Gophers dominate Sioux!

Gophers vs. Sioux

They're the only words that need to be spoken in the Minnesota Golden Gophers locker room prior to a game against the University of North Dakota.

The Gophers and Sioux have played each other more times than any other college hockey rivalry. Needless to say, these games are circled on the calendars of each team's players as soon as they get their schedules.

They played two games against each other in a weekend series that started Friday and ended Saturday, but one might contend that these games were over much earlier than that, as the Gophers were skated right off the ice, losing 6-3 and 6-1 and looking completely outclassed in the process.

As our Hastings Minnesota Gophers prepared themselves to face the Hastings UND Sioux in an early morning matchup, they were reminded by Assistant Coach Todd of the results of the weekend's contests between their college counterparts. Our Gophers loudly voiced their opinions when questioned on whether their Sunday game would resemble the Friday and Saturday night drubbings handed out by the UND Sioux.

It was a resounding and unanimous "NO!".

The Gophers hit the ice with determination on Sunday and displayed some of the most cohesive teamwork of the season, exemplified in the 3rd period, with Joe skating through in the slot and unselfishly passing the puck right through the crease, feeding his teammate for an easy goal. Joe had a great game on Sunday, earning 2 pts with his play. Jonathon as well had a standout game at the blue line, saving at least a half dozen possessions by playing his position and being ready for the puck when it came his way. Payton drew his first penalty of the season, giving the Gophers a power play by being tripped on his way to the Sioux net. Jake "Sunny D" Sundheim, and Zach played destructive defense also, limiting Sioux chances significantly, as the Gophers' backcheck was in full effect on Sunday. The speed of the Gophers' defensemen was on display against the Sioux who had trouble finding open shots on goal. Jake D. had a typically brilliant game between the pipes, highlighted by a diving stick save on a shot that really had no business not ending up in the scoresheet as a goal. He dove backwards and to his left, from his right side of the net and stopped the puck with his stick perfectly on the ice jammed hard up against the opposite side's post. He allowed only a single goal on the game and has allowed 2 or fewer goals in 6 of 9 games on the season, and by my rudimentary math skills is currently sporting an outstanding, conference best 2.22 GAA. Brett, Blake, Garrett and Mike played solid on both ends of the ice on Sunday, showing their versatility, and the centers Anders, Kannon and Payton each won at least half of their face-offs. Every Gophers skater ended with a +/- rating of at least +1 on the game.

All the Gophers players showed up to play on Sunday and the results of their hard work and hustle were displayed on the scoreboard as the buzzer sounded ending the game.

5-1 Gophers

The win marks the second consecutive victory by the Gophers over the Sioux, accounts for two of the Sioux's three losses on the season, and sets up a showdown next Sunday against the Pioneers, who share the Gophers overall record of 5-2-2, and are coming off back-to-back wins against the Wolverines and Hudson, respectively. The Wolverines have held at least a share of the top spot in the Conference since Game 1 and have only lost to the Pioneers this season, having beaten the Gophers 6-3 in the season opener and tying them in their 2nd meeting, 3-3.