Gophers Top UConn in Mariucci Classic Opener

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After a lengthy layoff, the Gophers returned to action on Friday to take on Connecticut in the opening round of the Mariucci Classic. Despite falling behind, Minnesota rallied to a much-needed 3-2 victory over the Huskies.

Quick Response

UConn struck first in the second period to take the game’s first lead. Just a few minutes later, Michael Brodzinski answered with a powerplay tally to tie the game.

“Nobody gets down on the bench and that’s the reason we keep [responding quickly],” said Brodzinski. “We’re all just very supportive of each other and I think that’s why we keep rolling.”

Just 4:51 into the third, UConn tied the game 2-2. Again, the Gopher’s answered the bell, this time less than one minute later.

“I think we’re starting to work together,” said Hudson Fasching. “We’re building chemistry out there. We’ve been with our lines for a month and a half or two months. Once you get that rhythm, you get a feel for everybody that you’re playing with, it really helps.”

Juniors Thriving

With just two senior skaters on the roster, Minnesota has looked to their junior class for production. Recently, the juniors have responded, tallying all three goals in Friday’s victory. A big key has been the upperclassmen moving toward increased responsibility.

“When we’re shifting in to this year and this team, we went into more of a leadership role and that transition wasn’t exactly easy for us,” said Fasching. “We’re kind of settling into that role a little more now…We’re kind of on a roll right now.”

If the Gophers want to keep the momentum going, they’ll need continued production from that class.

“I know we’re the older guys on the team so we got to step up and do our job and we’ve done that as of late,” said Brodzinski.

Novak’s Streak

Freshman Tommy Novak has had a great start to his rookie campaign. The River Falls native had 10 points entering Friday and added two assists against the Huskies.

“He’s adjusted to the college game; he’s found his role on our team,” said Fasching. “He’s not going to outmuscle guys…but he’s sneaky. He makes great plays…He’s playing well right now.”

Novak is currently on a seven-game point streak and is establishing himself as an important offensive force for the Maroon and Gold.

“He can make plays,” said Don Lucia. “…[He’s] why four or five straight games Hudson has a goal. I thought the Michigan weekend was his best weekend of the year, and hopefully he continues to build on that in the second half.”

Three Stars

3 – Tommy Novak had two helpers in the win.

2 – Michael Brodzinski opened the scoring for the Gophers.

1 – Hudson Fasching scored the game-winner in the third period.

By The Numbers

30 Shots in the final two periods for Minnesota. After a lazy opening frame, the Gophers turned it on for the final 40 minutes.

1 Goal off a facemask as Taylor Cammarata accidentally scored his second of the year after a face deflection in the second period.

31 Seconds after the Huskies tied it before Hudson Fasching retook the lead in the third period.

What’s Next

The Gophers face Harvard tomorrow evening at 7:00 P.M. for the Mariucci Classic title. The Crimson are the seventh-ranked team in the country and pose a significant threat to the Maroon and Gold.

“We wanted to play Harvard because a good opponent will help you in the long run,” said Lucia. “It’ll be a great test for our guys to see where we’re at.”
 

Looking forward to Harvard. In today's Pairwise the Gophers are tied for 16th and Harvard is 6th. Hopefully the Gophers carry the last two period's effort into tonight. And, hoping, like everyone else in Mariucci last night, that Novak takes the shot instead of trying for his third assist.
 




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