Hey hockey fans, mark your calendars because the top-ranked Minnesota men’s hockey team is gearing up for an intense border battle against rival Wisconsin on October 26-27. The games will take place at 3M Arena at Mariucci and will be broadcasted live on Big Ten Network and the Fox Sports app. If you can’t watch the games, don’t worry, you can listen to the action on the Gopher Radio Network.
But before we dive into the upcoming showdown, let’s take a moment to celebrate the Golden Gophers’ 2022-23 Big Ten Championship. A special pre-game ceremony will be held on Friday to unveil the championship banner. It’s a well-deserved honor for the team!
Now, let’s talk about the players to watch out for in this epic battle. Justen Close, the Gophers’ star goaltender, has been on fire lately. He was named the B1G First Star of the Week for his outstanding performance in the last game against North Dakota. Close made 25 saves and recorded his second-straight shutout, bringing his career total to 11 shutouts. He’s just two shutouts away from breaking the program record!
Another player to keep an eye on is Jimmy Snuggerud, who had an impressive opening weekend with four goals and one assist. He was named the B1G First Star of the Week for his outstanding contributions to the team’s success. Snuggerud’s scoring prowess, combined with the offensive firepower of Brody Lamb and Oliver Moore, has been a key factor in the Gophers’ early-season success.
Speaking of the Gophers’ offense, the sophomore class has been lighting up the scoreboard. They have accounted for 19 of the team’s 35 points so far, with players like Luke Mittelstadt and Cal Thomas stepping up their game. The chemistry among these young players is undeniable, and it’s exciting to see them make an impact on the ice.
Defensively, the Gophers have been dominant on the penalty kill. They have successfully killed off all 16 opponent power plays in the 2023-24 season. This impressive feat puts them among the top five teams in the NCAA in penalty kill efficiency. Let’s hope they can maintain this level of discipline against Wisconsin.
Now, let’s talk about the history between the Gophers and the Badgers. These two teams have a long-standing rivalry dating back to 1922. The Gophers have had the upper hand in the series, with 183 victories against Wisconsin. Last season, the Gophers won three out of four meetings, outscoring the Badgers 18-9. Players like Logan Cooley and Bryce Brodzinski played a crucial role in those victories, and we can expect them to bring their A-game once again.
As for the Badgers, they are off to a strong start under new head coach Mike Hastings. With a 5-1-0 record, they have climbed up the national rankings and are eager to make a statement against the Gophers. Mathieu De St. Phalle has been leading the Badgers’ offense with seven points in six games, while goaltender Kyle McClellan has been solid between the pipes.
In conclusion, get ready for an epic hockey showdown between the Gophers and the Badgers. It’s going to be a battle of skill, determination, and intense rivalry. Make sure to tune in or listen to the game to catch all the action. Go Gophers!