Fargo Force center Michael Graham has de-committed from Minnesota Duluth to instead verbally commit to play college hockey for the University of Notre Dame.
The late '97 right-shot forward is rated a B prospect by NHL Central Scouting in the September Preliminary Rankings. The Eden Prairie, Minn. native is in his first year of draft eligibility. According to multiple sources, Graham opted for the Fighting Irish because of the school's academic and overall reputation. The decision was not forced by any malcontent with Minnesota Duluth.
SB Nation College Hockey's Chris Dilks, who rated Graham as the sixth best junior in Minnesota High School hockey prior to last season, likes his size and ability to make plays in traffic.
Graham, who played for three seasons at Eden Prairie High School, chose to play his senior season with the Force in the USHL. He has one assist in three games played so far this season. He will likely matriculate to Notre Dame for the 2016-17 season.