GRAND FORKS — Ellis Rickwood sprinted to grab the puck after the final buzzer Friday night.
The UND senior center knew this was one to save.
The Fighting Hawks opened the Dane Jackson era with a convincing 6-2 win over St. Thomas in Ralph Engelstad Arena.
All three members of UND's fourth line — Cade Littler, Cody Croal and Josh Zakreski — scored as the Fighting Hawks jumped to a 5-0 lead in the second period.
Rookie defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, senior winger Dylan James and sophomore winger Mac Swanson also scored, while Ben Strinden tallied two assists in his 100th collegiate game.
The players presented the puck to Jackson in the locker room.
"I'll remember that one for a long time," Jackson said. "It was fun to see The Ralph packed, and to get a good 'W' in the first one, it feels