By: Brian Gornick, Bobcat Content Writer
The Bismarck Bobcats, like most teams in the North American Hockey League, have notable alumni that have gone on to the collegiate and professional levels. One alumni making a name for himself today is Klayton Knapp, who is a goaltender for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs.
Knapp was a familiar face between the pipes last season for Bobcats fans, making 30 appearances in net. Boasting a 17-8-3 record and a .921 save percentage, Knapp’s play helped the Bobcats achieve their first 40-win season since 2011, including a divisional semifinals series victory over the Aberdeen Wings in the playoffs.
After earning a scholarship from Minnesota-Duluth, Knapp committed to the Bulldogs in February last year, and spoke on the change to collegiate play.
“The transition has been a lot easier than I would’ve anticipated. I think the big reason is the way Layne (Sedevie) prepared me. He also went from that transition going from juniors to college” Knapp said in a phone interview.
PHOTO CREDIT: University Minnesota Duluth
If his play has been any indicator, he’s shown no signs of slowing down. In 12 games, Knapp has a .915 save percentage, and 2.36 goals averaged against. Knapp this past weekend also has earned his second NCHC Rookie of the Week honor in three weeks, the most recent after a weekend series split against #5 Denver. Knapp made a career-high 42 saves in the 4-3 victory, and his 70 shots saved was the most by any goaltender in the conference.
What has helped drive his consistent play is consistent coaching. Playing under Sedevie in Bismarck, who had been behind the bench for the Bobcats from 2009 until his departure last year, to now playing under five-time national champion Scott Sandelin has left a lasting impact.
“It’s totally different…but the expectations are still really high. You’re going against the best teams in the country each week. The coaches are still hard on you, and they’re here till 1 A.M. on a friday night cutting down film for a sunday game.”
Photo Credit: University Minnesota Duluth
While everything is going up for Knapp, it wasn’t always this way. Before his time with the Bobcats and Bulldogs, Knapp was on the ice practicing for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL when he snapped his fibula in half, ending his season. A four-month recovery soon led to the Bobcats calling, and Knapp found himself drawn to the organization’s enthusiasm for him.
“To be wanted,” Knapp said on what drove his decision to join the Bobcats. “They were the first team to reach out to me in the league. I knew Bismarkc a little bit, just from visiting when I played in Austin. It was a no-brainer to go there.”
Knapp’s attributes plenty of his personal growth both on and off the ice to his time in Bismarck. Coming off a devastating injury, Knapp said his host family played such a big role in keeping him grounded after returning to a sport he thought he would never play again.
“There was dark days where I wanted to pack up and leave, it was getting frustrating. They were so loving, so caring, and inspiring.”
Knapp went further on about the personnel at Bismarck, and the close relationship he developed with Sedevie.
“They developed my body to be ready for college hockey. Coach Layne I could ask him ‘Hey can we hop on the ice for 20 minutes’ and no matter what was going on he would take the time to help us.”
Photo Credit: Hope Magelky
With the Bulldogs looking to return back to the NCAA postseason for the first time since the 2021-22 season, Knapp will further cement his status as one of the up-and-coming collegiate goaltenders on the biggest stage. The Bismarck Bobcats wish him the best of luck in his career!