Anthony Menghini wins UND's Iron Man competition
· Yahoo Sports
Sep. 17—GRAND FORKS — For the first time in four years, UND has a new Iron Man.
Senior forward Anthony Menghini won the team's annual preseason competition of on- and off-ice physical tests.
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Menghini finished fifth last season but missed a couple of tests while recovering from an injury. Senior Ben Strinden won his third straight.
"I stayed in Grand Forks all summer," Menghini said. "I had a goal in mind for this upcoming season and I knew I had to come into camp ready and in shape."
Menghini, of Baxter, Minn., credited athletic trainer Mark Poolman and sports scientist John Fitzgerald for helping set up a workout program and answering his questions.
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound winger scored five goals and tallied 12 points in 35 games last season, helping the Fighting Hawks win a Penrose Cup as National Collegiate Hockey Conference champions and reach the NCAA Frozen Four.
Menghini was
named an assistant captain
earlier this week.
"He's obviously an outstanding athlete," said UND coach Dane Jackson, who won Iron Man in 1990. "But he put in a lot of work and dedication to earn and gain that respect of his teammates by how hard he works and how much time he puts into his craft to being a great, fit athlete."
Freshman defenseman Garrett Lindberg finished second, followed by sophomore forward Jack Kernan, freshman defenseman Ethan MacKenzie and sophomore defenseman Keaton Verhoeff.
Jackson said he was impressed by how many of the freshmen came to school in excellent shape.
"In the past, previous to last year, our freshmen always seemed to be considerably behind our veteran guys," Jackson said. "Last year, our freshmen had a great showing. That happened this year as well. These young guys are coming in more and more prepared for the challenges and physical rigors of college hockey."
A couple of players missed events while being cautious with injuries, which hurt their overall scores, including Josh Zakreski and E.J. Emery. Both players are practicing.
Menghini said that as a competitor, he wanted to win the Iron Man.
"It was a cool experience," he said. "I love pushing my teammates and pushing myself to try to win every event. I just feel like this offseason I tried to come into camp in really good shape and I think it paid off."