Jackson Keane requested to be pulled from Saturday’s lineup so all the seniors could play

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UND captain Colton Poolman hugs his dad, hockey athletic trainer Mark Poolman Grand Forks Herald | James Alexander Michie

UND captain Colton Poolman hugs his dad, hockey athletic trainer Mark Poolman, after the Fighting Hawks bested Western Michigan 2-1 in overtime Saturday night at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Nick Nelson / Grand Forks Herald

Jackson Keane was supposed to be in the lineup Saturday.

The UND junior forward played an outstanding game in Friday’s 3–1 win over Western Michigan, setting up the first goal with a slick pass through a defender to spring a two-on-one rush.

Keane’s teammates recognized his outstanding night by awarding him the hard hat, which goes to their choice for player of the game.

It was a breakthrough moment for Keane, who had been in-and-out of the lineup all year. Since October, Keane had only played on back-to-back nights one time. But after four months of scratching and clawing for a lineup spot, he had finally earned a spot for an entire series.

“Automatic,” UND coach Brad Berry said. “Boom. I had him going in the lineup.”

That was until something remarkable happened Saturday morning.

Berry was sitting in the UND coaches room at ice level, preparing for the series finale against Western Michigan. It was Senior Night, an evening where the seniors are recognized with their parents before the game and with a video tribute after the game.

More important, UND had a chance to win the Penrose Cup as National Collegiate Hockey Conference regular-season champions with a victory.

Berry heard three knocks on the door.

It was Keane.

“Hey coach,” Keane said. “I know you’re going to have some hard decisions here. I just want you to know that I want to give up my spot if you’re thinking about sitting a senior. It’s their night. I want you to put them in the lineup.”

Berry was caught off guard.

“It took me back,” he said. “I got a little emotional.”

Berry responded: “Thanks Keaner. Just to let you know, I planned on playing you tonight. I haven’t made a decision yet. I’ll let you know.”

Berry sat back and thought about what happened.

“I’ll tell you what, I don’t know if I’ve ever been prouder,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of proud moments here. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt any prouder.

“You can tell who he’s the son of. He’s the son of Mike and Tammy Keane, who brought their son up the right way. His dad has been through a lot. He’s won three Stanley Cups with three different teams for a reason. There’s a reason why he acts like that.”

Berry went up to Keane later and told him his decision.

Keane was out. All seven seniors were in.

During the pregame meal, Berry told the rest of the team what Keane did that morning.

“I think it caught some guys by surprise a little bit,” Berry said. “I think it just reinforced what our culture is here. It’s a team-first thing. It’s respect for other people. I think it’s pretty special what he did, especially at this time of year, when everybody wants to be in the lineup. I know he does, too.”

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Source: Brad Elliott Schlossman | Grand Forks Herald

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