Gophers have another 3 point weekend

This is the stuff from the New HAmpshire weekend... I didn't get to se a majority of it, but the night I saw it the Gophers were playing bad.

FRIDAY
1st scoring
NH Phil DeSimone James van Riemsdyk

1st Penalties
NH Phil DeSimone Hooking

2nd scoring
MINN Jordan Schroeder Ryan Stoa/David Fischer
NH Peter LeBlanc Jerry Pollastron/Kevin Kapstad

2nd Penalties
MINN Cade Fairchild High Sticking
Ryan Flynn Roughing
Mike Carman Roughing
NH Greg Collins Roughing
Nick Krates Roughing

3rd Scoring
MINN Jay Barriball Cade Fairchild/Ryan Stoa

3rd Penalties
NH Thomas Fortney Holding
Damon Kipp Hooking
Jamie Fritsch Tripping
MINN Ryan Stoa Interference

Saves
Brian Foster 39 Saves
Alex Kangas 35 Saves

Three Stars
1. Brian Foster
2. Alex Kangas
3. Ryan Stoa

SATURDAY
1st Scoring
MINN Cade Fairchild Jordan Schroeder
Mike Hoeffel Jordan Schroeder/Cade Fairchild
NH Mike Sislo Danny Dries/James van Riemsdyk

1st Penalties
NH Greg Collins Hooking
Damon Kipp Tipping
Mike Sislo Roughing
MINN Ryan Flynn Slashing
Ryan Flynn Holding

2nd Scoring
NH James van Riemsdyk Phil DeSimone/Danny Dries

2nd Penalties
NH Kevin Kapstad Interference
Jerry Pollastrone Roughing
Jerry Pollastrone Cross Checking

MINN Mike Carman Holding
Justin Bostrom Roughing
Brian Schack Roughing

3rd Scoring
MINN Ryan Stoa Aaron Ness
Ryan Flynn Mike Carman/David Fischer
Taylor Matson David Fischer/Aaron Ness
Ryan Flynn David Fischer/Tony Lucia

3rd Penalties
NH Danny Dries Hooking
Blake Kessel Slashing
Greg Collins Unsportsmanlike Conduct
MINN Justin Bostrom Tripping
Mike Carman Hooking

SAVES
Brian Foster 28 Saves
Alex Kangas 26 Saves

Gophers take 3 points in Wisconsin

0-4... 0-6 NOW!!! Hahahaha. But I was right it was a good series, you know the usual, fighting, goals, penalties, and bad refs. They called EVERYTHING. Oh my god, it was getting to the point where I wanted to go call the game myself. I swear the refs call so many penalties because they want face time on T.V. I mean COME ON! This is a hockey game! Anyway, the Gophers tied on Friday night, just barely. The came out with a lack of energy, while the badgers were ready to go. The Gophers finlly picked it up but by then were down by two goals. It's hard to come back from a 2-0 start in someone elses arena, especially Wisconsin's. Saturday night the Gophers came out harder and more agressive, that was evident by the Ryan Stoa goals, the 6 second one and the one later in the period. Boy, did we miss him last year... But no need to dwell on last year. This year is appon us and the Gophers are still undefeated coming in to this weekend vs Mankato *knocks on wood*. Should be a great series, look for the Mavericks to be out for revenge after the play-off elimination the Gophers handed them in March.
Here are some notes I had on the game frm saturday:
1st period:
*Go Ryan! X2
*Taylor Matson is my unsung hero so far this year.
*Cade Fairchild looked great, moving the puck and deking guys out
2nd Period:
*Why is the ref calling interference on hits.. they are hits... THIS IS HOCKEY!
*Carmen had a ton of shots
Aaron Ness falls a lot. He didn't have as much of a problem in the third... I'm guessing skates
*Alex was a GOD!!!
*Badgers= when it isn't working, the puck ain't going in...
*R.J. Anderson and Kevin Wehrs are beasts this year. They are always protecting Alex which I think is awesome.
3rd Period:
*What the hell was the ref doing when Patrick White was getting punched in the back of the head!
*Totally blew our power play we were supposed to have on the 5 minute major..
*The ref needs glasses, these penalties are stupid, on BOTH sides
* I don't remember the last time I saw so many checking from behind penalties
*Aaron Ness is constantly getting knocked over.. and thrown into benches...

FRIDAY @ Wisconsin
1st Period Scoring
WISC: Podge Turnbull Rom Gorowsky/Patrick Johnson

1st Period Penalties:
WISC: Jordy Murray Hooking
Matt Thurber Roughing
Tom Gorowsky Hooking

MINN: Justin Bostrom Checking from Behind
Sam Lofquist Roughing

2nd Period Scoring:
WISC: Brendan Smith Michael Davies/Jamie McBain
MINN: Ryan Stoa Jay Barriball/Nico Sacchetti

2nd Period Penalties:
MINN: Sam Lofquist Hooking
Mike Hoeffel Holding the Stick
Jordan Schroeder Interference
Cade Fairchild Cross-Checking
Ryan Flynn Slashing
Cade Fairchild Interference
Kevin Wehrs High Sticking

WISC: Sean Dolan Hooking
Michael Davies OI?
Jordy Murray Interference
Ryan McDonagh High Sticking
Blake Geoffrion Interference

3rd Period Scoring:
MINN: Sam Lofquist Nico Sacchetti/Patrick White

3rd Period Penalties:
WISC: Ryan McDonagh Slashing
Patrick Johnson Holding
Derek Stepan Hooking

MINN: Tony Lucia Hooking

SAVES:
Alex Kangas 18 Saves
Shane Connelly 34 Saves

SATURDAY @ Wisconsin
1st Scoring
Minn:
Ryan Stoa -
Ryan Stoa Jay Barriball/Mike Hoeffel

1st Penalties:
Minn: Mike Carmen Boarding
Tony Lucia Roughing
Ryan Flynn Slashing
Justin Bostrom Roughing
Kevin Wehrs Roughing
Nico Sacchetti Hooking
Mike Carmen Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Wisc: Brendan Smith Roughing
Cody Goloubef Cross-Checking
Matt Thurber Roughing
Andy Bohmbach Roughing
Tom Gorowsky Roughing
Blake Geoffrion Slashing
Brendan Smith Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Patrick Johnson Boarding

2nd Scoring:
Minn: Mike Hoeffel Cade Fairchild

2nd Penalties:
Wisc: Sean Dolan Charging
Podge Turnbull Interference
Brendan Smith Elbowing


Minn:Ryan Flynn Holding
Patrick White Checking from Behind

3rd Scoring:
MINN:
Tony Lucia Mike Carmen
Jay Barriball -

WISC:
Matt Thurber Derek Stepan/Ryan McDonagh
Podge Turnball -

3rd Penalties
Sean Dolan Roughing
John Mitchell Roughing
Sean Dolan Roughing
John Mitchell Roughing
Ryan Little Roughing
Ryan Little Roughing
Ryan Little Interference
Ben Grotting 5 Min Major/ Disqailification

Nico Sacchetti Roughing
Nico Sacchetti Roughing
Cade Fairchild Roughing
Cade Fairchild Roughing
David Fischer Roughing
David Fischer Roughing
David Fischer IG?
Patrick White Roughing
R.J. Anderson Interference
Tony Lucia Tripping


Saves:
Alex Kangas 36 Saves
Shane Connely 23 Saves

Roster/ Schedule

I haven't put these up here yet and I figured it would be a good idea. So here you go!

6   R.J. Anderson D 6-0 197 Sr. Lino Lakes, Minn.  (Centennial HS)
26   Jay Barriball F 5-9 156 Jr. Prior Lake, Minn.  (Academy of Holy Angels)  (Sioux Falls - USHL)
14   Justin Bostrom F 5-9 172 Sr. Vadnais Heights, Minn.  (Mounds View HS)  (Sioux City - USHL)
16   Mike Carman F 6-0 175 Jr. Apple Valley, Minn.  (Academy of Holy Angels)  (USNDT)
24   Michael Dorr F 5-10 180 Fr. Roseville, Minn.  (Roseville HS)  (Des Moines - USHL)
28   Cade Fairchild D 5-11 186 So. Duluth, Minn.  (Duluth East HS)  (USNDT)
20   David Fischer D 6-3 192 Jr. Apple Valley, Minn.  (Apple Valley HS)
25   Drew Fisher F 6-3 207 So. International Falls, Minn.  (Moorhead HS)  (Sioux Falls - USHL)
22   Ryan Flynn F 6-3 210 Jr. Lino Lakes, Minn.  (Centennial HS)  (USNDT)
21   Jake Hansen F 6-2 182 Fr. White Bear Lake, Minn.  (White Bear Lake HS)  (Sioux Falls - USHL)
11   Mike Hoeffel F 6-2 190 So. North Oaks, Minn.  (Hill-Murray HS)  (USNDT)
33   Alex Kangas G 6-2 190 So. Rochester, Minn.  (Rochester Century HS)  (Indiana - USHL)
30   Jake Kremer G 6-1 190 Fr. Eden Prairie, Minn.  (Eden Prairie HS)  (Bismarck - NAHL)
18   Nick Larson F 6-1 180 Fr. Stillwater, Minn.  (Hill-Murray HS)  (Omaha - USHL)
3   Sam Lofquist D 6-1 190 Fr. Faribault, Minn.  (Shattuck St. Mary's)  (USNDT)
12   Tony Lucia F 6-0 175 Jr. Plymouth, Minn.  (Wayzata HS)  (Omaha - USHL)
9   Taylor Matson F 6-0 185 Fr. Mound, Minn.  (Academy of Holy Angels)  (Des Moines - USHL)
15   Joe Miller F 5-11 195 Fr. Plymouth, Minn.  (Wayzata HS)  (Sioux City - USHL)
10   Aaron Ness D 5-10 170 Fr. Roseau, Minn.  (Roseau HS)
35   Kent Patterson G 6-1 180 Fr. Plymouth, Minn.  (Blake School)  (Cedar Rapids - USHL)
13   Nico Sacchetti F 6-0 186 Fr. Virginia, Minn.  (Virginia HS)  (Omaha - USHL)
27   Brian Schack D 6-2 225 Jr. Lino Lakes, Minn.  (Totino-Grace HS)  (Southern Minnesota - NAHL)
19   Jordan Schroeder F 5-8 165 Fr. Prior Lake, Minn.  (St. Thomas Academy)  (USNDT)
32   Grant Scott D 6-3 205 Fr. Sewickley, Penn.  (Shady Side Academy)  (USNDT)
29   Ryan Stoa F 6-3 217 Jr. Bloomington, Minn.  (Bloomington Kennedy HS)  (USNDT)
2   Kevin Wehrs D 5-9 165 So. Plymouth, Minn.  (Wayzata HS)  (Cedar Rapids - USHL)
7   Patrick White F 6-1 190 So. Grand Rapids, Minn.  (Grand Rapids HS)  (Tri-City - USHL)


SCHEDULE:


Date Opponent Location Time (CST) Results Media
  Fri, Oct 10  Univ. of British Columbia (exhibition) Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
  Fri, Oct 17  St. Cloud State * at St. Cloud, Minn.   7:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Oct 18  St. Cloud State * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Oct 24  Wisconsin * at Madison, Wis.   7:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Oct 25  Wisconsin * at Madison, Wis.   7:07 PM
Big Ten Network
  Fri, Oct 31  Minnesota State * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
State of Minnesota Hockey Showcase   Sat, Nov 01  Minnesota Duluth vs. St.Cloud State * at Xcel Energy Center   4:07 PM
  Sat, Nov 01  Minnesota State * at Xcel Energy Center   7:37 PM
FSN
  Fri, Nov 07  New Hampshire Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Nov 08  New Hampshire Mariucci Arena   6:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Nov 15  Michigan Tech * Mariucci Arena   1:07 PM
FSN
  Sun, Nov 16  Michigan Tech * Mariucci Arena   1:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Nov 21  Denver * at Denver, Colo.   8:37 PM
FSN
  Sat, Nov 22  Denver * at Denver, Colo.   8:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Nov 28  Michigan Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
Big Ten Network
  Sat, Nov 29  Michigan State Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
Big Ten Network
  Sat, Dec 13  Colorado College * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Sun, Dec 14  Colorado College * Mariucci Arena   4:07 PM
FSN
Dodge Holiday Classic   Fri, Jan 02  Northeastern vs. Western Michigan at Mariucci Arena   4:07 PM
  Fri, Jan 02  Brown Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Jan 03  Brown vs. Northeastern/W. Michigan at Mariucci Arena   4:07 PM
  Sat, Jan 03  Northeastern/W. Michigan Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Jan 09  North Dakota * at Grand Forks, N.D.   7:37 PM
FSN
  Sat, Jan 10  North Dakota * at Grand Forks, N.D.   7:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Jan 16  St. Cloud State * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Jan 17  St. Cloud State * at St. Cloud, Minn.   5:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Jan 30  Minnesota State * at Mankato, Minn.   7:37 PM
FSN
  Sat, Jan 31  Minnesota State * Mariucci Arena   6:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Feb 06  Wisconsin * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
Big Ten Network
  Sat, Feb 07  Wisconsin * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Feb 13  Alaska Anchorage * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Feb 14  Alaska Anchorage * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Feb 20  Colorado College * at Colorado Springs, Colo.   8:37 PM
FSN
  Sat, Feb 21  Colorado College * at Colorado Springs, Colo.   8:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Feb 27  Minnesota Duluth * Mariucci Arena   7:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Feb 28  Minnesota Duluth * Mariucci Arena   6:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Mar 06  Michigan Tech * at Houghton, Mich.   6:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Mar 07  Michigan Tech * at Houghton, Mich.   6:07 PM
FSN
WCHA First Round   Fri, Mar 13  TBA TBA   TBA
FSN
  Sat, Mar 14  TBA TBA   TBA
FSN
  Sun, Mar 15  TBA TBA   TBA
FSN

WCHA Final Five   Thu, Mar 19  TBA at Xcel Energy Center   7:07 PM
FSN
  Fri, Mar 20  TBA at Xcel Energy Center   2:07 PM or 7:07 PM
FSN
  Sat, Mar 21  TBA at Xcel Energy Center   2:07 PM or 7:07 PM
FSN
NCAA Regional   Fri, Mar 27  TBA Mariucci Arena   TBA
ESPNU
  Sat, Mar 28  TBA Mariucci Arena   TBA
ESPNU
NCAA Frozen Four   Thu, Apr 09  TBA at Washington, D.C.   TBA
ESPN2
Sat, Apr 11  TBA at Washington, D.C.   TBA ESPN

Gophers open season, WCHA with sweep

So I guess really the Gophers were back last weekend (since I'm behind). But no matter what weekend it really was the Gophers played great this weekend. Both first periods they came out fired up and energized. I really like when tDon starts the all junior line of Lucia-Carmen-Flynn. They always seem to get three shots on their first shift. They looked good this weekend. Actually the whole Junior class did with Mike Carmen, Tony Lucia, Ryan Stoa, and Jay Barriball pitching in goals. I agree with Don Lucia when he says the Junior class needs to lead the team. I thought they definitly did this weekend. Other topics, Special teams were great, The Gophers had a nice power play. They have guys such as Jordan Schroeder and Aaron Ness that can move the puck, and it's already helped. The Gophs move the puck a lot better this year, I have also noticed they shoot more. The only thing that I see a lot of is players dinking around trying to dangle through three players. The Gophs are good at dump and chase, they should try that a little more than trying to do it all themselves. We killed a lot of penalties this weekend, specificly Friday. I have no idea what game the refs were watching but it wasn't ours. I'm not just saying this for the Gophers, there were a couple questionable calls on both sides. The new rules, some are okay others I don't like. I HATE THE ICING RULE! I always thought that was lame. It takes away from the game anyway, nothing exciting happens when the teams are gased. The ref rule we kind of had a taste of last year. I don't mind it so much, but the whole protecting the skaters thing gets old when there is a penalty every two seconds. When that happens it's not a hockey game, it's a basketball game. On the topic of the protecting the skaters thing, that doesn't really work if you call hooks, slashes, and trips but you don't call CHECKING FROM BEHIND! It doesn't work that way, you don't just watch for the little things that slow a guy down, you also look for the major things that could send him to the hospital! End of rant. Anyway the Gophers are playing the Badgers next(Tonight =p). This should be a good series hopefully. The Badgers may be 0-4 but it never matters how bad these teams are, they always find a way to make it a good series!

GOPHERS @ ST.CLOUD FRIDAY
1st Period Scoring:
MINN: Tony Lucia Mike Carmen/Ryan Flynn
SCSU: John Swanson Jared Festler/Sam Zabkowicz

1st Period Penalties:
SCSU: Chris Hepp Interference
Garret Roe Slashing
Travis Novak Tripping
David Carlisle Roughing

MINN: Mike Carmen Slashing
Cade Fairchild Interference
Jay Barriball Roughing
Mike Hoeffle FM... I don't know what that means.

2nd Period Scoring:
MINN Ryan Stoa Jorda Schroeder/David Fischer

2nd Period Penalties:
SCSU Chris Hepp Tripping

MINN: Jake Hansen Cross-Checking
Mike Carmen Hooking
Tony Lucia Boarding
Cade Fairchild Cross-Checking

3rd Period Scoring:
MINN: Mike Carmen Jordan Schroeder/Ryan Stoa
SCSU: Garret Raboin Garret Roe/Jared Festler

3rd Period Penalties:
SCSU: Aaron Marvin Tripping
Jared Festler Hooking

MINN: Patrick White Tripping
Mike Carmen Interference
Mike Hoeffel Charging
R.J. Anderson Hooking

SAVES:
Alex Kangas 22 Saves
Jase Weslowsky 32 Saves

Three Stars
1. Ryan Stoa
2. Mike Carmen
3. Jordan Schroeder

GOPHERS VS ST. CLOUD SATURDAY
1st Period Scoring
MINN: Mike Carmen Ryan Flynn

1st Period Penalties:
MINN: Mike Hoeffel Hooking
Mike Carmen Boarding
Ryan Flynn Roughing
Ryan Stoa Interference

SCSU: Brent Borgen Tripping
Garret Roe Kneeing... =)
Aaron Marvin Cross-Checking
Ryan Lasch Slashing
David Carlisle Holding

2nd Period Scoring:
NONE

2nd Period Penalties
SCSU: Ryan Peckskamp Hooking
Ryan Lasch Holding

3rd Period Scoring:
MINN Jay BarriballJordan Schroeder/Ryan Stoa
SCSU: Drew LeBlanc Travis Novak

3rd Period Penalties
MINN: Jay Barriball High Sticking
Tony Lucia Tripping

SCSU: Aaron Marvin Slashing

Saves:
Alex Kangas 27 Saves
Jase Weslowsky 28 Saves

Three Stars
1. Alex Kangas
2. Jay Barriball
3. Jase Weslowsky

GOPHER HOCKEY IS BAAAAAACCCCKK!!

Thank the lord that hockey is back. I don't care about football. I do like the twins but I still prefer Gopher hockey anyday. So the Gophers had their exhibition game against UBC. I was at the game and overall I thought we looked good. We definitly had problems finishing, but that will come with timing and getting back into playing games. The freshman who impressed me the most was hands down Aaron Ness, with Jordan Schroeder being the next best. Aaron Ness is fast. He may be small but he sure makes up for it with skill and speed. The two on one that they were scored on was no big deal. Yeah, it was a short handed goal but he was making calls as to who should take who. Jordan Schroeder was also making plays and skating very well. I thought that David Fischer and Kevin Wehrs looked fantastiv out there. David Fischer has really improved. I personally nver thought there was anything wrong with him. Yeah he makes questionable plays and he's not an offensive minded D. There is nothing wrong with that. I think people are so critical of him because we are used to watching players like Mike Vannelli and alex Goligoski. Anyway, we had many power play oppertunities. We didn't score on any of them but it already looked substantionally better than last year, not that that takes much. Overall we look like we will be having a fun year of Gopher hockey. Here's to a Frozen Four berth!

GOPHER VS UBC
First Period Scoring
Minn: Ryan Flynn Mike Carman/R.J. Anderson

First Period Penalties:
Minn: Mike Carman Holding
Michael Dorr Interference
UBC: Darrel May Tripping
Scott Lynch Tripping

Second Period Scoring:
Minn: R.J. Anderson Tony Lucia/Mike Carman
Patrick White -

Second Period Penalties:
UBC: John Flatters Holding
Matt Pepe Roughing
Matt Pepe Slashing
Matt Allen Hooking

MINN: Nico Sacchetti Slashing

Third Period Scoring
UBC: Tyler Ruel -

Third Period Penalties
Minn: Ryan Flynn Cross-Checking
David Fischer Unsportsmanlike Conduct

UBC: Darrell May Unsportsmanlike Conduct

SAVES
Alex Kangas 10 saves
Kent Patterson 5 saves
Gerry Festa 19 Saves
Franceis Thuot 22 Saves

SHOTS:
UBC: 16
MINN: 44

SENIORS, SENIORS!

I'm so ready for hockey to start it's unbelievable. The start of a new season brings the hope for another national championship, another chance to be the best in the nation. In the years that have followed the two national championships, we have put together great teams that have made it so close yet so far. This year it maybe a different story. With the likes of Aaron Ness, Taylor Matson, and Jordan Schroeder, the Gophers look to make it to the Frozen Four after a three-year absence. Although with this new season we have new talent coming in, we are losing some players, that maybe wouldn't be considered standouts, but important none the less. Now lets take a look back at our departing seniors.

Brent Solei: First off what a classy guy. He comes in from Elk River high school knowing that he will only be a practice goalie. Maybe even an exhibition goalie. He never complained, he took his role on the team, and made the best of it. When I see people like Brent and then people, I’m sure I don’t have to say who, bitch about the ice time they get, it pisses me off. You may have been drafted in the first round, but if your not playing good then you don't deserve to play. I'm just going to leave it at that, because this is about Brent.

Although Brent wasn't brought here to be a game goalie he got his chance this year. Brent was a great team player and the way he interacted with the guys was awesome. He may not have been our number one goalie but he was still a great Gopher and he still will be missed.

Ben Gordon: Ben Gordon ,what isn't there to say about him. I think he was underrated. I always enjoyed watching him play with Blake Wheeler and Jay Barriball. I think he played the role that the coaching staff wanted him to. His role, to me, was more to set up players, be on the power play, but at the same time to score goals. Ben came through multiple times when the Gophers needed a goal. Not just this year but previous years also. This year he was asked to step up as a leader and he did. He was ranked second on the team in scoring with 15 goals to add up to 29 points on the season. With the year the Gophers had, Ben did great.

Mike Howe: Mike was sick a lot his freshman year but came back to assist on Barry Tallackson's overtime goal to send the Gophers to their most recent Frozen Four appearance. Mike was a consistent player. You could expect the status quo from him, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In his defense, he did have many health problems in his years as a Gopher. He missed seven games his Freshman year with an illness. He had a knee injury when the Gophers went to the West regional in 2007 and this past year he suffered a concussion. But despite all of that, he was a great player. We rarely ever think of the third and fourth line players as amazing players. But just because they aren't goal scorers or top line people doesn't mean they don't make their impact on the team. Even a little play can make an impact in the game. Those little impacts that Mike made in his years were what made him a great hockey player and what got him the unsung hero award this year. Mike was also a great student and a great guy.

Evan Kaufmann: Evan was one of my favorite Gopher players to watch. I was always confident in him and his play. He had great hands, great skills, and a great shot. He was never a top line kind of player but he still was one of the best players on the team this past year. He put his senior leadership out on the ice, consistently being a great player. The most important thing about Evan is that he was put into roles that didn't quite fit him, yet he still succeeded. I loved watching how hard Evan played and how much he loved to play hockey. Those are the kind of players that you want on your team. Along with being a great player he was also a great student.

Derek Peltier: Derek was our captain this year. If you would have told Gopher fans a couple years ago I doubt anyone would have believed it. Even last year, before the departure, people would have though Alex Goligoski was it. When Goligoski went pro, it left Derek as a great candidate. Despite the criticism that Derek got this year, he stepped up. With out a doubt he became a leader and held on through a bumpy season. When he was here, he wasn't a goal scorer, when you look at his stats; his overall points consisted of 15 goals and 58 assists. Most coaches will say assists are more important than goals. This year a huge burden was put on his shoulders to lead the team and the young defensive core. When the season started off slow many people questioned if Peltier had it in him, if he was the right choice for captain. As soon as he adjusted to playing against the top lines; Derek because a consistently, hard checking, moving people out of the way, defensemen. He was put into roles he probably wouldn't have been if it there had been no early departures. Much like the other seniors in his class, Derek did what was asked of him and played hard, well, and with pride of being a Minnesota Golden Gopher.

Tom Pohl: Tom Pohl will probably not be remembered for his play on the ice. He will most likely be remembered for the career-ending check during the WCHA play-offs in Mankato. Pohl suffered a fractured skull and underwent surgery the same night. Although it's sad that Pohl had to end his career that way, it may have fueled the Gophers end of the season run. Pohl was an outstanding student and he was the most carefree guy on the Gopher roster. He never complained about his lack of playing time nor did he ever make a fuss about where he played. He was just happy to be a Gopher. Even after the career-ending hit, Pohl never blamed or lashed out at the Mankato player who hit him. Tom was an outstanding person who was well like by his teammates and coaches. He was the free spirit of the locker room, the one who was still thankful and humble even after his horrific injury.

All the seniors this year brought their own ingredient to the mix that makes up a team. Although they will all be missed and remembered individually in different ways; as a whole, the class of 2008 will be remembered for their spirit, pride, and their will to stick together when nothing is going as planned.

Bickel signs with the Ducks

I have to admit I laughed when I read that on GPL. Bickel? I mean I get how he was a 21 year old freshman and all.. but he didn't do that great for us this year. Then again he was asked to be a better defenseman than he was. But still. I don't understand first of all why everyone is leaving college so early. The money will be there when your done, and what happens if you get hurt? No college degree and your left with dittly. I was just looking at the signing bonus he got. He got the same amount of money that Erik Johnson got for signing. Or maybe it was Kyle Okposo. $85,000. I love how Lucia was quoted as saying Bickel would be a four year maybe captain for the Gophers. Totally putting on the guilt there. I don't get why he signed to play in the minors. I mean i honestly don't think he will be missed that much but hey what do I know. But we do have some defensemen coming in that are highly talented, most notable Aaron Ness. Maybe Bickel sensed that he wouldn't be such an impact player. I don't know. What ever happens for him , best of luck. Another player gone and another point for the NHL.

BICKEL ARTICLE FROM PIONEER PRESS:

Gophers' Bickel turns pro, surprising Lucia

No one, not Don Lucia and not Stu Bickel himself, expected Gophers defenseman Bickel to sign a pro contract and leave the University of Minnesota men's hockey team after one season.

"It was a surprise to me, the offer that they made," Bickel said after signing a three-year free-agent contract with the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. "It was tough to turn down."

Bickel, a 21-year-old from Chanhassen who was not drafted, signed a deal reportedly worth the maximum, including an $85,000 signing bonus and a two-way contract that will pay him approximately $67,500 if he plays, as expected, for the Ducks' American Hockey League affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa.

"Whatever level I end up at, I'm just going to continue to improve," said Bickel, a bruising 6-foot-3, 210-pounder who had one goal and six assists for the Gophers in his first season. "I think I will begin my development in the American League."

Lucia, the Gophers' coach, said he was surprised to learn that the Ducks had made an offer to Bickel.

"When we were recruiting Stu, we thought he'd be a four-year guy and a captain for us," Lucia said. "He had a great year for us; he exceeded all our expectations this year. We're going to miss him.

"It's hard for me when it looks like a guy will play in the minors. I hope it works out for him."

A forward who converted to defense after a season with the Southern Minnesota Express of the NAHL and played one season with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the U.S. Hockey League, Bickel will be playing for his sixth team in six seasons. Before going to the NAHL, he played his senior season at Eden Prairie High School and his junior season at Minnetonka High School.

Bickel joins Blake Wheeler and Jeff Frazee as players to leave Minnesota with eligibility remaining since the end of the past season.

Lucia said the Gophers expect to have eight defensemen next season: R.J. Anderson, Cade Fairchild, Kevin Wehrs, David Fischer, Aaron Ness, Brian Schack, Sam Lofquist and Grant Scott.

Wheeler, the Gophers' leading scorer last season, signed with the Boston Bruins. Terms were not disclosed.

Wheeler had announced he was turning pro after three seasons at Minnesota. He was drafted fifth overall by Phoenix in 2004 but didn't sign with the Coyotes. Last season, he led the Gophers in scoring with 15 goals and 20 assists. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Wheeler finished his college career with 42 goals and 54 assists in 127 games.

Frazee, who had one year's eligibility left, signed with New Jersey after last season and played for the Devils' minor league team in Lowell, Mass.

End of the year awards

Press Release:

Goaltender Alex Kangas was rewarded for his record-setting season as just the third freshman in University of Minnesota men’s hockey history to earn the team’s Most Valuable Player award at Saturday’s team awards banquet at Mariucci Arena.

Kangas joins forward Thomas Vanek in 2002-03 and goaltender Murray McLachlan in 1967-68 as the only first-year team MVP’s in Gopher history. The team has awarded an MVP, named after former player and coach John Mariucci, since 1955-56.

Kangas was also named the team’s Frank Pond Rookie of the Year and Tom Mohr Playoff MVP after setting single-season school records with a 1.98 goals against average and .930 save percentage. Vanek also captured all three of the awards during his freshman year, while McLachlan went on to be the team’s only three-time MVP.

Kangas, a Rochester native, was the MVP of the WCHA Final Five and started the last 21 games of the season. Kangas ranked sixth nationally in goals against and seventh in save percentage, including second among all freshman goalies in the country.

The other team awards were dominated by the team’s senior class with five seniors receiving individual honors. Senior goaltender Brent Solei received the team’s Mike Crupi Most Determined Player award for the second consecutive year, while senior forward Tom Pohl was a repeat selection for the Donald Clark Community Service Award.

Senior forward Mike Howe was named the Dr. V. George Nagobads Unsung Hero and senior captain and defenseman Derek Peltier earned the Elwin Romnes Leadership and Sportsmanship Award. Senior forward Evan Kaufmann received the John Mayasich Outstanding Student-Athlete Award.

Solei, a Coon Rapids native, has been traditionally the team's hardest working player over his four seasons and made the most of his only career start against Wayne State on Jan. 4 with 28 saves. Including exhibitions, he was 4-0 for his career for a 1.20 goals against average.

Pohl, a Red Wing native, had the best season of his four-year career with the Gophers, playing in 34 games. He scored the game-tying goal this year against Air Force and totaled 15 points in 73 career games. He was a WCHA scholar athlete and all-academic team selection.

Howe ranked third on the team in scoring with 21 points and scored one of the team's most dramatic goals of the year with 12.7 seconds left to beat his hometown St. Cloud State squad in the WCHA Final Five. He also had a goal and an assist in the NCAA tournament game against Boston College and finished his career with 67 points in 157 career games.

Kaufmann, a Plymouth native, totaled 19 points while playing in every game this season to finish his career with 62 points in 147 games played. An accounting major, he was a WCHA all-academic team selection for the third straight year and a WCHA scholar athlete.

Peltier, a Plymouth native, played in 172 consecutive games to end his career, missing only the second game of his freshman year. He was the team's highest-scoring defenseman this year with four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. In his career, he totaled 72 points.

Former Gopher standouts Justin Johnson, Mike Vannelli, Judd Stevens and Grant Potulny presented the individual awards.

Stoa to wear the "C" in 2008-09

With all the departures and bad news there is some good news. The Gopher team has announced that Ryan Stoa, a junior, has been selected by his teamates to be the captin of the 2008-09 hockey season. Stoa suffered a knee injury in the first weekend of the 07-08 season against michigan. Stoa will likely recieve a redshirt and be considered a junior next year.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE U OF M:

Minnesota junior forward Ryan Stoa, who missed nearly the entire 2007-08 men’s hockey season with a knee injury, has been selected by his teammates as the Gophers’ team captain for the 2008-09 campaign.

Stoa scored the team’s first goal of last season to spark a comeback from a three-goal deficit against Rensselaer, but then suffered a knee injury in the first period of a win over Michigan the following night. He underwent surgery on Nov. 13 and rehabilitated the knee the rest of the season. Stoa returned to the ice for individual workouts late in the season, but never returned to game action and will likely be granted a medical redshirt.

The Bloomington, Minn. native was selected as an assistant captain in 2007-08 after ranking seventh on the team with 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points during 2006-07.

Stoa played in all 41 games as a freshman and appeared in 41 of 44 games as a sophomore. He has 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 career points. Stoa was a second-round draft choice of the Colorado Avalanche and the 34th player taken overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He played with the U.S. National Development team before joining the Gophers.

Wheeler leaves school, expected to sign soon

It really shouldn't come to a shock that we are talking about another early departure. I guess the best thing that can be said about Blake Wheeler is that he has graduated. Wheeler is an outstanding hockey player who the University of Minnesota is grateful to have had for three years. Wheeler was a first round draft of the Phoenix coyotes. Wheeler has not signed with the coyotes yet but is expected to soon. Blake was a class act both on and off the ice whom Gopher fans are glad to have had the opportunity to watch. I wish Blake the best of luck in his NHL career.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA:

Minnesota junior forward Blake Wheeler has withdrawn from the university to pursue a career in professional hockey. Wheeler, who was a 2004 first-round draft pick by the Phoenix Coyotes, has 30 days to sign with the team. Following the 30 days, if the two parties do not reach an agreement, Wheeler will become a free agent.

He is the 10th Minnesota player to leave college early for the professional ranks since the end of the 2005-06 season. Wheeler is also the third Gopher this season to leave the program after Kyle Okposo signed with the New York Islanders in December and Jeff Frazee signed with New Jersey following the 2007-08 season.
“Blake is an outstanding student, person and hockey player,” Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. “He was a leader on our team both on and off the ice and we will certainly miss Blake’s contribution to the program. We are excited for the future in front of him and there is no question that he will have a long career in the NHL.”
A native of Plymouth, Minn., Wheeler led the Gophers’ scoring charge with 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points this past season. He spread his 35 points over 29 different games and his 15 goals over 14 different games. In 28 conference games, Wheeler tallied 23 points and was named a third-team All-WCHA selection. He tied for ninth in WCHA scoring and 12th in both goal and assist scoring.

One of the team’s assistant captains, Wheeler had six multiple-point games this season, including a season-high three-point performance in a 4-1 win over Minnesota Duluth. The Gophers finished seventh in the WCHA standings and were the WCHA Final Five runner-up team. Wheeler and the Gophers then made their eighth-straight NCAA appearance, only to fall to eventual champions, Boston College.
In his career, Wheeler posted 42 goals and 54 assists for 96 points. In his sophomore campaign, Wheeler ranked fifth on the team in scoring with 38 points, while posting 23 points as a rookie in 2005-06. He was named the WCHA Final Five Most Valuable Player in 2006-07 after scoring a sensational overtime, game-winning goal in the 3-2 win over North Dakota in the title game.

Mike Guentzel resigns

Mike Guentzel resigned after 14 years as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota. Guentzel primarily worked with the Defense. He made a younge group of kids into great hockey players this year. guentzal will be missed at the University and I wish him all the best in his life and coaching career if he chooses to coach again.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PRESS RELEASE:

Mike Guentzel, who spent the past 14 years as assistant coach of the University of Minnesota men’s hockey program, has announced his resignation to pursue other coaching opportunities.

Guentzel, 48, played for the Gophers from 1982-85 and coached the team’s defensemen for the past nine years under head coach Don Lucia. He previously was associate head coach under Doug Woog and was a key part of Minnesota’s national championship teams in 2002 and 2003.

“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to play here four years and coach here for 14 years,” Guentzel said. “The Gopher program has been and always will be number one in my heart. I’ve had wonderful hard-working guys to work with and made a lot of friends here. That’s just something you can’t replace.”

His resignation will allow him to spend more time with his family, which includes three hockey-playing sons. His oldest, Ryan, was a freshman forward for national runner-up Notre Dame, while his 19-year old son, Gabe, played for Sioux Falls in the United States Hockey League and his 13-year old son, Jake, plays in Woodbury Youth Hockey.

“Personally, this decision gives me an opportunity to be more of a parent,” Guentzel said. “I’ve missed out on a lot of that, but I’m sure that I’ll find a way to stay in the game somehow and someway.”

 “Mike Guentzel has played a major role in the success of Gopher hockey over the years,” Lucia said. “He is an outstanding coach who helped in every phase of the program. He had great respect from the players and always brought passion to the job.

“Although I respect his decision to leave, the Gopher hockey program will miss him. I want to personally thank Mike for all he did for me and the program and wish Mike and his family all the best in the future.”

Guentzel coached five All-American defensemen with the Gophers, including 2002 Hobey Baker Award winner Jordan Leopold. He also has coached five current National Hockey League defensemen.

Prior to his career at Minnesota, Guentzel was a head coach for two different USHL teams in St. Paul and Omaha. He led St. Paul to the 1990-91 junior “A” national championship and was named the USHL Coach of the Year the following year. Guentzel has also been active in USA Hockey, serving as an assistant coach with three U.S. Junior National teams.

Frazee signs with Devils

It should come to a surprise to any of us gopher fans. Jeff had an up and down time here at the U. he let in the Bina goal from the other end of the ice... he was part of the undeaged drinking "scandal" and then his 2 fluke goals he let in causing him to be done for the remainder of the season. Now to be a little fair to Frazee, Alex Kangas did deserve to have the starting spot. He earned it and he out played Frazee. I though Jeff did a great job of handling it. He did it in a very classy way by thanking Don Lucia and his teamates. I wish Jeff all the best in his future as a NHL player. Your a class act Jeff.

There's always next year..

It seems as though we have heard that too many times over the past couple years... there's always next year... yeah but what do we do until then. But hey the Gophers shouldn't feel too down seeing as how BC ended up winning the NC this year. I guess it was about time and it makes us look good. It was also great to watch BC beat North Dakota for the third conceutive year in a row. haha. and we scored more goals than North Dakota. The gophers will have a great team next year with the likes of aaron ness and jordan schroeder. Until october... go gophers!

first period scoring
BC Ben Smith Nathan Gerbe

first period penalties
MINN Stu Bickel hooking
Ryan Flynn hooking
Evan Kaufmann roughing
Ben Gordon slashing
Ryan Flynn tripping

BC Nick Petrecki Roughing
Nick Petrecki Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Mike Brennan Hooking

Second Period Scoring
Benn Ferriero Joe Whitney/Tim Flangien

Second Period Penalties
BC Andrew Orpik Hooking

Third Period Scoring
MINN Ben Gordon Blake Wheeler

BC Pat Gannon Matt Greene/Matt Price
Joe Whitney -
Nathan Gerbe Brian Gibbons

Third Period Penalties
MINN Cade Fairchild Hooking
Ben Smith Hooking
Nick Petrecki Boarding

SAVES
Alex Kangas 27 saves
John Muse 31 saves

Gophers get to championship, come out short

It's amazing the Gophers even made it to the final five but even more amazing was they made it to the championship game against Denver. If you would have told me the Gophers and Denver would be in the Championship game i probably would have laughed. I mean the Gophers have been less than steller this season and ever since Brock Trotter left Denver, they have been a .500 team. Needless to say I am proud of the Gophers. They came out and played against St.Cloud beat them, then the next night the played against the WCHA champions and beat them to get to the championship game. I am proud. No matter what happens from here on out, I have faith.

VS St.Cloud
First Period Scoring
Tony Lucia Evan Kaufmann/Derek Peltier
SCSU Garret Raboin Ryan Lasch

Second Period Scoring
Evan Kaufmann Blake Wheeler/Cade Fairchild

Third Period Scoring
SCSU Tony Mosey Ryan Lasch/Garrett Raboin
Mike Howe Derek Peltier/David Fischer

VS C.C.

First period Scoring
NONE

First Period Penalties
CC Matt Overman Interference

MINN Mike Carman Hooking
Kevin Wehrs Tripping
Cade Fairchild Slashing

Second Period Scoring
CC Andreas Vlassopoulos Jack Hillen/Nate Prosser
Mike Hoeffel Jay Barriball

Second Period Penalties
CC Nate Prosser Interference
Jack Hillen Holding

MINN Ben Gordon Holding
Derek Peltier Interference
Stu Bickel Holding

Third Period Scoring
NONE

Third Period Penalties
Jimmy Kilpatrick Interference
Scott McCulloch Tipping

OVERTIME
Mike Hoeffel Mike Carman/Kevin Wehrs

SAVES
Alex Kangas 37 saves
Richard Bachman 33 Saves

VS DENVER

First Period Scoring
NONE

First Period Penalties
DU Cody Brookwell Slashing
Tyler Bozak Cross-Checking
Anthony Maiani Slashing

MINN Mike Hoeffel High Sticking
David Fischer Hooking
Ben Gordon Interference
Derek Peltier Cross-Checking
Stu Bickel Cross-Checking

Second Period Scoring
Ryan Flynn Stu Bickel/Cade Fairchild
DU Tyler Bozak Rhett Rakhishani
DU Tom May Anthony Maiani/Jesse Martin

Second Period Penalties
MINN Jay Barriball Tripping
DU Andrew Thomas Elbowing

Third Period Scoring
NONE

Third Period Penalties
MINN Mike Hoeffel Slashing
DU Jesse Martin Hooking

SAVES
Alex Kangas 32 Saves
Peter Mannino 34 Saves

NEXT: Boston College

Gophers are best out of three, are heading to St.Paul

What a weekend of great Gopher hockey. Both the Mavericks and the Gophers played outstanding and I do tip my hat to both teams. It was a fun weekend to watch. With three overtime games I can't imagine how tired these two teams are. Friday nights game the Gophers looked just a tad off. Jay Barriball stood out to me the most as being off but he was out with an injury so I just assumed he was hurting. Saturday night went into overtime also, with Mike Carman getting the dinger. It was an awesome play by Carman very very impressed. He's turned it on in this last part of the season. Sunday nights game went into double overtime. I was amazed that either team had anything left in them! They didn't even look gased. Mankato had most of the chances in overtime if you ask me. The Gophers controlled the play through most of the game but the Mavericks had the momentum going into the first overtime but the Gopher hung on. With three minutes and 1 second left in overtime Tony Lucia notched the game winner from Evan Kaufmann and Ryan Flynn. Flynn started the play by beating the defenseman to the puck and then protecting the puck. Flynn passed to Kaufmann who one timed it. Mike Zacharias made the first save, but Lucia was camped out infront of the net and wacked at his pads and the puck went in. The celebration was great to watch. Our seniors deserve another game. Speaking of seniors Tom Pohl was injured in Sunday nights game and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital where he had emergency surgery to stop bleeding by the brain. Recent reports have said that Pohl is concious and talking and he was also moved out of ICU on Tuesday. Another note on the celebration, my heart went out to Zacharias he and Alex Kangas played great all weekend and I was impressed. We definetly need to watch out for him next year as he is only a Junior this year. Kangas was outstanding. He stood on his head just like he has all year. I have no doubts about Alex and his age. He deserves to be the number one goalie because the Gophers wouldn't be going to the Final Five if it wasn't for him. Perhaps Tony Lucia said it best: Alex saved our butts

PLAYERS OF THE WEEKEEND:
Mike Zacharias: Outstanding all nights.
Alex Kangas: Just amazing all aroung and has been all season.
Mick Berge: He was the mavs best player all weekend. Very impressed by him
Tony Lucia: He played do hard and continued to play hard all weekend. He deserved that goal.
Mike Carman: He's stepped up this last part of the season and his goal on saturday was a highlight reel goal.
Justin Bostrom: I always see him hustling and it was great to see him score this weekend. I think Don Lucia also awarded him by giving him more ice time on Sunday

Friday @ Mankato

First Period Scoring
NONE

First Period Penalties
MSU Brain Kilburg Interference
Blake Friesen Tripping
Nick Canzanello Checking from behind
Trevor Bruess Tripping

Second Period Scoring
NONE

Second Period Penalties
MINN Justin Bostrom Interference

Third Period Scoring
NONE

Third Period Penlties
MINN DAvid Fischer Hooking

OVERTIME
Scoring
Trevor Bruess Jon Kalinski

Penalties
MSU TEAM Too Many On Ice

SAVES
Alex Kangas 44 Saves
MIKE Zacharias 34 saves

STARS
1. Trevor Bruess
2. Jon Kalinski
3. Mike Zacharias

Saturday @ Mankato

First Period Scoring
Justin Bostrom Tom Pohl/Kevin Wehrs

First Period Penalties
MINN Blake Wheeler Tripping
Mike Carman Tripping
Tony Lcuia Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Ryan Flynn Roughing
MSU Geoff Irwin Slashing
Trevor Bruess Roughing
Joel Harrison Slashing

Second Period Scoring
NONE

Second Period Penalties
MSU Ben Youds 10 Minute Msiconduct
Mick Berge Hooking

MINN Ben Gordon Delay of game

Third Period Scoring
Andrew Sackerson Geoff Irwin/Joel Harrison

Third Period Penalties
MSU Blake Friesen Hooking
MINN Patrick White Tripping

OVERTIME
Scoring
Mike Carman Derek PEltier

Penalties
NONE

SAVES
Alex Kangas 27 Saves
Mike Zacharias 35 Saves

Three Stars
1. Mike Carman
2. Andrew Sacherson
3. Mike Zacharias

Sunday @ Mankato
First Period Scoring
Mick Berge Kurt Davis/Geoff Irwin
Jay Barriball Blake Wheeler/Ben Gordon

First Period Penalties
MINN Patrick White Interference
Evan Kaufmann Slashing
Stu Bickel Holding
Stu Bickel Hooking

MSU Trevor Bruess Holding
Ben Youds Roughing
Trevor Bruess Tripping

Second Period Penalties
Patrick White Mike Howe/Tony Lucia

Second Period Penalties
MSU Jason Wiley 5 Contact to the Head (DQ)
Ben Youds Interference
Channing Boe Delay of Game

MINN Mike Carman
TEAM Too Many On Ice

Third Period Scoring
Kael Mouillierat Trevor Bruess/Ben Youds

Third Period Penalties
MSU Channing Boe Delay of Game

OVERTIME SCORING
Tony Lucia Evan Kaufmann/Ryan Flynn

Penalties
MINN Tony Lucia Checking from Behind

SAVES
Alex Kangas 44 Saves (115 total)
Mike Zacharias 47 Saves (116 total)

Three Stars
1. Tony Lucia
2. Mike Zacharias
3.Kael Mouillierat

Gophers take 3 in series with UAA

Derek Peltier was with out a doubt the player of the weekend. At the beginning of the season I wasn't sure what to think about him wearing the C since I'd never really seen him do anything to back it up other than the fact he was a senior. But after this series I take it back. The second half of this season he has played spectacular! He's stepped up and I'm impressed. Gophers take on UMD for the final series of the regular season. Until then GO GOPHERS!

Friday @ UAA
First Period Scoring
MINN Derek Peltier Blake Wheeler/Patrick White
Derek Peltier Mike Carman/Tony Lucia
UAA Paul Crowder Joch Lunden/Nils Backstrom

First Period Penalties
UAA Ken Selby High Sticking
Luke Vidmar Tripping
Luke Beaverson iInterference

MINN Blake Wheeler Slashing
Stu Bickel High Sticking
Ryan Flynn Holding

Second Period Scoring
NONE

Second Period Penatlies
UAA Luke Vidmar Slashing
Brad McCabe Roughing
Nils Backstrom Hooking (10-Minute Misconduct)

Third Period Scroing
Ken Selby Nils BAckstrom/Sean Wiles

Third Period Penalties
MINN Evan Kaufmann Holding
Evan Kaufmann Tripping

SAVES
Alex Kangas 26 Saves
Jon Olthuis 31 Saves

Satuday @ UAA

First Period Scoring
MINN Mike Howe Ryan Flynn
Evan Kaufmann Derek Peltier/Mike Carman

First Period Penalties
UAA Ken Selby Holding
MINN Kevin Wehrs Tripping

Second Period Penalties
UAA MAt Robinson Josh Lunden/Biar Tassone

Second Period Penalties
Mike Howe Slashing

Third Period Scoring
MINN Mike Howe Mike Hoeffel/Blake Wheeler
Ben Gordon Mike Howe/Cade Fairchild

Third Period Penalties
MINN Derek Peltier Boardin
R.J. Anderson interference
Derek Peltier Hoalding

UAA Merit Waldrop Interference
Brad McCabe Unsportsmanlike Condcut

SAVES
Alex Kangas 26 Saves
Jon Olthuis 19 SAves

Gophers Get Rolling Against Wisconsin

If you would have told Don Lucia after the Denver series that the Gophers would get 8 goals against wisconsin, and 4 power play goals, I have a feeling he would have laughed. After a very dissipointing series against Denver the Gophers came out with a bang getting up 3-0 right away against the Badgers. Sophomore forward Jay Barriball also returned after spraining his ankle in Denver. Although the Gophers only got 3 points out of the weekend, they took a huge step forward as a team.

Firday vs Wisconsin

First Period Scoring
MINN Derek Peltier Mike Carman/Ryan Flynn

First Period Penalties
MINN Stu Bickel Interference
Blake Wheeler Holding
Patrick White Boarding

WIS Ben Grotting Elbowing

Second Period Scoring
MINN Mike Carmen Evan Kaufmann/Tony Lucia
Patrick White Justin Bostrom/Tony Lucia

Second Period Penalties
MINN Patrick White Boarding
Derek Peltier Tripping
Jay Barriball Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Mike Carman Roughing

WIS Kyle Klubertanz Interference
Cody Goloubef Interference
Michael Davies Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Blake Geoffrion Goaltender Interference
Kyle Turris Roughing
John Mitchell Hooking

Third Period Scoring
WIS Blake Geoffrion Kyle Turris/Michael Davis
Aaron Bendickson Blake Geoffrion

MINN Jay Barriball Blake Wheeler/Mike Hoeffel

Third Period Penalties
MINN Tony Lucia Interference
Ryan Flynn Cross-Checking
Ryan Flynn Roughing
Mike Carman Slashing

WIS Josh Engel High Sticking
Patrick Johnson Slashing
Davis Drewiske Roughing

SAVES
Alex Kangas 25 Saves
Shane Connelly 23 Saves
Scott Gudmandson 11 Saves

Three Stars
1. Mike Carman
2. Tony Lucia
3. Patrick White

Saturday vs Wisconsin
First Period Scoring
MINN Patrick White Derek Peltier/Justin Bostrom
Evan Kaufmann Mike Howe/Derek Peltier

WIS John Mitchell Ben Grotting

First Period Penalties
MINN Stu Bickel High Sticking
R.J. Anderson Cross-Checking
Mike Carman Cross-Checking
Mike Hoeffel Roughing
Derek Peltier Cross-Checking

WIS Podge Turnbull Cross-Checking
Davis Drewiske Holding

Second Period Scoring
WIS Michael Davies Ben Street
Podge Turnball Davis Drewkiske

MINN Ben Gordon Jay Barriball/Cade Fairchild

Second Period Penalties
WIS Davis Drewiske High Sticking
Josh Engel Tripping

MINN Blake Wheeler Slashing
Mike Howe Interference

Third Period Scoring
MINN Jay Barriball Cade Fairchild

WIS Patrick Johnson -

Third Period Penalties
WIS Kyle Turris OB Hooking
Ryan McDonagh Roughing
Blake Geoffrion Unsportsmanlike Condcut

MINN Ryan Flynn Roughing

OT Penalties
Blake Wheeler Holding

SAVES
Alex Kangas 37 Saves
Shane Connelly 28 Saves

Three Stars
1. Jay Barriball
2. Patrick Johnson
3. Derek Peltier

Gophers hit rock bottom...

The title pretty much sums up the series in Denver... sure tempers flared a little but nothing like the North Dakota series. Overall it was a very disapointing series to watch. The Gophers have a break next weekend followed by a series with Wisconsin

Friday @ Denver

First Period Scoring
NONE

First Period Penalties
MINN Evan Kaufmann Unsportsmanliek conduct
Mike Hoeffel Hooking
David Fischer Interference
Patrick White Checking from Behind

DEN Rhett Rakhshani Hooking
Kyle Ostrow Holding

Second Period Scoring
Tyler Bozak -

Second Period Penalties
DEN Peter Mannino Ci
Rhett Rakshani Holding
Dustin Jackson Roughing
Dustin Jackson Roughing

MINN Stu Bickel Roughing
Stu Bickel Roughing

Thrid Period Scoring
R.J. Anderson Kevin Wehrs/Jay Barriball

Thrid Period Penalties
Stu Bickel Hooking

Saves
Alex Kangas 25 Saves
Peter Mannino 34 Saves


Saturday @ Denver

First Period Scoring
Matt Glasser Dustin Jackson/Rhett Rakhshani

First Period Penalties
MINN Tom Pohl Hooking

DEN J.P. Testwuide Holding
Cody Brockwell Slashing
Brian Gifford Holding

Second Period Scoring
DEN Tyler Bozak Rhett Rakhshani/Tom May
Rhett Rakhashani Chris Butler/Tyler Bozak

Second Period Penalties
DEN Anthony Maiani Roughing
Patrick Mulien Roughing
Kyle Ostrow Tripping

MINN
Mike Çarmen Roughing
Kevin Wehrs Ci
Kevin Wehrs Roughing
Evan Kaufmann Holding

Third Period Penalties
David Fischer Evan Kaufmann/Mike Carmen

Den Brian Gifford -

Third Period Penalties
Brandon Voseberg Interference

SAVES
Peter Mannino 30 Saves
Alex Kangas 24 Saves

Tempers Flair As Gophers Take On Fighting Sioux

Those of us who know anything about the Gopher/North Dakota Rivalry know that this game was a picture perfect way to sum it up. It's almost like a Border Battle but at the same time it's something diffrent. Firday night things were chippy as expected and the Goals were anything more the spectacular. Just as last years game in the WCHa Final Five went into OT so did Friday's game. Just 2 Minutes and 23 Seconds into OT ND Freshman Evan Trupp dove and batted a puck out of the air and passed Alex Kangas. The Gophers came out with fire under their belt after a heartbreak loss. Just 7 seconds into the game ND Junior Ryan Duncan Checked UM Sophomore Jay BArriball from behind into the boards and was kicked out of the game. After that nothing bit happened until the second period. Noon scored in the second but thats when the chippy ness started and tempers flared. ND coach Dave Hakstol Flipped the ref off and four North Dakota players took on Derek Peltier. In the Third Period the Chippy ness continued but we got scoring also. Alex Kangas played a great game. As a matter of fact he had a great weekend but no one will remember how well either of the goalies played all they will remember was the fights after the horn and an almost all team brawl during the hand shake. The Gophers will be with out Tony Lucia next Friday in Denver and Darcy Zajac Will be missing Friday nights game as well. Over all I think the Gophers played fantastic This weekend and i certinly hope they can build on it.

Friday VS UND

Frist Period Scoring
MINN Evan Kaufmann Tony Lucia/David Fischer
UND Joe Finely Chay Genoway

First Period Penalties
MINN Justin Bostrom Interference
Mike CArmen Holding
Tony Lucia Tripping
Mike CArmen Slashing

UND Ryna Duncan Tripping
Chay Genoway Roughing

Second Period Scoring
NONE

Second Period Penalties
UND Matt Walkins Slashing
Jake Marto Holding
Rylan Kaip Roughing
Rylan Kaip Roughing

MINN Stu Bickel Tripping
Blake Wheeler Roughing
Blake Wheeler Cross-Checking
Ben Gordon High Sticking

Third Period Scoring
NONE

Third Period Penalties
MINn Derek Peltier High Sticking
Rylan Kaip Holding the Stick

OT
Evan Trupp Ryna Martins

SAVES
Alex Kangas 32 Saves
J.P. Lamoureux 21 Saves

Satuday VS UND

Frist Period Scoring
NONE

First Period Penalties
UND Ryan Duncan Checking from Behind, Game Misconduct
T.J. Oshie Slashing
Joe Finley Cross-Checking

MINN Jay Barriball Slashing
Justin Bostrom Interference

Second Period Scoring
NONE

Second Period Penalties
MINN Patrick White Holding
Derek Peltier Roughing
Blake Wheeler Slashing, 10 Minute Misconduct
Jay Barriball Contact with Goalie
Mike Carmen Roughing
Kevin Wehrs Holding

UND Brad Malone Roughing
Brad Malone Roughing, 10 Minute Misconduct
J.P. Lamoureux Diving

Third Period Scoring
Ben Gordon Blake Wheeler
Chris VandeVelde Ryan Matrens/Robbie Bina

Third Period Penalties
MINN Stu Bickel Holding

OT
No Scoring only Fights =]

Penalties
UND Rylan KAip Hooking
Joe Finley 10-Minute Misconduct, Game Misconduct
T.J. Oshie Roughing
T.J. Oshie Roughing
T.J. Oshie 10-Minute Misconduct
Darcy Zajac Cross-Checking
Darcy Zajac Fighting
Darcy Zajac Disqualification

MINN
Blake Wheeler Roughing
Ryan Flynn Rouhging
Ryan Flynn Roughing
Ryan Flynn 10 minute misconduct
Tony Lucia Fighting
Tony Lucia Disqualification
Blake Wheeler 10-Minute Misconduct

SAVES
Alex Kangas 27 Saves
J.P. Lamoureux 29 Saves

No Stars... Hmmm wonder why...
As I said Tony Lucia and Darcy Zajac will both miss Friday nights game but will be playing on Saturday night

Gophers Take on Badgers For Must Need Points

Last weekend was the first Border Battle against Wisconsin of the 2007-08 season. The Gophers went into the weekend tied for 5th place with Wisconsin and St.Cloud. The Gophers came into the weekend needing points and came out still needing points, with Wisconsin taking 3 out of 4 points this weekend. The Gophers came out flat footed on Friday night. The Gophers didn't seem to want much of anything with only scoring one goal. Saturday night the Gophers came out fighting getting up 2-0 after the first and then 2-1 after the second. Then the realy Gophers came ou tin the Thrid period letting a fluke shot form the blue line go in. After OT the Gophers and Badgers were still tied. Gopher fans got their first glims of Badger sensation Kyle Turris and Former Cretin Derham Hall stand out Ryan McDonagh. McDonagh and Turris had a combined 3 point weekend, the most points the Gophers scored last weekend.

Friday @ Wisconsin

First Period Scoring
WIS Ryan McDonagh Kyle Turris/Blake Geoffrion

First Period Penalties
WIS Podge Turnbuil Charging
MINN Kevin Wehrs Holding

Second Period Scoring
WIS Kyle Turris Cody Goloubef/David Drewiske
MINN Blake Wheeler -

Second Period Penalties
MINN Derek Peltier Roughing
WIS Kyle Turris Slashing
John Mitchell Cross-Checking

Third Period Scoring
WIS Ben Street Michael Davies/Patrick Johnson

Third Period Penalties
MINN Derek Peltier IG
Derek Peltier Roughing
David Fischer Roughing
Mike Carmen Unsportsmanlike Conduct
R.J. Anderson Roughing
R.J. Anderson Roughing
Mike Carmen Hooking
Jay Barriball Roughing
Jay Barriball Roughing
Ryan Flynn Cross-Checking

WIS Blake Geoffrion Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Michael Davies Roughing
Ben Street Hooking
Sean Dolan Roughing
Sean Dolan Roughing
Davis Drewiske Roughing
Davis Drewiske Roughing
Blake Geoffrion

SAVES
Alex Kangas 27 Saves
Shane Connelly 22 Saves

No Stars.

Satuday @ Wisconsin

First Period Scoring
MINN Ben Gordon Derek Peltier/Blake Wheeler
Mike Carmen Ryan Flynn/Tony Lucia

First Period Penalties
WIS Sean Dolan Holding
Kyle Klubertanz Cross-Checking
Michael Davies Roughing

MINN Evan Kaufmann Hooking
Mike Carmen Boarding
Derek Peltier Roughing
Jay Barriball Hooking

Second Period Scoring
WIS Patrick Johnson Podge Turnbull/Jamie McBain

Second Periot Penalties
MINN Justin Bostrom Cross-Checking
WIS Ben Grotting Cross-Checking

third Period Scoring
WIS Aaron Bendickson Patrick Johnson/Jamie McBain

Third Period Penalties
NONE

SAVES
Alex Kangas 24 Saves
Shane Connelly 30 Saves

No Stars

Gophers Take Another Split

It seems to be a reoccuring thing. The Gophers get a split and another and another. With little to no offense the Gophers faced the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs with little intensity on Friday night skating to a 1-1 tie. Then the Next night picked it up in the first and second and flailing in the third. Alex Kangas made huge saves keeping the Gophers in both games. He is definitly the best goaltender we have. Every weekend Kangas gives the Gophers a chance to win a hockey game but the Gophers third period woes take a toll on the game. As the Gophers slump down their opponents pick it up with either tying the game or winning the game in OT. The Gophers did little to nothing this weekend. They will need to play better against Wisconsin.

Friday @ UMD

First Period Scoring
NONE

First Period Penalties
UMD Josh Meyers Hooking
Michael Gergen Shooting After Whistle
Michael Gergen 10- Minute Misconduct
Trent Palm Interference
Jay Cascalenda Cross-Checking

MINN Evan Kaufmann Slashing
Derek Peltier Roughing
Patrick White Interference

Second Period Scoring
NONE

Second Period Penalties
MINN Jay Barriball Slashing
UMD Jordan Fulton Tripping

Third Period Scoring
MINN Ben Gordon Blake Wheeler/Mike Howe
UMD Matt McKnight Jay Cascalenda

Third Period Penalties
UMD Nick Kemp Hooking
Drew Akins Unsportsmanlike Conduct

MINN Blake Wheeler Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Tony Lucia Hooking
Evan Kaufmann Shooting after the whistle, 10 minute misconduct
Derek Peltier Cross-Checking

SAVES
Alex Kangas 18 Saves
Alex Stalock 26 Saves

No Stars

Saturday @ UMD

First Period Scoring
Tony Lucia Kevin Wehrs/R.J. Anderson

First Period Penalties
UMD Matt McKnight High Sticking
MINN Blake Wheeler High Sticking

Second Period Scoring
Mike Carmen Jay Barriball/Mike Hoeffel

Second Period Penalties
MINN R.J. Anderson Holding the Stick
Kevin Wehrs Unsportsmanlike Conduct
David Fischer Hooking
Blake Wheeler Unsportsmanlike Conduct

UMD Drew Akins Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Jay Cascalenda Tripping
Jordan Fulton Goaltender Interference
Nick Kemp Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Third Period Scoring
Jason Garrison Evan Oberg/Michael Gergen

Third Period Penalties
UMD Jason Garrison Cross-Checking
Andrew Carroll Gf?

MINN Blake Wheeler Unsportsmanlike Conduct
David Fischer Slashing
Kevin Wehrs Gf?

SAVES
Alex Stalock 36 Saves
Alex Kangas 25 Saves

No Stars

Gophers get 1 out of series with Huskies

I just deleted everything I have in here and i really dont feel like doing it over again so heres the basics on the weekend

Tony Lucia
Mike Hoeffel (2)
Blake Wheeler
MIke Howe
Scored for the Gophers this weekend. The gophers didn't play well at all with lsoing at home on Friday 3-1 and then blowing a 3 goal lead on Saturday to end up a 4-4 tie. One of the most noteable things was Jeff Frazee being pulled from the game on Satuday after the first period. Frazee let in two soft goals that caused him to get pulled after many glares down the ice from Don Lucia. Frazee had 5 saves on the weekend. Alex Kangas had 56 Saves on the weekend.

Huskie Players that scored:
Garrett Roe (4)
Ryan Lasch
Nate Dey
Brent Borgen
Andreas Nodl

Gophers earn much needed sweep against Wayne State

After the dissapointing Dodg Holiday Classic the Gophers came out full speed in order to sweep the Wayne Sate Warriors. With Final scores of 5-1 and 5-2 the Gophers could breathe just a little bit easier. Out of the 10 goals scored this weekend 3 were Power Play goals and one was a short handed goal. Over all I though the weekend was great. I thought was really stepped up our play and played hard. I also liked seeing Brent Solei play. He's a great goaltender and I'm glad he was rewarded. I also thought his team played much better in front of him than any other goalie. Kangas had a great night to. I prefer Kangas and Solei any night over Jeff Frazee. He just doesn't have it this year.

Firday Night VS WAyne Sate

First Period Scoring
NONE

First Period Penalties
WS Jordan Inglis Tripping

MINN Tom Phol Holding
Blake Wheeler Charging

Second Period Scoring
MINN Blake Wheeler Tom Pohl/Derek Peltier
Ben Gordon Derek Peltier

WS Jared Katz Ryan Benard

Second Period Penalties
MINN David Fischer Slashing
Blake Wheeler Slashing

WS Taylor Michel Tripping
Matt Krug Slashing

Third Period Scoring
MINN Evan Kaufmann Justin Bostrom/Mike Hoeffel
R.J. Anderson Evan Kaufmann/Patrick White
Patrick White Mike Howe/Mike Hoeffel

Third Period Penalties
MINN Stu Bickel Cross-Checking

WS Kyle Richardson Interference

Saves
Brent Solei 28 Saves
Kyle Funkenhauser 36 Saves
Mike Devoney 10 Saves

Three Stars
1. Brent Solei
2. Evan Kaufmann
3. Patrick White

Saturday VS Wayne State
First Period Scoring
MINN Mike Hoeffel Jay Barriball/David Fischer
Blake Wheeler David Fischer/Kevin Wehrs

First Period Penalties
WS Starvos Paskatis Hooking
Dylan Exton Tripping

MINN Stu Bickel High Sticking
Ben Gordon Tripping

Second Period Scoring
Derek Peltier Evan Kaufmann
Evan Kaufmann Ben Gordon/R.J. Anderson

Second Period Penalties
MINN Ben Gordon Cross-Checking
David Fischer Interference
Stu Bickel Roughing

WS Jordan Inglis roughing
Matt Krug Holding
Chris Kushneriuk Interference

Third Period Scoring
WS Mike Forgie Jeff Caister/Brock Meadows
Jordan Inglis -

MINN Tony Lucia R.J. Anderson

Third Period Penalties
WS Ryan Bernardi Elbowing

MINN Drew Fischer Holding

Saves
Alex Kangas 24 Saves
Brett Bothwell 9 Saves
Mike Devoney 16 Saves

Three Stars
1. Evan Kaufmann
2. Derek Peltier
3. R.J. Anderson

Gophers return to action, take 3rd in Dodge Holiday Classic

The Gophers returned to play in the dodge holiday classic a couple weeks ago. It was the start of the second half and the play off puch, and the end of another year. The Gophers took on RIT on friday night and lost with a final score of 4-3. The Gophers then played on Saturday in the third place game against Air Force. The final score was 2-2. Although the game went into a shoot out, NCAA rules state the game amounts as a tie. The Gophers took third place winning the shoot out. It was the first shoot out in Gopher history. Evan Kaufmann and Jay Barriball noched the two goals for the Gophers.

Friday VS RIT
First Period Scoring

MINN Blake Wheeler Ben Gordon/Derek Peltier

First PEriod Penalties

RIT Mike Janda Hooking

Second Period Scoring

RIT Mike Janda Justin Hofstette/Tyler Mazzei
Sean Murphy Dan Rungwald/Brent Patry
Matt Smith Ricky Walton

MINN R.J. Anderson Drew Fischer
Jay Barriball Blake Wheeler/Ben Gordon

Second Period Penalties
RIT Sean Murphy Tripping

Third Period Scoring
RIT Matt Smith Dan Ringwald/Sean Murphy

Third Period Penalties
MINN Jay Barriball Hooking

RIT Andrew Favot Tripping
Bobby Raymond Tripping

Saves
Jeff Frazee 27 Saves
Louis Menard 32 Saves

Three Stars
1.Matt Smith
2. Sean Murphy
3. Blake Wheeler

Saturday Vs Air Force *2-2*
AF Brent Olson Jeff Hajner/Matt Fairchild

First Period Penalties
MINN Stu Bickel Holding The Stick

AF Jeff Hajner Tripping

Second Period scoring
MINN Ben Gordon Blake Wheeler/Jay Barriball

Second Period Penalties
MINN Drew Fisher Interference

AF Scott Kozlak Interference

Third Period Scoring
MINN Tom Pohl Drew Fisher/R.J. Anderson

AF Brent Olson Greg Flynn/Michael Mayra

Third Period Penalties
NONE

SHOOT OUT***
AF-Jeff Hajner-MISSED
MINN-Evan Kaufmann-MADE
AF-Brent Olson-MISSED
MINN-Ben Gordon-MISSED
AF-Eric Ehn-MISSED
MINN-Jay Barriball-MADE
AF-Mike Phillipich-MISSED

Saves
Alex Kangas 30 Saves
Andrew Volkening 33 Saves

Three Stars
1. Brent Olson
2. Tom Pohl
3. Ben Gordon