Regardless of their conference issues, North Dakota began the season on the road against Bowling Green, taking both games against the eventual CCHA champion.

Even when the team headed to San Diego for a brief respite from the winter cold they couldn't shake the pattern and UND returned home with a 10–6 record but only 4–4 in conference.

North Dakota headed to Troy to participate in the Rensselaer Holiday Tournament but with the team losing several members to the World Junior championship the Fighting Sioux couldn't stop St. Lawrence from posting 7 goals in the contest.

After capturing another home series UND headed to Wisconsin to take on the defending national champions as well as their biggest competition for the WCHA regular season title.

The Fighting Sioux shut out Wisconsin in the first game but the Badgers came storming back to turn the tables on North Dakota and the two teams drew even after the weekend.

The Fighting Sioux defense showed up in full, holding the Golden Knights to a single goal in each game and advanced to the championship round in Providence.

In the final period the Fighting Sioux threw caution to the wind and fired a barrage of 16 shots against Terry Kleisinger, finding the twine three times while Darren Jensen held the UND net.

Sykes received the tournament MOP for his performance and was joined on the All-Tournament team by Darren Jensen, James Patrick and Cary Eades.

Despite North Dakota setting a new program record with 35 wins (since broken) no players were named to the AHCA All-American West Team,[3] however, the WCHA recognized the team's accomplishments and UND swept the individual conference awards with Sykes winning Most Valuable Player,[4] James Patrick capturing Freshman of the Year and John Gasparini receiving Coach of the Year.