game in the championship match.

Grimaldi became UND's 19th medalist at the World Junior Championship and the 12th to take the gold medal.  USA has won three gold medals since 2004.

Grimaldi has 8 goals and 10 assists in 22 games played for UND over two seasons. He played only four games in 2011-2012 due to injuries, allowing him to retain his freshman status this year.

Grimaldi is expected to re-enter the UND lineup Jan. 11-12 against Colorado College at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

UND's World Junior Championship Medalists

1982
Troy Murray, Canada, Gold
James Patrick, Canada, Gold

1983
James Patrick, Canada, Bronze
Gord Sherven, Canada, Bronze

1985
Brad Berry, Canada, Gold

1990
Jason Herter, Canada, Gold

1991
Greg Johnson, Canada, Gold

1992
Marty Schriner, United States, Bronze

2004
Brady Murray, United States, Gold
Zach Parise*, United States, Gold
Drew Stafford, United States, Gold

2006
Jonathan Toews, Canada, Gold

2007
Jonathan Toews, Canada, Gold
Taylor Chorney, United States, Bronze
Brian Lee, United States, Bronze

2010
Danny Kristo, United States, Gold

2011
Derek Forbort, United States, Bronze
Brock Nelson, United States, Bronze

2012
Rocco Grimaldi, United States, Gold

* - Indicates tournament MVP

David Dodds

University Relations Writer/Editor