TEMPE, Ariz. — The University of North Dakota (UND) defeated Arizona State University (ASU) 7-4 in a high-scoring series opener at Mullett Arena on Friday night. UND forward Ellis Rickwood led all players with four points, earning him first star honors.
A Back-and-Forth Contest
The game featured several lead changes and momentum swings. UND jumped ahead early with goals from Anthony Menghini and Ellis Rickwood, the latter a shorthanded tally. Arizona State responded with power-play goals from Carmelo Crandell and Justin Kipkie to tie the score twice. However, UND consistently answered, ultimately pulling away with goals from Cody Croal, Keaton Verhoeff, Dylan James, and two from Will Zellers, including an empty-netter.
Rickwood Leads the Way
Ellis Rickwood’s four-point performance was pivotal for UND. He scored one goal and recorded three assists, setting up teammates for crucial scores. Will Zellers, with two goals and three points, and Keaton Verhoeff, with one goal and two points, also earned star recognition for their contributions.
Team Lineups and Injuries
UND saw forward Cody Croal return to the ice after a four-game absence. Several players were listed as unavailable for both teams due to injury, including UND forwards Josh Zakreski and David Klee, and Arizona State forwards Cullen Potter and Jack Beck. Gibson Homer started in net for UND, facing his former team, while Connor Hasley guarded the crease for Arizona State.
Looking Ahead
The Fighting Hawks and Sun Devils will continue their series with another game on Saturday. If UND can maintain its offensive momentum and capitalize on special teams opportunities, they could secure a series win. Arizona State, having shown the ability to score on the power play, may look to draw more penalties and exploit those opportunities. A tighter defensive game from the Sun Devils could also be a possible next step to challenge UND.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was UND 7, Arizona State 4.
Who earned the first, second, and third star awards?
Ellis Rickwood (UND) was the first star, Will Zellers (UND) was the second star, and Keaton Verhoeff (UND) was the third star.
How many goals did Dylan James score in the game?
Dylan James scored one goal, tying his career high in goals with 14 for the season.
What factors do you think will be most important for either team to win the next game in the series?
