The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks love the WHL.
They like it so much, recruiters spared no effort to secure a second defenseman from the Prince George Cougars in as many days.
Bauer Dumanski announced via Instagram last night (Tuesday) he is joining longtime teammate and roommate Carson Carels in the NCAA.
The news was also reported by Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Hearld.
Over five seasons, Dumanski’s gritty style of play endeared himself to the northern capital’s blue collar fanbase by sacrificing his body to block shots.
Last season, the Lockwood, Saskatchewan product finished with 181 blocked shots, 17 more than the next closest player.
Dumanski is also the Cougars franchise leader in games played by a blueliner with 309.
The 21-year-old earned the moniker of “Big Game Bauer” from former MyPGNow.com reporter and current PG Cougars social media maven Will Peters due to his unsuspecting, yet timely goal scoring prowess at big moments.
To further enhance this argument, eight of Dumanski’s 24 career goals in the regular season were game-winners.
Dumanski will begin his time south of the border with a lot of familiar faces who also spent significant time in the WHL.
In addition to Carels, UND consists of Calgary Flames first-round pick Cole Reschny and draft-eligible defender Keaton Verhoeff, both former members of the Victoria Royals who are expected back next season.
Other notable WHL alumni who wore the green, white and black in 2025-26 included former Portland Winterhawks Josh Zakreski and Jan Spunar along with four-year Red Deer Rebels standout Ollie Josephson.
North Dakota also locked up fellow blueliner Ethan Mackenzie via the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Dumanski’s affinity for Prince George couldn’t have been more apparent when he held back tears during a post-game interview following the Cougars second-round exit to the Penticton Vees last month.
“It’s been an honour to wear the jersey and I will carry this city with me for the rest of my life.”
“It’s been my home for the last five years and it was worth every second to be with every single guy in that room.”
Earlier this year, Cougars goalie and San Jose Sharks top prospect Josh Ravensbergen committed to Michigan State.
Forwards Brock Souch and Riley Ashe are expected to attend St. Cloud State and Nebraska-Omaha this fall.
Dumanski was selected in the 2nd round by the Cougars in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.
Hear from the Captain in the Year End Media Availability.
Thank you, Dumer 🖤❤️#ForTheNorth | #WHL pic.twitter.com/j85Y3j87XT
— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) April 23, 2026
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