Dec. 4—GRAND FORKS — Dane Jackson has watched plenty of UND hockey players emerge as offensive weapons at different times during their college careers.But he couldn’t quite remember one like Ben Strinden.The UND senior forward surpassed his previous career highs in goals and points by the end of a November he won’t soon forget.Strinden tallied seven goals and 12 points during the month, two shy of the national lead. All but one came at 5-on-5.Strinden was named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s Forward of the Month.”I’ve seen in the past, guys from Year 1 to Year 2 take big steps,” Jackson said. “It’s pretty rare for guys to take a big step from their junior year to their senior year. Maybe that’s on us as a staff that we underutilized him beforehand. We knew he was a good player and was going to be a strong player for us, but to be this dynamic, I can’t say we saw this coming.”Strinden, a Fargo product, sits atop UND’s scoring lead with nine goals and 17 points.He takes a four-game goal streak into this weekend’s series at St. Cloud State (7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday).”I think I’ve always had a belief in myself,” Strinden said. “I’m very fortunate to get a little more opportunity this year thanks to the coaches. Obviously, the team is playing well, which helps tremendously. I’m just playing free and having fun.”Strinden, who had 17 goals and 37 points in 99 collegiate games entering this season, said he’s been reflective during his final year of college hockey.”It’s such a blessing to play here at North Dakota every day,” Strinden said. “I’ve taken a little step back and had a little bit more perspective this year, being my senior year. I’m just trying to enjoy every day at the rink with the guys and enjoy every game.”Strinden’s production has come despite changing linemates.He started the month on the team’s third line with Cody Croal and Ollie Josephson. But as a wave of injuries hit the Fighting Hawks, he was elevated to the top line with Cole Reschny and Dylan James.”The great thing about our team is you could put anyone with anyone and I think it would work out pretty well,” Strinden said. “Everyone’s so skilled. Everyone can jump into the first line, the fourth line, and do a great job.”Strinden has been the tone-setter for the No. 5-ranked Fighting Hawks.The Nashville Predators draft pick has scored their first goal in four straight games. He did it in an exhibition game, too, which was sandwiched in between the last two regular-season series.In conference play, Strinden has six goals in six games, tying Minnesota Duluth’s Max Plante for the league lead. Plante has played two more league games than Strinden.”Ben’s really never had a chance to play on our power play or with top players,” Jackson said. “We’ve always seen that he’s a powerful, strong skater with a good shot. He’s putting himself in good spots and he’s playing with guys who have the ability to find him. He’s one-timing pucks. That’s a huge thing to be able to shoot off the pass. Ben does that as well as anybody on our team. He’s been consistent getting to the inside and it’s on-and-off his tape quickly.”Another sign of UND’s depth this season: Will Zellers, who does not play in Strinden’s line, also earned a major NCHC honor this week.Zellers was named the NCHC Rookie of the Month.Zellers scored seven goals in seven games in November. He now has nine goals and 13 points this season.”There are so many people behind the scenes that help make this program run,” Zellers said. “I think it’s a testament to what works here and how North Dakota can continuously produce high-end hockey players every year. I’m happy everyone else is starting to notice it, too.”UND (10-4) enters this weekend ranked eighth nationally in goals per game.”It’s nice to see guys in a good headspace,” Jackson said. “Guys are feeling confident, feeling comfortable, feeling good about themselves. That’s always a huge part. You’re always trying to push and challenge guys, but that piece of feeling good and feeling strong about where you’re at is one of the biggest things in any sport. The fact that our guys seem like they’re in a good spot is really nice for our staff to see.”