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Pride on Ice Preview: No. 1 Gophers Host Bemidji State for Weekend Series
By Grant Erickson
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/439379?referrer_id=388419
PREGAME NOTES
Bemidji State (1-1-0 overall, 0-0-0 WCHA) at Minnesota (2-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 Big Ten)
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Mariucci Arena (10,000)
Friday, 8:12 p.m. CT – BTN
Saturday, 7:05 p.m. CT – FSN Plus
After claiming the Ice Breaker Championship in South Bend, the Gophers will return to Mariucci Arena for a two-game stand against the Bemidji State Beavers. The puck is set to drop at 8:12 p.m on Friday evening and can be seen on BTN or heard on ESPN 1500.
Celebration Weekend
For fans attending the games, there will be a pair of pregame ceremonies. On Friday, the Gophers will present their Big Ten Championship banner, marking their 15th conference championship in team history. On Saturday, the Gophers will honor 2013-2014 First Team All-American, Mike Reilly. Reilly, who was also the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is the first All-American first teamer since Ryan Stoa in 2009.
About the Beavers
The Beavers are coming off a disappointing 2013-2014 campaign which saw BSU hold a dismal record of 10-21-7 overall and 10-14-3 in the new WCHA. Although this year’s BSU squad won’t be able to compete with the Gophers in talent or depth, the Beavers will be coached by Bemidji State grad, Tom Serratore. Serratore, the uncle of former Gopher, Tom Serratore, always brings a well-coached, disciplined team that will be looking to pull the upset against the biggest team in the state.
Series History
To call the Beavers an “in-state rival” might be a bit generous at this point. The Gophers have absolutely dominated the all-time series; holding a record of 16-1-1 in 18 meetings against BSU. Minnesota continued the trend last season with a sweep of the Beavers thanks to 6-3 and 5-1 victories. Justin Kloos racked up the points, totaling five on the weekend to lead the Gophers over Bemidji.
Last Time Out
Like the Gophers, BSU has played just two games on the young season. The Beavers made quite the statement in their first weekend of games as they had a home-and-home series with North Dakota. No. 2 North Dakota was absolutely stunned in the opener; losing 5-1 thanks to two goals from BSU’s Brendan Harms. The Beavers were unable to complete the sweep, narrowly losing 2-1 the next evening in Bemidji.
Player to Watch
No. 13 Cory Ward – As a sophomore last season, Ward was exceptional; leading the Beavers in goals (18) and points (29). The Las Vegas native will bring a much-needed scoring punch into Mariucci this weekend.
Background
Location: Bemidji, Minnesota
Enrollment: 5,046
Conference: WCHA
Mascot: Beavers
Colors: White and Green
Coach: Tom Serratore (14th Season)
By Grant Erickson
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/439379?referrer_id=388419
PREGAME NOTES
Bemidji State (1-1-0 overall, 0-0-0 WCHA) at Minnesota (2-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 Big Ten)
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Mariucci Arena (10,000)
Friday, 8:12 p.m. CT – BTN
Saturday, 7:05 p.m. CT – FSN Plus
After claiming the Ice Breaker Championship in South Bend, the Gophers will return to Mariucci Arena for a two-game stand against the Bemidji State Beavers. The puck is set to drop at 8:12 p.m on Friday evening and can be seen on BTN or heard on ESPN 1500.
Celebration Weekend
For fans attending the games, there will be a pair of pregame ceremonies. On Friday, the Gophers will present their Big Ten Championship banner, marking their 15th conference championship in team history. On Saturday, the Gophers will honor 2013-2014 First Team All-American, Mike Reilly. Reilly, who was also the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is the first All-American first teamer since Ryan Stoa in 2009.
About the Beavers
The Beavers are coming off a disappointing 2013-2014 campaign which saw BSU hold a dismal record of 10-21-7 overall and 10-14-3 in the new WCHA. Although this year’s BSU squad won’t be able to compete with the Gophers in talent or depth, the Beavers will be coached by Bemidji State grad, Tom Serratore. Serratore, the uncle of former Gopher, Tom Serratore, always brings a well-coached, disciplined team that will be looking to pull the upset against the biggest team in the state.
Series History
To call the Beavers an “in-state rival” might be a bit generous at this point. The Gophers have absolutely dominated the all-time series; holding a record of 16-1-1 in 18 meetings against BSU. Minnesota continued the trend last season with a sweep of the Beavers thanks to 6-3 and 5-1 victories. Justin Kloos racked up the points, totaling five on the weekend to lead the Gophers over Bemidji.
Last Time Out
Like the Gophers, BSU has played just two games on the young season. The Beavers made quite the statement in their first weekend of games as they had a home-and-home series with North Dakota. No. 2 North Dakota was absolutely stunned in the opener; losing 5-1 thanks to two goals from BSU’s Brendan Harms. The Beavers were unable to complete the sweep, narrowly losing 2-1 the next evening in Bemidji.
Player to Watch
No. 13 Cory Ward – As a sophomore last season, Ward was exceptional; leading the Beavers in goals (18) and points (29). The Las Vegas native will bring a much-needed scoring punch into Mariucci this weekend.
Background
Location: Bemidji, Minnesota
Enrollment: 5,046
Conference: WCHA
Mascot: Beavers
Colors: White and Green
Coach: Tom Serratore (14th Season)