GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Following a 5-1 exhibition victory over Manitoba on Saturday, the University of North Dakota hockey program jumped to No. 3 in both national polls released on Monday.
UND received a singular first place vote in the DCU/USCHO Poll, with NCHC teams making up three of the top four in the poll.
On Saturday, five-different Fighting Hawks found the back of the scoresheet while Drew DeRidder and Kaleb Johnson combined for 11 saves to polish off a strong opening performance from the hosts despite a shortened lineup that featured only 20 skaters.
North Dakota opens the regular season at home against Holy Cross on Oct. 7-8 from Ralph Engelstad Arena.
