The Rickwood Factor

 

One of the bigger moves of the off-season was the acquisition of Ellis Rickwood. The senior forward from Brantford, Ontario, has been a big factor in UND’s success. He plays big minutes (16:10 TOI/PG) and takes key draws in crucial moments of the game. In November, he was hurt and missed five games. Upon is return to the lineup, Rickwood has scored (2g-8a—10pts), and scored (1g-5a—6pts) against Mercyhurst.

What was it like for Rickwood to join a new team as one of the older guys?

“It was a hard decision for me, but I knew I was always a better player when I was comfortable in my spot, Rickwood said. “Right when I came in the summer, I didn’t hold back. I just started chirping guys, getting into guys, and that summer program really helped. Not only for me, but for the young guys, it felt like we had known each other for a long time by the start of the training camp.

“Yeah, that was a big thing for me. I didn’t want to hold back. I wanted to be myself. There’s nothing left out of this year. In my senior year, I got to leave it on the table. It was just that mentality to give it all I got. And yeah, that’s worked out so far.”

Coach Jackson was asked how he ended up recruiting Rickwood when he entered the portal.

“I remember when he was playing in Victoria, he was a big, strong, good player,” Jackson said. “He still had rough edges. He was a younger guy, but you kind of saw the hockey sense. I still had his number in my phone from when we talked to their coaches years ago. When we saw him go in there, we called on the first day.

“He’s a really good hockey player, but he’s also a really good teammate and a neat person. He’s a guy who just fits right into our room and has been a huge addition on the ice, but, as importantly, as a culture and a leader. He’s a well-liked teammate. He comes and competes every day, and he drives things with how he does things.”

One thing is certain: Rickwood has been a valuable addition to the UND hockey team.  

Check out Rickwood's goal on Saturday night to open the scoring for the UND hockey team.  

What a pass and what a finish! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/K1qzGsaqgh

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) January 4, 2026