#5 North Dakota Rolls Into St. Cloud After Dominant November

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) – It was quite the November for North Dakota hockey — both in team success and individual performances. A 6–1 record, two monthly conference awards, and a surge to No. 5 in the latest USCHO poll have the Fighting Hawks entering December among the hottest teams in college hockey.

A major contributor to UND’s breakout month is newly named NCHC Forward of the Month, Ben Strinden, along with NCHC Rookie of the Month, Will Zellers.

For Strinden — the Fargo, North Dakota native — his seven goals and five assists for 12 total points tied for the league lead in both goals and points during November.

“I think I’ve always had belief in myself obviously,” said Strinden. “I’m very fortunate to get a little more opportunity this year thanks to the coaches and obviously the team team’s playing well, which helps tremendously. But yeah, I’m just playing free and having fun. It’s obviously such a blessing to play here at North Dakota every day, and I’ve kind of taken a step back. And had a little bit more perspective this year, and it being my senior year, I’m just kind of trying to enjoy every day at the rink with the guys and enjoy every game.”

Zellers earned Rookie of the Month honors after an explosive stretch, posting seven goals and eight points. His seven goals tie for first nationally among all freshmen. For both him and Strinden to receive NCHC recognition further underscores the program’s early-season momentum.

“I think it says a lot,” said Zellers. “I mean, NCHC is one of the, I think, the best college hockey league there is in the United States. So to have our team be nominated for both of those awards and win both of those awards. I think it just shows to the people behind the scenes, all the coaches, people that come in to work with us, specialists that work with losses, challenges. I mean, there’s so many people behind the scenes that help make this program run, and I think it is just a testament to what works here and how North Dakota can just continuously produce high-end hockey players every year and…happy that everyone else is starting to notice it too.”

Now, UND turns the page to December — and a tough road test at St. Cloud State.

“Their power play looks really good,” said head coach Dane Jackson. “Their top line looks impressive again. They look dynamic and… Real strong. Overall, yeah, their team, they have good team speed, it looks like. Good structure as usual, so. We always know how hard they are to play against in their rank. But, yeah, they look – I’ve been impressed by what I’ve seen on tape.”

North Dakota and St. Cloud State drop the puck twice this weekend at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Game one is set for Friday at 7 p.m., followed by Saturday at 6 p.m.