Gopher Hockey Team Disappoints Fans

The Gopher hockey team lost in the first round of the Dodge Holiday Classic tournament and disappointed Gopher fans everywhere. The boys were pretty upset as well and didn’t emerge out of the Gopher locker room for over 45 minutes and some of them hadn’t even changed yet. There were some serious long faces on fans, players and coaches alike. The Gophers have won the tournament the last 9 years and were expected to at least advance past the first round vs. Rochester Institute of Technology. The Gophers did manage to win the consolation title, beating the Air Force Falcons in an overtime shootout.

What is going on with the Gophers hockey team? Their play is sloppy and the defense is weak. The Gopher seniors need to step up and take charge of this team before it’s too late to salvage the season.

Gopher Hockey Tournament

The Air force, Boston College and RIT are at Mariucci Arena this weekend to take on the Golden Gophers for the Dodge Holiday Classic tournament. The action starts on Saturday Dec 29th at 4pm with the Air Force vs Boston College game and then the Gophers take the ice at 7pm vs. RIT. One ticket gets you into both games!

Be sure to come back to Mariucci Arena on Sunday for a losers game and an evening winners game. This Gopher hockey fan hopes to see her favorite maroon and gold team in the winners game Sunday night. A Golden Gopher tournament win would be a perfect way to ring in the New Year. Let’s go Gophers! Buy Gopher hockey tickets from http://www.gophershockeytickets.com/ Gopher Tournament tickets start out at $49 each!

Gopher Basketball in Vegas

The Gopher Basketball team traveled to Las Vegas today to compete in the Duel of the Desert college basketball tournament. Read about the tournament on http://www.gopherbasketballtickets.com/ Go Gophers!

Gopher Basketball is Hot

The Golden Gopher mens basketball team beat the Santa Clara Broncos at Williams Arena Saturday night 68-50. Way to go Gophers! Gopher Gal missed the game, but one of my friends went and had a great time. He said the "Barn" was on fire and although he called the Gophers a little show boaty with so many steals followed with dramatic slam dunks, he said it was fun to cheer and be excited about Gopher basketball again. He said it was clear that Tubby Smith is a passionate coach and that the players enjoy playing under his direction. I added that it is enjoyable to win as well, especially on your home Williams Arena court. The Gophers are undefeated at Williams Arena this year, let’s hope they are fired up for conference play in 2008.

Gophers Basketball this weekend

The Golden Gophers mens basketball team will take on Santa Clara at Williams Arena on Saturday December 22nd at 6:00pm. Santa Clara travels from sunny California to snowy cold Minnesota with a 7-3 record. The Gophers have been working on bringing down rebounds at practice this week and should be ready to take on the small school Broncos.

A Gopher basketball game at Williams Arena is a great experience and if you have relatives in town this weekend, buy Gopher Basketball tickets and head out to the University for a good time! Gooooo Gophers!

Kyle Okposo leaving Gopher Hockey

I was just reading an article in the Pioneer Press that 19 year old Gopher hockey player Kyle Okposo loves being a college sophomore and playing Guitar Hero with his buddies and getting a good education. He doesn’t love the pressure that has been put on him this Gopher hockey season, but he has been producing more goals lately and has relaxed on the ice.

However, it was just announced that Kyle Okposo will forgo the remainder of the 2007-08 season and his career with the Golden Gophers to sign a contract with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. He is the eighth Minnesota player to leave college early for the professional ranks since the end of the 2005-06 season and it shows in the Golden Gophers hockey record this season. Don Lucia will need to amp up the recruiting to keep his Golden Gophers in top shape!

Gopher Gal visits the Barn and not for basketball

I was at Williams Arena this weekend and it wasn’t to watch the Golden Gophers mens basketball team either, it was to watch an upper Midwest cheerleading tournament. If anyone knows Gopher Gal, then they know Gopher Gal was born to cheer! I love this stuff! Go Gophers!

Gophers Hockey Tournament

The Gophers hockey team has this weekend and next weekend off as they prepare for the Dodge Holiday Classic tournament at Mariucci Arena. The legendary tournament begins on Saturday December 29th. Here is the Dodge Holiday Classic Tournament schedule:

Sat. Dec 29 Air Force vs. Boston College 4:07 PM
Gophers vs. RIT 7:07 PM

Sun, Dec 30 RIT vs. Air Force/Boston College 4:07 PM
Gophers vs. Air Force/Boston College 7:07 PM

There are still tickets available from local brokers like Ticket King. One Dodge Holiday Classic ticket gets you into both games for the day at Mariucci. Go Gophers!

Gopher Football Banquet Awards

The Gopher Football team held it’s annual end of the year awards banquet on Sunday. I am wondering if Tim Brewster got the worst season ever award? He should have. Or how about biggest dreamer award? For sure that goes to Tim Brewster. Anyway, Senior safety Dominique Barber was honored as the Gophers' most valuable player. Read about more awards here.

Gopher Hockey Splits North Dakota

The mens gopher hockey team split the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux series in Grand Forks, losing Friday night 2-4 and then winning 4-3 on Saturday night. At one time the Sioux were picked #1 in the WCHA so to come out of the series with a split is a good thing for the ailing gopher hockey program.

This Golden Gopher Hockey fan thought the Gophs were going to lose Saturday night as the Sioux put up a flurry of shots in the last minute. North Dakota pulled the goalie and put on quite a rally in front of their hometown fans at Ralph Engelstad arena. In fact they rallied all third period! Minnesota led 4-1 with four minutes to go, but the Sioux refused to go down without a fight. Thankfully, the Minnesota Golden Gophers hung on for the much needed road victory.

Mike Hoeffel, a freshman Gopher forward, scored two goals for the maroon and gold and Blake Wheeler and Ben Gordon each put one between the pipes for the Gopher victory.

Gopher Basketball is Hot

The Gopher mens basketball team steamrolled the Colorado State Rams last night at Williams Arena. Dan Coleman and Blake Hoffarber combined to score 43 points to lead the Golden Gophers to a 91-74 victory over Colorado. The Gophers played stellar defense and shot 54 percent from the floor on offense. The Golden Gophers mens basketball team is now 6-1 for the first since 2002-03.

Dan Coleman had an outstanding overall game, scoring 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting to go with 11 rebounds to rack up his sixth career double-double. Coleman also scored his 1,000th career point in the second half, becoming the 34th player in the University of Minnesota school history to achieve the milestone. Congrats Dan!

Tubby at Xcel Energy Center

Gophers men's basketball coach Tubby Smith made the "Let's Play Hockey" call before the Minnesota Wild game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday December 5th. The Wild lost to the Flyers 1-3…Perhaps Tubby should have went down to the locker room to talk some defense before the game because if any one knows defense, it’s Tubby and not the Minnesota Wild Wednesday night.

Gophers hockey takes on Fighting Sioux

Next up for the Gophers hockey team is a tough road series against arch rival University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. The maroon and goal will take on the Fighting Sioux at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota tomorrow night and again on Saturday. Both games will be televised live by Fox Sports Net North so I will be glued to my TV both nights and with a Vikings game on Sunday, it is going to be a sports weekend at Gopher Gals house. Good thing I can wrap my Christmas presents while I’m yelling at the TV! The Gophers North Dakota rivalry is my favorite so this is a big weekend for me! Go Gophers!

Gopher Basketball Schedule

The Gophers mens basketball team is all the buzz on the University of Minnesota Campus and the buzz won’t be dying down any time soon. The Gophers have three more home games the month of December and I expect the "Barn" will continue to fill up with golden gopher fans. Buy your Gopher Basketball tickets early or be left out in the cold.

Upcoming Gopher Basketball Schedule . . .
- Sat. Dec. 8 vs. Colorado State @ Williams Arena 7:00 PM
- Wed. Dec. 12 vs. South Dakota State @ Williams Arena 8:00 PM
- Sat. Dec. 22 vs. Santa Clara @ Williams Arena 6:00 PM

Gophers split the tough Michigan Tech series

Well, the Michigan Tech series shouldn’t be labeled as tough, but let’s face it the Gophers aren’t playing stellar hockey and Michigan Tech is a tough team. The Gophers lost the Friday night match-up 2-3 in overtime at Mariucci Arena, but managed to break their four game losing streak by winning 3-1 on Saturday night on their home pond. Mike Howe scored two goals and Kyle Okposo got his sixth goal of the season as the Gophers skated past the Michigan Tech Huskies. The Saturday gopher hockey game reminded me of the Gopher hockey team I so love, great shooting and fast skating. Now let’s keep it up!

Gophers Basketball is Hot!

Gopher Basketball fans, if you have been sleeping under rock and haven’t heard how great the Gopher mens basketball team is, it’s time to wake-up! The Gophers are 5-1 on the season under the direction of new head coach Tubby Smith. Here’s a snapshot of the Gopher basketball season so far:

Nov 10 vs . Army @ Williams Arena…84 - 52 (WIN!)
Nov 20 vs. Iowa State @ Ames, Iowa…68 - 58 (WIN!)
Nov 24 vs. Central Michigan @ Williams Arena …77 - 59 (WIN!)
Nov 27 vs. Florida State @ Tallahassee…61 - 75 (loss)
Dec 1 vs. UC-Riverside @ Williams Arena…75 - 38 (BIG WIN!)
Dec 3 vs. North Dakota State @ Williams Arena… 88 - 56 (WIN!)

Gophers hockey lose to Michigan

I usually look forward to Saturday night Gopher games (especially with Blake Wheeler back in the lineup), but this Saturday gopher game was terribly disappointing as the Gophers lost to Michigan 1-5 in Ann Arbor. At one time, the Gophers team used to be a powerhouse of sharp shooters, but the Gophers couldn’t get more than one past the Michigan goalie.

Next up for the Gophers is yet another Michigan team as they face Michigan Tech on the Gopher home pond, Mariucci Arena. Michigan Tech is ranked 4th in the WCHA and the Gophers will have their work cut out for them.

Gophers hockey ties Michigan Tech

The Gophers mens hockey team took on Michigan State Spartans yesterday, the day after Thanksgiving, and the Gopher big boys looked like they were in the proverbial turkey coma. The lethargic seniors did pave the way for freshmen Stu Bickel and Mike Hoeffel to score their first career goals and for junior R.J. Anderson to record his second career goal. The three gopher goals helped lead the Gopher team to a 3-3 tie on the road in East Lansing. The Gophers had leads on three different occasions, but weren’t able to close the deal. Come on Gophers, I know you are better than that!

Gopher Hockey team can’t win two in a row

The Gopher Hockey team managed to split the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves series at Mariucci Arena last weekend. The Gophers shutout the WCHA rival on Friday night beating the Seawolves 3-0, but the Gophers hockey squad lost on Saturday 4-2. At one time I called the Gopher hockey team the Yankees of college hockey – now I am not so sure. I think Lucia has his work cut out for him and better recruit a strong class next year or he will surely come under fire from Gophers hockey fans that expect a competitive program.

Gopher Football lose final game to Wisconsin Badgers

The Golden Gopher football team finished it’s season with it’s biggest game of the season. Minnesota vs. Wisconsin. The border battle is huge and the Gopher loss was another huge disappointment to end the terrible Gopher football season. The Gophers lost 41-34 to the Badgers despite a valiant first half effort. The Badgers retained the mighty axe for another year. This Gopher fan is hoping next year is a better year for Gopher Football. Tim Brewster has a lot of work ahead of him on the offseason – he needs to build his very own Brew Crew and make a positive name for himself in Minnesota.

University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Mens Basketball

Gopher Mens Basketball
I saved the best of University of Minnesota Gopher Athletics for last, the Gopher Mens Basketball team. This team will not win the NCAA tournament this year, but they do have promise to win more than one game (cough cough Gopher Football team cough cough). The Gopher basketball team looked strong against Army in the opener at Williams Arena beating the Black Knights 84-52. College basketball doesn’t get too exciting until after Christmas when the schedule becomes a little more intense. The month of December is all home games for the Golden Gophers so buy your Williams Arena tickets today – I will see you at the Barn! Gopher Basketball Schedule.

Gopher Football Team Needs a Rally

Gopher Football
The only good thing about the Gopher Football team is that the football season is almost over for them. The final game of the Gopher season is this Saturday at the Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome or the Misserydome as some call it. The Gophers will take on the Wisconsin Badgers at 2:30. The Minnesota Wisconisn border battle and battle for the axe has become one of the best rivalries in the NCAA and especially the Big Ten. I am sure the Gophers will lose, but it’s still a fun game to watch and lower level Gopher Football tickets are reasonable.

Gopher Hockey Rollercoaster Season

Gopher Hockey
The Gopher hockey team is still sea-sawing through the season. After being swept by the Denver Pioneers at Mariucci Arena, the Gopher hockey team managed to sweep Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks in a home and home series. The Gophers beat the Mavericks 4 to 3 in Mankato and then 5 to 3 back at Mariucci. Next up for the Gopher Hockey team: Alaska Anchorage at Mariucci – Buy your Gophers hockey tickets soon – FYI: it’s always cheaper to go Friday nights.

University of Minnesota Athletics

There are a lot of games going on this weekend in the Twin Cities including three Gopher contests, a Minnesota Wild game and a Minnesota Vikings game. Here is a status overview of my favorite University of Minnesota Golden Gopher teams and links to buy Gopher tickets to your favorite game. This will be one of my busiest sports weekends of the year! Go Gophers!

Gopher Mens Basketball
Next game: Thursday Nov. 1st vs. Minnesota State Mankato (Williams Arena exhibition) - Gopher Basketball Tickets (less than $20/ea)
Record: 0 wins 0 losses
Regular Season Games Remaining: 30
Outlook: Head Coach Tubby Smith has his work cut out for him, but his tough demeanor could be just what the Gopher basketball team needs. Prediction: Gophers finish season 15-15 and spend the off season recruiting, recruiting, recruiting.

Gopher Mens Hockey
Next game: Friday Nov. 2nd vs. Denver (Mariucci Arena) - Gopher Hockey Tickets (less than $70/ea)
Record: 4 wins 2 losses
Regular Season Games Remaining: 33
Outlook: Head Coach Don Lucia has a talented Gopher hockey team, but is up against a lot of other talented teams as well. Prediction: Gophers finish season 25-10-4 and second in the WCHA.

Gopher Football
Next game: Saturday Nov. 3rd vs. Illinois (Metrodome, Homecoming) - Gopher Football Tickets (less than $50/ea)
Record: 1 win 8 losses
Regular Season Games Remaining: 3
Outlook: Head Coach Tim Brewster will have a lot of work to do to get ready for next season. This could be the worst Gopher Football Season in University history. Prediction: Gophers finish season 2-10 and spend the off season recruiting, recruiting, recruiting.

Hail to the Maroon and Gold! Let's Go Gophers!

Gopher Football Homecoming

It has occurred to Gopher Gal that the next Gopher football game I will be attending will be homecoming on November 3rd. (after the Gophers get killed in Michigan this weekend) There are still Gopher Football Tickets left and it should be a good show just because it’s homecoming. I actually think the Gophers will put up a fight. I will be at the game in my maroon and gold (well, it’s mostly obnoxious yellow, but you get the idea) and cheering my team to a well played game. Gopher Gal wants to give props to a few other Gopher blogs out there that are far better than mine – so here’s a Golden Gopher Homecoming Shout-Out to:

http://www.gopherfootball.blogspot.com/

http://www.gophernation.blogspot.com/

Buy your Gopher Illinois Tickets today! Goooooooo Gophers!

Gopher Hockey Laces Up for Home Games

Minnesota Gophers play their first home games this weekend with three games, hosting Ohio State on Thursday and Friday before taking on the U.S. Under-18 team in an exhibition game on Saturday. Both games against the Buckeyes will be televised regionally on FSN North (although I can't find it on their website). I won’t be able to make it out to Mariucci Arena this week so I will have to rely on the local sports coverage to keep me filled in (that’s always a little disappointing for this Gopher fan)

Fun series facts from the Gopher website:

The Series vs. Ohio State
The Golden Gophers hold a 10-1 all-time record against the Buckeyes in a series dating back to 1968. Minnesota swept Ohio State 7-2 and 6-3 last season in its first-ever visit to Columbus. The Gophers are 5-1 against the Buckeyes at home and have won all three meetings on neutral ice. This weekend’s games mark the first time Ohio State has played a two-game series at Mariucci Arena since Minnesota posted a sweep on Jan. 2-3, 1981. The Gophers have outscored the Buckeyes 68-27 in their 10 meetings. Minnesota’s only loss in the series came in the third-place game of the Dodge Holiday Classic on Dec. 28, 1998 as the Buckeyes scored with seven seconds left in regulation for a 6-5 victory.

Gopher Hockey loses two in a row

I guess Gopher Gal shouldn’t have been so excited for the Gopher hockey season to start because it sure didn’t start that well. The Gophers got swept on the road by Colorado College dropping Friday nights game 3-1 and then losing Saturday night 2-1 in overtime. It was the first time since 2004 that Minnesota was swept in a road series and opened the Western Collegiate Hockey Association season with two losses. It was the first time since 1999 that the Gophers were swept by Colorado.

Saturday night was a tough match for the Gophers. Minnesota fired 21 shots on goal in the third period and had the Tigers on their heels, but Colorado College finally broke through against Gophers’ goaltender Jeff Frazee when Chad Rau (from Eden Prairie - Donny Lu should have recruited him!) launched a shot from the slot over Frazee for the game-winner 2:42 into the extra period. The goal came after a short flurry where Frazee made three solid saves. The junior was strong in net all night long with 25 saves, including several outstanding first period stops.

The losses were tough for sure, but let’s hope the Gopher hockey team can bounce back and not take any lessons from the habitual losing Gopher football team.

Gopher Football Team Loses . . . Again

The Golden Gopher Football team lost to the North Dakota State Bison on Saturday 27-21. It was a disappointing show for Gopher fans for sure. The HHH Metrodome was packed with 63,088 screaming football fans that saw the maroon and gold fall to 1-7 on the season. North Dakota State continued its unbeaten season, improving to 7-0.

Minnesota collected 307 yards of total offense to North Dakota State’s 585. Bison junior running Tyler Roehl was the star of the game, running for a school-record 263 yards on 22 carries. Adam Weber led the Gophers with 162 yards passing and one touchdown. The Golden Gopher defense was basically non existent and is definitely the worst in the league, perhaps the worst in Gopher history.

KEY POINT OF THE SEASON: Tim Brewster has his work cut out for him recruiting next year if he wants to live up to any of his promises that he made to the state of Minnesota and Gopher Nation.

Gopher Hockey Team Starts Season With Victory

The Gopher hockey team ruled the Ice Breaker Invitational and came away with the trophy, but just barely. Gopher Goalie Jeff Frazee was the star of the tourney and made a career-high 44 saves as the Michigan Wolverines outshot Minnesota 47-22 in front of 14,868 at the Xcel Energy Center during Saturday’s championship game. The Gophers squeezed the win out of Michigan with a 4-3 victory. The Gophers seized a 2-0 lead in the first period before weathering a withering Michigan attack that put 38 shots on net over the final 40 minutes.

"A day in the life of a goalie," Frazee said with a smile.

"I think Jeff Frazee earned his scholarship this weekend," Gophers coach Don
Lucia said.

"No doubt, Frazee won the tournament for us," said freshman Gophers forward
Patrick White, who scored the winning goal at 5:27 of the third period.

It's early, of course, but Frazee's play is just one of the good signs for the Gophers. They still have several other issues to work out like building a better defensive line. All in all, the Gopher hockey team looked good back on the ice and I am ready for the season to get rolling! Let’s go Gophers!

Gopher Football Team Loses . . . Again

The Gopher football team had another disappointing loss last weekend vs. Northwestern. This may be the worst loss of the season, at least it is the worst loss emotionally for Gopher Gal because the Gophers had the win in the bag and managed to let it out with just minutes to go. At one point, the Gophers had a 21 point lead - 21 points! The final score was 49-48 after a double overtime.

The Gophers' defense gave up 589 yards, including 470 passing yards and four touchdowns – ouch! Coach Tim Brewster has some definite work ahead of him and he better step up the recruiting. Next up is NDSU at the Metrdome. The North Dakota State Bison are 6-0 and are looking forward to taking on the Gophers. The Bison will draw at least 20,000 of their own fans into the Dome. Last years match-up was a hard fought game that ended with a win for the Gophers, but just barely. This Gopher Gal hates to say it, but I am no longer sure that the Gophers can beat the Bison . . . I will see you at the Gopher game!

Gopher Football Schedule has Win Possibilities

Gopher Gal is rather tired of pondering Minnesota football losses. With the Vikings 1-3 and now the Gopher Football team 1-5 what is happening to our once hearty Minnesota football teams? I still have faith that the Golden Gopher Football Team will win at least two more games. The remaining Gopher Football Schedule looks like this:

Sat. Oct 13 Northwestern - at Evanston, Illinois
Sat. Oct 20 North Dakota State - Metrodome 11:00 AM
Sat. Oct 27 Michigan - at Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sat. Nov 03 Illinois (Homecoming) - Metrodome 7:00 PM
Sat. Nov 10 Iowa - at Iowa City, Iowa
Sat. Nov 17 Wisconsin - Metrodome

I think the Gophers can pull a victory off in the Gophers vs. North Dakota State game at the Metrodome and tickets for this match-up are pretty expensive starting off at $99 per ticket on a Gopher Football Tickets web site. I know a lot of NDSU fans make the trip to the Dome and it should be an exciting game. Let’s hope the Gophers fare better in their border battle than the Vikings did against the Packers two weeks ago.

The second win I think will come in the Gophers vs. Illinois game on Saturday November 3rd. It’s Gopher homecoming and coach Tim Brewster will do whatever is necessary to bring home the victory for his University of Minnesota students and fans. Anyone care to challenge my predictions?

Let’s hear your Gopher Football Comments!

Gopher Hockey Ranked #2

With the Minnesota Wild Preseason off to a rolling start, it is never too early to talk about Gopher Hockey (besides Gopher Hockey Tickets were mailed out last week). I see the forces that be are naming the Golden Gopher Hockey team as the number 2 team this year in the WCHA. Well, we will just have to see about that. I am not debating the fact that North Dakota will be tough, but the Gophers will be equally competitive and listed as number two their Fighting Sioux rivals will only make the Gopher Hockey team want “it” more. Here are the results:

2007-08 Preseason WCHA Coaches' Poll
School (1st Place Votes), Points
1. North Dakota (7), 79
2. Minnesota (3), 74
3. Colorado College, 55
4. Denver, 53
5. Wisconsin, 52
6. St. Cloud State, 43
7. Michigan Tech, 41
8. Minnesota Duluth, 23
9. Minnesota State, Mankato, 19
10. Alaska Anchorage, 11

Gopher Lose Big Ten Opener, Hope to Rebound

Once again the Minnesota Gopher football team played stellar in the second half, but just couldn’t recover from their first half fallout. Minnesota spotted Purdue a 21-point halftime lead and lost the Big Ten season opener by a 45-31 count at the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis last Saturday.

I was proud to see my Gophers score on four consecutive possessions after halftime and I kept asking myself where was that team at the beginning of the game? I am sounding like a broken record because that is what I said last week! Clearly, Tim Brewster didn’t read my recommendation that he start the Gophers off earlier in the evening to fool their minds into thinking that the first half is really the second half. Brewster even said in a post game quote:

“Our coaching staff needs to figure out a way for us to start better. We are
going to continue to put our guys in positions to make plays. Sooner or later
those breaks are going to fall our way.”

My challenge to Brewster is how many games do you need to figure this out? I think by the fourth game of the season you should have it figured out. Next up for the Gopher football squad: Ohio State at the Dome this Saturday 7pm. Lots of Gopher Football Tickets for sale , $40 (below face) to get you in the door.

Gophers Lose on the Road

As a huge gopher football fan, I still believe in this team. It’s tough to look at last weeks loss and not want to throw up, but the Gopher Football team will take on Purdue Boilermakers this Saturday in it’s first Big 10 game and I still have high hopes for the outcome.

Last Saturday, the Gophers lost to Florida Atlantic Owls 42-39 in Florida. Gopher quarterback Adam Weber passed for 335 yards and four touchdowns and receiver Eric Decker hauled in a career-high 12 passes for 165 yards, but Minnesota couldn’t overcome seven turnovers. The defense didn’t exactly look top notch either allowing 42 points to a non-conference team?!? That’s lunacy.

The one thing I have consistently noticed about the Gophers football team this year? They always play better in the second half. Why is that? Does the pep talk in the locker room fire them up? Are they just slow starters? Maybe the Gophers should spend more time warming up before the Purdue game so they take the field with the same energy they do in the third quarter of football games.

Gopher Football Fans don’t give up! Support your team and head out to the Metrodome Saturday night. There are still good Gopher Football Tickets left and the game should be interesting to say the least. I doubt Tim Brewster will want to be embarrassed on national TV.

Buy Gopher vs. Purdue Tickets!

Gopher Football Team Wins!

Gopher Gal went to the Gophers football game last Saturday and I have to say that it was one of the most on the edge of your seat games I have ever been to. The Gophers played Miami (Ohio) at the Metrodome and managed to pull off an emotional 41-35 victory after three overtime periods.

I was only one of over 45,000 screaming maroon and gold fans that held their breath at the Dome on Saturday as the Gophers’ offense took to the field first in the second overtime and moved the ball to the Miami 2-yard line. The drive lost steam and Minnesota was forced to attempt a 26-yard field goal which Jason Giannini pushed wide left. I heard several Gopher fans say, “well our kicker missed, but theirs won’t so lets just leave.” This Gopher Gal is glad she stuck it out because the Miami Redhawks rushed four consecutive plays, needing only to score to capture the win, but they went no further than the Gophers’ 10-yard line. The Miami kicker then lined up for a 33-yard potential game winning goal which sailed wide right.

In the third overtime, Senior cornerback Jamal Harris made his second interception of the game, ending the RedHawks’ drive in the final overtime period. Amir Pinnix made the final touchdown to win the game for the Golden Gopher football team. Pinnix finished with 126 yards on 28 carries, his fifth consecutive game with over 100 yards. Gopher Gal thought Adam Weber and Ernie Wheelwright looked solid for the Gophers, but I think Wheelwright is more successful when he catches and runs on the side of the field vs. the center. I hope Brewster sees that in the tapes and adjusts some of the Wheelwright play options to the right side. Tim Brewster announced that Gopher kicker Jason Giannini lost his role on the Gopher football team and this Gopher fan is happy. The Gopher offense needs a lineup of strong players and that includes the kicker.

Next up is a trip to Florida to take on Florida Atlantic on noon on Saturday. The Gopher team departs Thursday night and let’s hope Tim Brewster can add to his first victory with a road win. Gopher Nation is alive and well!

Gopher Football Loses Opener, Needs a Win

I was reading on Gopher Football Tickets .com that the area surrounding the Metrodome was very festive on game day last Saturday and this Gopher Girl definitely agrees. The tailgaters were in full swing around the Metrodome and the sea of maroon and gold fans was a site to behold. Gopher Tailgating started early, but fans kept streaming in until the evening kick-off. It was nice to see the University of Minnesota Gopher Marching Band parading through the streets spreading the Gopher Nation fever.

The Gopher jubilee was quickly deflated as the Gopher football team looked weak against it’s Bowling Green opponent. The Gophers lost the game in overtime after Bowling Green successfully converted a two point play to win the game by one point.

The Gophers need to regroup quickly for their next game this Saturday September 8th vs. Miami (Ohio) RedHawks at 11 a.m. in the Metrodome Minneapolis. Let’s hope Tim Brewster can get his crew in line and put a mark in the win column for Gopher Football fans.

Gophers vs. Bowling Green this Saturday

I can’t believe the start of the Gopher Football season is just a few days away. I just read over on Gopher Football Tickets.com that Adam Weber won the starting quarterback position for the Gophers. I am a huge Adam Weber fan and I can’t wait to see what he does with this Gopher offense. Kick-off against Bowling Green is at 7:00pm on Saturday, September 1st and I see there are great tickets available for less than $25! Saturday is the official start of Gopher Nation and all true Gopher football fans better have their maroon and gold on and their Gopher Football Ticket in hand. Go Gophers!

Gophers Hockey land a local legend to coach

A local hockey coaching legend has been added to the University of Minnesota’s women’s hockey staff. Tom Osiecki, who has over 40 years of coaching experience under his belt, will take the job of coaching the defensemen while newly promoted Brad Frost will undertake head coaching duties.

Osiecki, who lives in Burnsville, started the Burnsville High School hockey program back in 1966, and he coached there for 24 years while leading them to two state championships. Osiecki was briefly a NHL scout for the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars from 1990 to 1995. After that period, Osiecki broke new ground and barriers in the women’s game, when he coached Burnsville girl’s hockey and started the St. Olaf women’s program. Golden Gopher hockey looks bright with the addition of local hero Osiecki.

Gophers Prep for Season Opener

The Minnesota Golden Gopher football team had a productive scrimmage on both sides of the ball last Saturday at the Gophers indoor practice facility. Offensively, the two competing quarterbacks both hit strides at one point in the scrimmage. Adam Weber started off slow, missing on 8 of 10 throws, but came back to complete 9 of 14 passes on in a stretch where he led the offense to a pair of touchdowns. Tony Mortensen didn’t get as many reps as Weber, but also had a nice stretch where he completed 6 of 8 passes with two 20-yard catches. Wide receiver Ernie Wheelwright pulled in two touchdown catches, surely impressing a watchful Tim Brewster.

On the defensive side, the Gophers came up with some big interceptions during the 2-minute drill, which is exactly the time the defense wants to become aggressive and not let teams gain cheap yardage on the “prevent” defense (the Gophers have a history of blowing huge leads). Saturday’s scrimmage will be analyzed by Brewster and the Gophers extensively.

Mortensen and Weber Continue Starting Quarterback Battle

I’m still following the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team’s starting quarterback battle, and as of now, junior Tony Mortensen is losing ground on redshirt freshman Adam Weber, the latter being praised by head coach Tim Brewster. Brewster has said Weber has made the biggest strides at the quarterback position since spring. Weber’s problem early on was a lack of understanding of the new spread offense, but as he’s worked more closely with it, Weber has reportedly done a better job. Last Saturday, Weber made back-to-back completions and then scrambled for a big gain, showing he can get the job done. Mortensen still has a good chance to get the starting job, however, as he knows the offense just as well and has a few years of experience as a backup under his belt. Brewster and offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar will most likely let the two compete all the way up to the season opener on Sept. 1 against Bowling Green.

BMOC Title Still Up in the Air

So who will be the Minnesota Golden Gophers next big man on campus (BMOC)? Well, there is probably a lot of different guys at the U who think they are the BMOC, but to the general public, the BMOC is the football team’s quarterback. Right now, junior Tony Mortensen, redshirt freshman Adam Weber and coach Tim Brewster’s son, Clint in the competition for the starting job left open by the U of M’s all-time leading passer Bryan Cupito. The three are currently getting educated on the new and complex spread offense implemented by Gophers offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar. The offense is generally pass-oriented, and the players said they are making strides in adjusting to the new offense. Whoever gets the job, Tim Brewster said he doesn’t want to rely on the quarterback to win games single handily. “We need the quarterback to minimize his mistakes as much as possible and just do a good job of driving the car. Vince Young is not our quarterback,” he said in a quote on the Star Tribune’s website.

Fox, USA get the gold

Updating a previous blog entry, Team USA won the Pan-American Gold medal in women’s basketball last week. The victory comes following a nadir in American international sports, in which men’s basketball, baseball and hockey have all struggled in international competition. With the women getting the job done, the U.S. is re-claiming some of its former swagger. The game included a Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball player in Emily Fox (she's my favorite), who was a solid contributor throughout the Pan-Am tournament but did not score in the championship game. The game was played against Brazil in front of 13,000 yellow and green clad screaming Brazilians in Rio, but Team USA wasn’t phased, winning easily at a final score of 79-66. Fox finished the tournament averaging 6.3 points and 55.6 percent from three-point range.

Gopher Player Helps Battle for the Gold

The Pan American Games can provide international matchup excitement, and this year’s Pan Am games are no different. USA will face host Brazil in the women’s gold medal basketball game on July 24 in Rio de Janeiro. The Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team has a representative in Rio in Emily Fox, a sharp-shooting Gopher guard. Fox made her only three-point field goal attempt in the semifinal victory versus Canada, scoring three points. She is five-of-nine in the Pan American tournament from three-point range, ranking her as fourth in the tournament. The USA/Brazil matchup will certainly have more fireworks than the Canada game, as the arena will surely be packed with Brazilian sports fans with anti-United States sentiments. Hopefully the women’s USA Pan American hoops team can do some diplomacy and bring home a gold medal fair and square.

Gopher Football Stadium

Gopher Gal definitely has football on the brain with all of the Minnesota Vikings advertisements on TV and with the news media covering more football related stories. With all of the football buzz, there is no denying that the month of August and the official start of training camp is just around the corner and today marks the official ground breaking of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Football Stadium. Built by Minneapolis based MA Mortenson Company who also built the Xcel Energy Center, Gopher Gal is certain the Gophers TCF Bank Stadium is going to be top notch and at $288.5 million it better be!

Gopher fans can expect the stadium to open in the fall of 2009! That’s only two Gopher football seasons away! The new stadium will be built right across the street from Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena, making that little corner of Minneapolis a Gopher Sports metropolis! Gopher Girl can’t wait to be one of the 50,000 fans cheering on her Minnesota Golden Gophers at the brand new Gopher Football TCF Bank Stadium!

Brewster is a Gopher Good Guy

Minnesota Golden Gophers head football coach continues to reach out to the community, quickly cementing a personable reputation in the realm of Minnesota collegiate athletics. Some critics of former head coach Glen Mason claimed Mason was a football-genius who “ruled from a tower.” If this criticism of Mason was true, Brewster seems to be out to prove that he is the opposite of running the team from on high. Brewster latest showing of community goodwill included an appearance at the 2007 Minnesota Summer Special Olympics games, where he handed out medals and spoke at the podium. Brewster said he was delighted to see the smiles of the participants. The Minnesota Gophers football team not only has a great football mind to lead them, but a willing community leader and overall nice guy to help sell tickets to the Gophers faithful.

Big Ten Network to Air Gophers Football

The Big Ten Network’s inaugural season of covering Big Ten sports will kick off with coverage of Big Ten football across the conference. The Gophers first two games of the season against Bowling Green and Miami (Ohio) have been scheduled to air on the Big Ten Network, with later games selected to television networks as the season progresses. The Big Ten Network will be airing different games at the same time but will regionally split its broadcasts.

New Gopher Football Stadium

Want to see a great picture of the new Gopher Football Stadium? Visit: Gopher Football Tickets

Gopher Hockey Player to Sit Out

I just read over on Gophers Hockey Tickets .com that Gopher center Mike Carman will sit out the first half of his sophomore year. Carmen had a stellar freshman season with the Gophers and his absence will definitely be noticed by his teammates and Gopher hockey fans. Head coach Don Lucia would not officially comment on why Carman will miss the fist half of the season, but word on the street is due to academic ineligibility. I know there have been some other Gopher hockey players that have had academic issues as well and I hope that does not become a trend for the Gopher hockey program. Mike Carman has a good thing going for him, last year he scored 9 goals and made 11 assists and was selected in the third round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. It would be sad to see a good player like Carman lose his competitive edge due to academic hurdles. Let’s get it together gopher hockey players, both on the ice and in the classroom!

Kyle Okposo Back at Mariucci

I just read on Gophers Hockey Tickets that Kyle Okposo has turned down the big apple and is returning to Mariucci arena for his sophomore year. Okposo was selected by the New York Islanders last year in the NHL Entry Draft, but decided he was better off playing another year under the coaching of Don Lucia and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Gopher Girl is happy to hear that Kyle will be returning for another great year of Gopher hockey!

Brewster is the Guy for Gophers

New Minnesota Gophers football head coach Tim Brewster is serious about winning the Big Ten championship. No seriously, Tim Brewster wants to win the Big Ten title. He has nine assistants on the prowl text messaging and hounding Gopher football prospects because he knows it starts from the ground up. The text messaging phenomena is a tactic that is becoming increasingly popular amongst college football coaches, and Brewster is making sure to use it to its fullest potential. Brewster isn’t stuck in the mires of traditional football recruiting. He’s committed to use any tactic to “recruit the best players in the nation,” and that’s good news for Gopher football fans. That is if there is any that are truly die-hard. According to Tom Dienhart of Sporting News, Brewster knows about the Gophers infamous indifferent fan base. It’s just another obstacle that Tim Brewster is determined to overcome in his quest to – don’t snigger – win a Big Ten championship.

Erik Johnson Joins the St Louis Blues

Erik Johnson was one of the best defenseman that Don Lucia has ever coached, Lucia said. And now that he is leaving for the St. Louis Blues for the 2007-08 NHL season, the Gophers defenseman will have to step up their skating for the Gophers. Johnson was noticed by NHL scouts for his six-feet, four-inch, 222-pound frame and the fact that he contributed as a true freshman for one of the best college hockey programs in the country. Although Johnson only had four goals on the season, he did compile 20 assists on some truly dazzling passes up the ice to streaking forwards. Johnson's contract deal is going to pay him somewhere in the neighborhood of $765,000 a year over three years. Other Gopher defensemen Alex Goligoski and Mike Vannelli are both likely to leave, Goligoski early and Vannelli graduating. If Goligoski leaves, the Gophers will have lost their top three scoring defensemen, forcing other defensemen like Derek Peltier to skate more minutes. Gopher Girl is looking forward to seeing Erik Johnson skating at the Xcel Energy Center in the near future!

TV Network will Help Recruiting

I was reading Gopher Basketball Tickets .com and Gopher Basketball Guy makes a very good point about the birth of the Big Ten Network and it’s ability to help with the recruiting of athletes to the University of Minnesota. There has been a lot of hype about this Big Ten Network and I wasn’t sure I really got how important it was until I read Gopher Basketball Guy’s article. The network definitely adds recruiting leverage. I am sure Tubby Smith will use it to get star players into Williams Arena! Go Gophers!

Brewster Finalizes Contract

The official numbers are in for Minnesota Gopher Football Coach Tim Brewster. With Brewsters official contract, he could earn up to $1.7 million each year. Brewster originally agreed to a deal in January when he was hired, but it wasn't finalized until earlier this month when he signed a five-year deal that will pay him an annual base salary of $1 million, including $200,000 in deferred money. He also could make a possible $700,000 in bonuses, for feats such as winning Big Ten titles, appearing in B.C.S. bowl games and high scores by his team on the NCAA's Academic Progress Report. That is a lot of money for a coaching newbie, but if Tim Brewster does what he says he is going to do, the University will consider it money well spent. Let’s hope the University of Minnesota Gopher Football Program turns around as quickly as Tim Brewster collects his paycheck.

Gopher Girl is curious what the numbers will be for new University of Minnesota men's basketball coach Tubby Smith who has yet to finalize his official contract. I am sure Tubby isn’t a cheap hire and I hope Brewster doesn’t have any hurt feelings when Tubby’s salary hits the news. Gopher Girl will keep you posted!

Saul Smith to join Gopher Basektball

I was reading on Gopher Basket Ball Tickets .com that Tubby Smiths son, Saul, has been named as assistant coach for the Golden Gophers Basketball team. I know Gophers fans will welcome Saul with all the same enthusiasm that they welcomed Tubby with. Gopher Girl thinks it will be cool to have the father son duo. The two should add plenty of excitement to Williams Arena court and I can’t wait for the first tip off! Go Gophers Go!

Gopher Matt Spaeth selected in NFL Draft

I was reading on Gopher Football Tickets .com that Gopher tight end Matt Spaeth was selected in the NFL draft by the Pittsburg Steelers - Way to go Matt! I knew he was a definite possibility; after all, he was named the 2006 Bronko Nagurksi Award winner as the Gophers’ Most Valuable Player! He was also selected as one of the honorees for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award and in 2006 Matt Spaeth was second on the team in receptions and receiving yards, catching 47 passes for 564 yards with four touchdowns.

I saw Matt on a local news station interview and he just seems so mellow and down to earth. He kept saying how playing football on Friday nights in Minnesota as a high school player you dream of playing at the University and then at the University you dream of playing in the NFL and how cool it is to see your dreams come to life. He said in an interview after he was selected, “I am so excited to be part of a great football tradition like the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Spaeth. “I don’t think it has completely hit me yet, but I am looking forward to contributing to their new regime and helping the Steelers to future success.” I will definitely follow Matt Spaeth. Gopher Girl liked the Steelers before anyway and now I just have another reason to cheer them on. Congrats Matt!

Gopher Football

I was reading over on GopherFootballTickets.com that Gopher Football Coach Tim Brewster was recently highlighted in The Sporting News Magazine. The magazine covers all sports and I think it’s awesome that they took the time out to notice the once forgettable University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Football team. Brewster gave the magazine some solid quotes that are typical Brewster style. Tom Dienhart got Brewster to go on record stating, "We will win the Big Ten…I want my team and the fans to be dreamers so we can do big things in the great state of Minnesota." Let’s do it Brewster, Let’s win the Big Ten! Gopher Girl just hopes Brewsters promises aren’t empty and that he really does lead the University to the title it so rightly deserves! Go Gophers!

Gopher Football Spring Game Success

Behind their new head football coach, Tim Brewster, the Minnesota Golden Gopher football team entered the field at the Metrodome in Minneapolis last Saturday to show a crowd of 15,000 fans where a new coaching staff and hard work at spring practice has gotten them so far.

The Gophers had a total of 5 touchdowns and averaged a 5.4 yard gain on every carry, giving the Minnesota offense a total of 391 yards for the day. Quarterbacks Tony Mortensen and Adam Weber completed 17 of 28 passes for a total of 178 combined yards. The Gopher defense, however, wouldn’t go down without a fight. Early in the second quarter Lee Campbell blocked Blake Haudan’s punt, which was quickly recovered by Haudan for no gain. The Gopher defense ended the game with sophomore T.J. Wentzel intercepting senior quarterback Mike Frankberg’s pass and returning it ten yards.

“It was outstanding.” Minnesota head football coach Tim Brewster said, “We had a celebration today in the state of Minnesota. The Minnesota Golden Gophers shared our football team with the state of Minnesota and it was awesome.”

As for what is next? “The next step for these guys is to get in the weight room, get bigger, stronger, faster and nastier,” said Brewster who is excited to get out and recruit, “We are going to get all over the state of Minnesota. We are going to get into every high school in the state.”

The Golden Gophers will kick off the regular football season in September when they host Bowling Green at the Metrodome – I can’t wait!

Gophers Football Players Released

University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Football Players were under a bit of a cloud on Friday night. The Gopher players should have been flying high with a big Gopher Nation scrimmage coming up on Saturday, but the team was feeling down after 3 of their own were accused of sexual misconduct.

Alex Daniels, 20, Keith Massey, 20, and E.J. Jones, 19, were arrested Friday after University police said an 18-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted at the University Village apartment complex where two of the players live. The University Police received the complaint Friday morning and began “an aggressive investigation.” Head Football Coach Tim Brewster was informed late Friday afternoon and immediately suspended the three players until the investigation is complete.

The players were held over the weekend at the Hennepin County jail. Authorities had until noon today to either charge the players, seek an extension to hold them without charges or release them. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced today that the three University of Minnesota football players are being released as authorities continue to investigate the matter.
Freeman said his office had "insufficient evidence" to charge the players. "We have concluded that additional investigation is necessary to determine whether charges should be sought," Freeman said. There has been no talk as to if or when the three will be reinstated with the Gopher Football squad.

Gopher Girl hopes this issue will be taken care of quickly and fairly. If the men assaulted the girl, I hope their punishment is swift and harsh, but if they didn’t, I hope Tim Brewster and Gopher fans are reasonable and supportive. Gopher Girl just has to worry about the timing of the charges. If the assault happened last week, then why did the victim wait until the day before the big game to come forward? Gopher Girl also hopes the events surrounding these three players will send a strong message to the other Gopher Athletes to watch who you hang out with and what you do – don’t mess around. Come on Gopher players, it’s time to walk the line!!!!!

Gopher Football Spring Game

I was reading on GopherFootballTickets.com that the Gophers are having their big Spring Fling Gopher Football Game this Saturday, April 7th. The game will be broadcast live on FSN North, but Coach Brewster and the University football players are hoping for a good show of fan support at the Metrodome. Gopher Gal agrees, we need to show support for our University of Minnesota Football team. So bundle up the family in maroon and gold and head out to the dome this Saturday. Listen to the college rouser, win some prizes, eat a hot dog or two and cheer on your Minnesota football team. Let’s go Gophers! Let’s go! I look forward to spelling M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A a few times this Saturday!

Gopher Hockey Season Over

As a dedicated Minnesota Gopher Hockey fan, I have been licking my wounds the last few days. The second-ranked University of Minnesota men's hockey team saw its season come to an end last weekend as sixth-ranked North Dakota Fighting Sioux edged the Gophers 3-2 in an overtime blitz in the 2007 NCAA West Regional Championship Game at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Minnesota tied the game at 2-2 with seven minutes to go in the third period to push the game to overtime where Chris Porter scored on a wraparound to give the Fighting Sioux a berth in the 2007 NCAA Frozen Four.

Minnesota finished its season as the 2006-07 WCHA Regular Season and Playoff Champions and recorded the most wins in a season since the 2001-02 national champion squad went 32-8-4. The game marked the final contest for Minnesota's two seniors - defenseman Mike Vannelli and goaltender Kellen Briggs – both players will be deeply missed next year.

The Fighting Sioux have definitely been worthy opponents this year after they swept the Gophers at home a few weeks back, but the Gophs responded with a victory over them in the WCHA playoffs and I was expecting a hard fought game in the regionals for sure. I have to admit I was shocked the Gophers ended the season outside of the Frozen Four, but I wish the University of North Dakota much luck this weekend in St Louis – if it can’t be the Gophers, then let it be the Sioux!

Gophers Basketball Team has a New Head Coach

The Minnesota Golden Gophers Mens Basketball team has a new head coach, Tubby Smith. Tubby has an impressive winning record as a head basketball coach and I am excited to see what he can bring to the Gophers. Tubby comes to Minnesota from the University of Kentucky Wildcats where he has won an NCAA championship. Unlike some of our past coaches, Tubby know what it feels like to win and it feels good. I am certain that Tubby will not come into a losing situation and I am looking forward to his fast results on the court at Williams Arena. Gopher Basketball Tickets just became a hot Minnesota commodity.

GAME WINNING GOAL ROCKS

Gopher Hockey fans everywhere can't stop talking about Blake Wheeler's game winning goal Saturday night vs. University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. It was definitely one of the best goals of the season. In fact, it's extremely rare that college hockey is featured on ESPN's Sportcenter, but Blake Wheeler's overtime goal against North Dakota did just that. Wheeler's diving game winner was featured as one of the top 10 plays on Saturday. The goal was reminiscent of Neal Broten's game-winning goal in the 1979 NCAA Championship, which ironically, also came against UND.

Let’s go Gophers!!!

Up next: NCAA Regionals! The University of Minnesota men’s hockey team was named a Number 1 seed (6th consecutive year) for the 2007 NCAA Tournament and will head to the West Regional at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. The Golden Gophers (30-9-3) will face Number 4 seed Air Force (19-15-5) in the first round of the national tournament on Saturday, March 24 at 2:30 p.m. The Gophers have never face the Air Force team before so it should be an interesting match-up.

Gopher Hockey advances to WCHA Final Five

The Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey team opened the postseason with a 6-2 win over the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves on Friday, March 9th. The maroon and gold never trailed during the Friday night game, taking a 2-1 lead into the first intermission and a 4-2 lead into the second. The Gophers padded its lead in the third period with two more goals to cruise to the 6-2 victory.

The Gophers looked like they were on top of the world Friday, but it came crashing down when Alaska Anchorage shocked Minnesota 2-1 in overtime on Saturday night to force a decisive game three. It was the first ever WCHA Playoff first-round loss for the University of Minnesota men's hockey team at Mariucci Arena. Leading 1-0 in the third period, the Golden Gophers allowed the Seawolves to tie the game at 16:25, setting the stage for Luke Beaverson's game-winning goal at 5:45 of the extra session. Minnesota out-shot UAA 22-14 through two periods, but Alaska Anchorage turned the tables in the last two stanzas, owning a 14-4 advantage on the shot board in the third period and overtime. It was pathetic! The puck was in the Gophers end the entire third period and overtime. Even the start of the game looked sloppy with both teams spending a lot of time in the penalty box. It was a disturbing loss.

On Sunday, the Gophers used a gritty defensive effort to upend Alaska Anchorage 3-1 and claim the best-of-three WCHA Playoff series 2-1 at Mariucci Arena. The Golden Gophers trailed 1-0 after the first period, but rallied with three unanswered goals in the second and third periods. With the win, the Golden Gophers head to the 2007 WCHA Final Five as the tournament's top seed. Minnesota will take on the winner of Thursday's play-in game between Wisconsin and Michigan Tech on Friday, March 16 at 7:07 p.m., at the Xcel Energy Center. There are still Gopher Hockey tickets available so don’t miss this hot, hot playoff series at the “X.”

Gophers hockey looked lazy

The University of Minnesota men's hockey team wrapped up the regular season Saturday night with a lackluster effort, to say the least, losing 5-4 to Michigan Tech in front of 9,998 fans at Mariucci Arena. The 2006-07 WCHA Champions were not playing like champions and Coach Lucia demanded that the Gophers wake-up early for a Sunday morning practice (because that is what champions do.) I commend Lucia for trying to rope the boys in, come on Gophers don’t get lazy on us!

After a stellar game Friday night to win the coveted MacNaughton Cup, Saturday night’s period one and two looked pathetic. The goal tending was lethargic especially when Gopher goaltender Jeff Frazee surrendered four goals on 15 shots. I expect more out of Frazee, he needs to get his head in the game!

The Gophers head into the round one WCHA playoffs at Mariucci Arena as the No. 1 seed. The Gophers play 10th-seeded Alaska Anchorage in game one on Friday March 9th, game two Saturday March 10th and, if needed, game three on Sunday March 11th. Now, Gopher Gal loves her Gophers, but I hate that the games coincide with the Minnesota State High School hockey games and the Xcel Energy Center. It’s almost hockey overload for me!

Gopher Mens BBall End the Season

The Minnesota Golden Gophers Mens Basketball team ended the regular season with 66-47 loss at Purdue. The Gophers wrapped up the regular season with a 9-21, 3-13 record.

Carl Landry scored 25 points for the Boilermakers and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Purdue to the win. Minnesota shot 41 percent from the field and owned a 34-26 advantage on the boards. Turnovers were a thorn in Minnesota's side and aided in the teams demise. The Gophers coughed the ball up a season-high 28 times including 15 in the first 15 minutes of the game. The turnovers helped Purdue build an early 13-2 lead as the Gophers did not make a basket until the 13:28 mark when Kevin Payton finally broke into the scoring column for the Gophers.

Minnesota has a bye in the final weekend of conference play. The Gophers will play Thursday at the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center in Chicago. Seeding will be announced following Saturday's conference games. I hope the University of Minnesota will play with more tenacity in the tournament than they did during the regular season. Come on Gophers, turn it up a notch!

Gophers Hockey is on Fire!!!

The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Mens Hockey Team continues to bring joy to my life. The Gophers swept Colorado College this weekend in grand fashion. Freshman center Mike Carman scored two goals and sophomore goaltender Jeff Frazee made 31 saves on Saturday February 17th to lead the second-ranked Gophers hockey team to a 3-2 win and a two-game sweep of Colorado College. The Golden Gophers win moved Minnesota's lead in the WCHA standings to seven points over second-place St. Cloud State.

With the playoffs nearing ever closer, it feels good to know that Gophers have all the bases covered. We can shoot, we can defend and the goal tending has been solid. The maroon and gold now look ahead to next weekend's series against fourth-ranked St. Cloud State. The Gophers need to win at least one of the games to keep the momentum going and to silence the St Cloud uprising. Friday's game is in St. Cloud, while Saturday's face off is at Mariucci Arena. Both contests begin at 7:07 p.m., and will be televised on FSN North – I will be sitting front and center on my comfy sofa for both games! Go Gophers!

Golden Gophers Football Schedule

The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team has announced it’s playing schedule for 2007. The schedule looks fun with a couple of big border games I definitely won’t miss including the only October home game vs. North Dakota State and the final game of the season against Wisconsin. Both should be good games as North Dakota is hungry to win after the Gophers stole their chance at victory last year and the Battle for the Axe vs. Wisconsin is always my favorite Gopher football game of the year! Go Gophers, we need that axe!

Be sure to order your Gopher Football Tickets early for the big games. Last year, I waited to get tickets to the North Dakota game until the last minute and I had to pay a lot of money to get good seats!

Gopher Football Schedule:

Sat, Sept 01 vs. Bowling Green @ Metrodome
Sat, Sep 08 vs. Miami (Ohio) @ Metrodome
Sat, Sep 15 vs. Florida Atlantic at Boca Raton, Fla.
Sat, Sep 22 vs. Purdue @Metrodome
Sat, Sep 29 vs. Ohio State @ Metrodome

Sat, Oct 06 vs. Indiana at Bloomington, Ind.
Sat, Oct 13 vs. Northwestern at Evanston, Ill.
Sat, Oct 20 vs. North Dakota State @ Metrodome
Sat, Oct 27 vs. Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich.

Sat, Nov 03 vs. Illinois @ Metrodome
Sat, Nov 10 vs. Iowa at Iowa City, Iowa
Sat, Nov 17 vs. Wisconsin @ Metrodome


See you at the games! Go Golden Gophers!

Womens Basketball Season Almost Over

The Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team won at home on Sunday and snapped their four game losing streak. The Gophers beat Indiana at Williams Arena 79-69. Sunday was also Senior Recognition Day and the lady Gophers honored their sole senior, Kelly Roysland.

Hundreds of Roysland supporters from her hometown of Fosston, Minn. made the trip to Williams Arena to see Roysland play. The majority of the 8,612 Gophers fans stayed until after the game to hear Roysland’s senior speech in which she thanked her family, coaches and teammates. Roysland had a great day on the court and her three-pointer 38 seconds into the game made her the 17th player in Minnesota history to score 1,000 career points. She finished the day with 13 points in her first game back from a broken collarbone injury suffered in a game against Iowa on Jan. 25. Sophomore guard Emily Fox led all scorers with 23 points, also dishing out four assists and collecting three steals.

The Gopher Womens basketball team has only one home game left vs. Michigan on Thursday February 22nd at Williams Arena. Don't miss the lady Gophers put on a great show! Need tickets? Check out this site: Gophers Basketball Tickets. I will see you there!

Coach's Son

Well, it was no secret that Coach Tim Brewster had a college bound son - actually he has a few, but the oldest, Clint is graduating high school this spring. Brewster's son, I am going to call him little Brew, has decided to sign a letter of intent for his daddy's new team, the Minnesota Golden Gophers. I am sure little Brew had quite a battle going on in his head - whether he should spread his wings and go away to college or play for his dad which would make him an instant media star and he would be familiar with the coaching practices...Little Brew chose the latter - Welcome to Minnesota Clint! Welcome! Clint Brewster is a stellar quarterback and should fit in perfectly with the new Minnesota Gophers coaching staff. This 6'1" 190 pound quarterback will be able to propel the new offensive plan which includes more passing and full field usage.

In addition to Clint signing, there were 21 other student-athletes that signed national letters of intent to attend the University of Minnesota and play football for the Golden Gophers. The list includes players from eight different states. The group includes one quarterback (Clint), two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, four offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, one linebacker, five defensive backs and two others. There are eight signees from Minnesota. I expect that number to grow even more in 2008 with Brewster's Minnesota First mentality.

Gopher Gal looks forward to seeing what Clint Brewster and the other freshmen will bring to the table in 2007! Go Gopher Football!

Gopher Hockey Team Back On The Tracks

The train wreck is over or at least cleaned up. The University of Minnesota men's hockey team won its ninth one goal game of the season this weekend when they edged out Alaska Anchorage 2-1 at Sullivan Arena for the two-game WCHA series sweep on the road. The Golden Gophers got goals from freshmen Erik Johnson and Tony Lucia! I love to see those freshmen making big plays! The Gophers goal tending looks to be back on as well. Sophomore Jeff Frazee did a stellar job at keeping Alaska out of the game (25 saves) even if he did let in a shorthanded goal (boo boo – hiss hiss). Lucia got to be the hero late in the second period on Saturday when he scored the game winning goal.

The Alaska Anchorage sweep was the eighth sweep of the year! Yeah Gophers!

The Golden Gophers take a week off before continuing their five-game road trip with a WCHA series at Colorado College on February 16 & 17. Both games will be televised on FSN North! YES! I love watching the Gophers on TV! If it wouldn’t have been for the Super Bowl this weekend, I would have been in a total “Sports Program On Tv” (SPOT) withdrawal . . . and yes, I just made that anagram up (-: Go Gophers!

Gopher vs Sioux Train Wreck

It has taken me a few days to calm down over last weekends sweep by the North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Both Friday and Saturday night games were a total and complete train wreck. The Gophers have not been swept by the Sioux at home in 26 years . . . why now? I cried out, why? I knew I would have to address it in my blog since I so boisterously bragged about the Gopher Hockey team in the last few posts.

Let's break it down - the Sioux played really really aggressive and the Gophers couldn't stand up to:
a) the North Dakota speed
b) the North Dakota checking or
c) the Sioux shooting

the answer is d) all of the above! The goal tending by the Gophers was some of the worst I have seen this year. I think Lucia was dumb founded by the lack of goal tending enthusiasm and talent - he tried to switch it up by giving both Briggs and Frazee some ice time, but nothing seemed to help. The Gophers were out shot, out defended and out played.

The Golden Gophers head back on the road next weekend for a two-game series at Alaska Anchorage on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 2-3. Both games begin at 10:07 p.m., Central time and will not be televised - can you believe it? NOT TELEVISED...I hope my local news stations don't let me down! I need to see some good plays on sports wrap to replace the images of the Sioux trampling the Gophs that keep circling in my head.

Gophers Football Coaching Staff

I am so excited about the new Golden Gopher Football coaching staff. I know Brewster is quite a talker, but I really believe him when he says he has hired a top notch DYNAMIC staff. Here are a few of the key new hires:

Mike Dunbar (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator)
Everett Withers (Defensive Coordinator)
Daniel Berezowitz (Recruiting Coordinator)
John Butler (Linebackers/Special Teams)
George McDonald (Wide Receivers)
Phil Meyer (Offensive Line)
Randy Taylor (Director of Football Operations)

Brewster said in an interview, “I couldn’t be more excited that we have been able to put together top coaches and recruiters throughout the country on this staff. I say that with confidence because I know these guys personally and they are proven in their profession. This staff will work harder than any in the nation. This a special day for the Gopher Nation and all its fans.”

Gopher Gal likes Mike Dunbar the best - he is known for putting big points on the board and for a strong pass offense. It will be nice to see some up and down the field plays. There is nothing sweeter than seeing a spiraling pigskin land solidly in a Gopher Wide Receivers hands. I am looking forward to the season and looking forward to being a part of the "Brew Crew." Let's go Gophers! This could be a year where I get to wear my Maroon and Gold more than once (-:

Gophers Womens Basketball

OK, I never thought I would write a post about the Golden Gopher Womens Basketball team, but I actually watched the game last night and I was totally glued to my TV screen. The Gophers took on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the end of the game was a definite nail biter. I missed the first half because let's face it - I didn't actually plan on watching the game - I stumbled on it. The Gophers star Kelly Roysland suffered a shoulder injury that could be detrimental to the teams future this year, but for the Iowa game it just added a little excitement.

The Gophers had a 20 point lead over the Hawkeyes and blew it in the second half. Iowa came on strong, but the Gophers never gave up. It ended up going into overtime and the Gophers squeaked by with a win. I thought the little blondie Kellie Fox played a good game - even though she missed a critical free throw point! I must admit I couldn't turn the channel until the final buzzer sounded. There were only a few people in the stands, but next time the Gophers are playing at home, I am definitely going to try and get a seat - here is a list of the remaining home games for 2007:

Thursday February 1st vs. Purdue
Thursday February 8th vs. Ohio State
Sunday February 11th vs. Indiana
Thursday February 22nd vs. Michigan

Tickets are rather inexpensive and you can get good Golden Gopher Tickets to every game; so my advice is to pick a game and just go! It will be a fun night out on the town. You could bring your kids or your buddies. Want a cool place to eat? Go to Annies in Dinkytown - they have the best burgers and malts and they aren't paying me to say that!

Let's Go Gophers Women!

Gopher vs Sioux

I am so pumped for this weekends match-up between the Golden Gopher Mens Hockey Team vs. the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux!!! The Sioux have become big rivals of the Gophers in last few years and this border battle at home ice should be a doozey!

The top-ranked and WCHA-leading Golden Gophers are hoping to win this series against intrastate rival and 15th-ranked North Dakota. Games are on Friday and Saturday, January 26 and 27, at Mariucci Arena. Both games face off at 7:07 p.m., and will be televised on FSN North. I will have to watch it on TV since I don't have season tickets and I am too cheap to buy Gophers Tickets from a ticket broker. You can get tickets from this site Gopher Hockey Tickets , but they aren't cheap - then again neither is my cable bill!

Here are some interesting facts I found on gophersports.com (that is the best site for Gopher Sports info - well, besides MY blog, of course):

Minnesota has faced UND more times (263) than any other opponent.

Last season, the Maroon and Gold went 3-1-0 vs. North Dakota, sweeping the series in Grand Forks and splitting at Mariucci Arena.

Nine of the last 11 games in the series have been decided by two or fewer goals.

Minnesota has not swept North Dakota at home in the regular season since Nov. 8-9, 1997. (this factoid scares me a little because I am really hope for a big sweep!)

Let's Go Gophers!!!!! and I am sooo sick of hearing the political correctness junk about the Fighting Sioux and their name and mascot etc. Get over it and Let's Play Hockey!

Gopher Hockey / Badger Split

I love all Gopher Sports, but let's face it Gopher Hockey is my favorite. This weekends match-up between the Golden Gophers and the North Dakota Fighting Sioux should be some of the best hockey of the year! But let's look back a moment because I missed the chance to blog about the Badger game which is always one of my favorites. I love a good border battle!

The last two series the Gophers have split, much to my dismay. The match-up two weekends ago between the Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers was a classic. I was certain the Gophers could have won both games with a little more perseverance, but those Badger fans sure get rowdy! And with over 15,000 of them it looked like a sea of angry red at the Kohl Center. It was nice to see the Gophers skate well and when Brian Schack scored the first Gopher goal Friday night, I really thought the Gophers were a shoe in to win. The Wisconsin goalie really turned it up and shut the Gophers down periods 2 and 3 and let's face it the penalties killed us. Both of the Wisconsin's goals came from Power Plays!!!! Come on Gophers, we need to learn to kill the power plays or stop getting penalties (-:

Saturday's game was much better and the Gophers came away with a BIG W!!! Goalie Jeff Frazee earned his third career shutout and the one goal by Jim O'Brien was enough to win the game. Frazee turned away 24 shots from the Badgers to push Minnesota's lead in the WCHA standings to seven points over Colorado College, Denver and St. Cloud State. The Gophers have maintained an undefeated series record this season and I am so proud of them for that! Let's Go Gophers!!!

Here are a couple of interesting facts I found on gophersports.com

• The Golden Gophers lead the all-time series against Wisconsin with a 147-78-15 record, including a 55-48-10 mark on the road.

• Wisconsin has not swept Minnesota at the Kohl Center since Nov. 12-13, 1999.

• The last nine games in the series in Madison have been decided by two goals or less.

• The Golden Gophers have not been swept since Dec. 2-3, 2005, vs. Wisconsin, and have not been swept on the road since Feb. 27-28, 2004, at Denver.

• Minnesota has not been shut out in 26 games - the longest streak in the WCHA.

Gopher Football Mania

Welcome Tim Brewster. It is such a pleasant change to have the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers Football team beaming with confidence. Gone are the days of Glen Mason and his smug, negative and defeatist attitude. I am going to rush out and snap up a pair of Golden Gophers Football season tickets. I don’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of the Gophers rise to national football prominence.

I can already see it; I will be sitting outdoor on a crisp fall day at the TCF Bank Stadium watching my beloved Gophers spank the Wisconsin Badgers on their way to a Big Ten title. I can hardly wait. I had my doubts about this Brewster guy, but I thought his answers at the press conference were solid and his attitude is so darn contagious! I love the positive outlook and the enthusiasm. Go Gophers Go! Go Brewster Go!

I also love the new found dedication to Minnesota High School Football. I am a Minnesota High School Football fanatic! I watch at least 10 games outside in the cold every year. I have seen great players cross the Minnesota fields and I would love to see more of those players in Gopher maroon and gold...just in case anyone is wondering, Ben Utecht is my favorite high school football player turned Gopher turned Indianapolis Colt. Let's win a superbowl ring for our hometown, Hastings, Benny!

Minnesota Gopher Fan

Ok, so I am starting a blog about the Minnesota Golden Gophers because:

#1. I am a University of Minnesota Alum (I didn't make it to graduation, but I did try!)
#2. I love the Gophers especially Hockey and Football
#3. I have caught the blogging bug!

Stay tuned for more news and updates regarding the Minnesota Golden Gophers!!!