Isaac Gordon announced that he will be transferring to the University of North Dakota and will be suiting up in the legendary green next season.
After his first two years at the NCAA-Division 1 level, Gordon says his game has really grown over that time. "I think that overall, the jump from junior to college is pretty big," the 21-year-old explains. "You're going up against guys that 23, 24 or 25 even, so the strength of the guys you're playing against, it's more pro style hockey. I think overall, I think my game has grown the most in maturity. Learning when to make plays, when to take risks, when not to take risks, just overall picking up the pace of my game. I've worked hard to find find success with my style of game."
Over the last two season, Gordon says he's also grown as a leader, something he believes is because of his teammates. "I think a lot of it is about the guys around you, you need to have good relationships with them. I think how you treat people is the first step to getting people on board and willing to follow you and I think it's about how you carry yourself each and every day. The biggest thing for me is to lead by my actions. I don't like to be a big talker or be all talk, I think the best way to lead is to work. Showing that enjoyment of being at the rink also is something, I think that if you're there and having a good time, making sure everyone is having fun and doing what they love, then everyone comes together."
Gordon didn't statistically match his output from year one but he says year two made him a complete player, something he is grateful for. "I think my game actually grew a lot this year," the Landmark product says confidently. "I would say I actually played better this year than last. There were times I was gripping the stick a little tight. I put a lot of expectations and stuff like that on myself and I just ended up getting in my own head a little bit. It didn't limit my play, but I didn't play as calm and free as I could have played. That first year, I didn't have any of those expectations and I took advantage of that, but this year, I had to learn to manage that. I think after Christmas, I found that I did that and the points flowed a little easier. Overall, I learned different aspects to my game and it made me more complete."
Heading into year three, Gordon made the decision to take an opportunity with a legendary program. "I have transferred to North Dakota a couple of weeks ago. The opportunity came and being so close to home combined with a storied program, it was an offer I couldn't turn down. I'm very excited for the opportunity."
The Gordon family is perpahs even more excited than Isaac that he'll be a little closer to home. "When I broke the news to them, especially my brother, they were pumped. All my buddies as well, they can't wait to come down and watch some games. I'm just excited to have them there. It's such a cool experience to have the people you grew up with and supported you at games. I almost take those games a little more serious because they are in the stands."
Starting new with North Dakota doesn't seem to faze Gordon, he's ready to hit the ice and be at his best right away. "I'm very excited, I wouldn't say nervous, I'm looking forward to the challenge that comes with it. When I transferred there, I had to comfortable with the opportunity they were giving me and the fit was right. It's the type of role that I want as a player and I can't wait to go out and help the program be successful."
They don't just hand out jobs, Gordon says it's a huge boost knowing a program like UND believes in him. "It means a lot. They were the program that introduced me to college hockey. When I was thinking about college hockey, they were the first program I looked at. It's very special that it worked out that my dream can come true, getting to play for them."
Years of hard work have brought Gordon to where he want's to be, but now, there is one thing he has to kind of cross his fingers about and hope it works out. "I'm really hoping to get number 8," he says with a chuckle. "I wore that number in Eastman and in junior. At Tech, it was already taken by a senior but if it's available at UND, I'm hopefully going to get it and get back to that."
Regardless of what number he wears, fans across the south east will be keeping an eye on Isaac Gordon and UND.