GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- It took freshman Corban Knight (High River, Alberta)less than one full game as a college hockey player to learn that big goals and big words go hand in hand.

 "It's surreal,'' Knight said after scoring his first college goal and winning the coveted hard-hat award from his teammates for his all-around performance in North Dakota's 5-2 victory on Friday Night over Merrimack in the non-conference season opener for both teams at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

 Knight's rebound goal at 10:57 of the third period followed by 41 seconds a goal by senior center Chris VandeVelde (Moorhead, Minn.) that staked the Fighting Sioux to a 4-2 lead over the Warriors.

 Even before VandeVelde's goal could be announced on the public address system, Knight brought a roar from a crowd of 11,135 with his goal 41 seconds later, putting the Sioux firmly in charge.

  "You always dream of scoring the first goal at any level,'' Knight said. "At the collegiate level, it's very high, high on my list.

 '' What's bigger, winning the hard-hat award for his gritty play, or scoring his first college goal? "I don't know,'' Knight said. "This hat's a pretty big honor, but I think the goal has to take that one.''

 Sophomore goalie Brad Eidsness (Chestermere, Alberta) finished with 15 saves, give in each period.

  Read the full story and see the video of Corbin's goal here.