Gophers Gift Ideas

If my husband is reading this (or my parents or siblings) – here are some hints on what I want for Christmas.

My Gopher Gal Christmas Wish List
(and the probability I might actually get it):

Gopher Mittens (75%) – I really want these and my hubby knows it, but they are like $20 and that seems like a lot of money to pay for mittens, especially considering my track record for losing them.

Gopher Hoodie (65%) – gold, black or grey- there are a lot of styles I like.

Yellow Gophers T-Shirt (40%) – with all these gold out events, I need another gold shirt, but my hubby thinks the two I already have is enough.

Gopher Stocking Cap (40%) – in black or maroon. I like the look of my long locks coming out the bottom of stocking caps in this frigid weather, I usually wear a Wild one, but a Gopher one would be nice.

Gopher Football Jersey (35%) – I already have a hockey jersey, now a football one would be nice – especially to wear at the new TCF Bank Stadium next year!

Insight Bowl Tickets (0%) – this is just a dream.

My favorite Gopher Hockey player

Gopher gal hearts Jordan Schroeder. He is totally cute and totally talented! He wears my lucky number 19 Gopher jersey and takes control of games and he is only a freshman (a little young, but legal!). He is 100% NHL material. Keep your eye on this fast skating, sharp shooting youngster, he is going to make it big!

The pioneer press did an article on him last Saturday – it makes me love him even more. Check out their slideshow pictures before they take them down – Jordan Schroeder is a looker!

Gopher Hockey Power Play (ers)

I couldn’t believe the Gophers hockey team lost to Colorado College on Sunday. Sure it was a close game, 1 to 0, but the lone Colorado goal came short handed in the first period. The Gophers power play line is ranked second in the nation – I was shocked they let that puck slip by them and onto that Tiger guys stick. Poor Alex Kangas, he didn’t really have a chance and I think he was as shocked as I was that the Gophers power play line let the Tigers have control in the first place. At least the Gophers Power Players showed up on Saturday night, kicking Colorado College to the curb 4-1.


I am totally addicted to Gopher hockey right now. They don’t play again until January 2nd, I hope I don’t start shaking from withdrawal.

Gopher Football Getting Ready for Bowl Game, Wish I was, too

I have thinking about the Gopher Football team all week. I just can’t get them out of my head. I want to travel down to Arizona so bad to see the Insight Bowl, it’s not even funny. There is no way financially I can do that right now, but I can’t stop thinking about it.

The Gophers started the first of 15 practices yesterday to get ready for the big game. They will practice through the 21st and then break until they arrive in Tempe.

The entire Gopher football team will fly down to Phoenix Christmas night, do you suppose I could tag along in Adam Webers suitcase? I promise I won’t be too much trouble. Perhaps I could carry his water bottle or sweaty towel or socks – anything! I am feeling desperate. Remember, I am one of those fans that volunteered to put pom poms on thousands of seats in my free time!

Gopher Bowl Game Selection = Insight Bowl Arizona

I was totally wrong about which college bowl game the Gophers would be playing in – which just shows that Gopher Gal is not that good at bowl game math, probability, predictions etc. Basically, my college bowl crystal ball was a little cloudy because I didn’t see the Insight Bowl in Arizona in the future for the Golden Gophers. Bad Gopher Gal. At least they are playing some place WARM!

In fact, Gopher Gal is wishing for a plane ticket to Phoenix right now! The Minnesota snow and the cold are already driving me crazy. I can’t stop day dreaming about flying to Arizona for New Years Eve and partying all day and all night with other Gopher fans in the warm Arizona sun.

I hope the Gopher Football team shows off their talent a little better than they did at the end of the regular season. The way I see it; this is the chance to end the season the right way, with a win!

INSIGHT BOWL DETAILS
Wednesday December 31st at 5pm (Central TV Time – 4pm if you are actually going to AZ)
Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona
Minnesota Gophers vs. Kansas Jayhawks

Tickets are available for purchase (but not by me -boo hoo)

I see a Gopher Football Tickets site has tickets starting out at $60 each

Anonymous isnt showing Gopher Pride

Not everyone reads comments on blogs, unless they are on the front page, of course. So I am reposting a comment left by “Anonymous” last night regarding the Gopher Football team being Bowl Bound –

Anonymous said...
Gophers bowl bound...what a joke. How does a team with a loosing conference record (3-5)in a weak conference qualify for a bowl? Not to mention that the 7 wins were against teams with loosing or .500 records. OK, Montana State had a winning record. Are UofM fans so hard up for a bowl game that they'll consider a win over a 1AA team a significant accomplishment? Give me a break!

Wow, Anonymous – I am getting some negative energy from your comment. Yes, the conference record was a definite downer, but the fact that this team was 1-11 (0-8 conference) just one year ago makes the fact that we can even attend a Bowl Game a significant accomplishment. Yeah, there is work to be done, but at least we are moving in the right direction. I would concur that this UofM fan is pretty hard up (in more ways than one), but I am not going to pass on celebrating the little victories.

Gopher Football Team is Bowl Bound

Gopher Gal must not forget that the Gopher Football Team is still BOWL BOUND. It’s not the Rose Bowl as I had once dreamed (back when the Gophers were 4-0), but a Bowl is still an accomplishment. I am guessing the Gophers will end up at the Motor City Bowl on December 26, 2008, in Detroit, Michigan.

I will keep you posted on the official Gopher Bowl announcement, Gopher fans!

Gopher Hockey Team in Town

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and hasn’t spent all their money (or energy) shopping on this “Black Friday.” The Gophers mens hockey team is in town tonight playing the Michigan Wolverines at the traditional 7:07 pm start time. There are still Gophers Hockey Tickets available! Too tired to make it to tonight’s game? The Gophers face off against the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday at 7:07 pm at Mariucci Arena as well. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see college hockey at its best, I know I won’t. See ya at Mariucci Arena, Gophers fans – I am officially hooked on Gopher Hockey!

Gopher Gal is Sad, So Sad

Gopher Gal is sad, so sad. It was an “ugh” kind of weekend for Minnesota Gopher football and Gophers hockey fans.

The Gopher football team got totally stomped on and I mean totally stomped on by the Iowa Hawkeyes. I was so hopeful, but the hopes quickly faded as the Hawkeyes scored 14 points in just 46 seconds in the second quarter –ouch.

The saddest headline: Gophers drop Metrodome Finale 55-ZIP.

The Golden Gophers football team did finish the regular-season 7-5 and 3-5 in the Big Ten. If there are any bright spots, it’s that the record is wayyyy better than last years 1-11 and Adam Weber continued to develop as a leader on the Gophers team.

The other “ugh” – even the Gopher hockey team let me down last weekend! They lost 4-ZIP on Saturday to the Denver Pioneers. The Gopher hockey team is still ranked number one so I haven’t jumped off the ledge yet – LOL!

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

I will be eating my feelings tomorrow with extra helpings of turkey and pumpkin pie.

Gopher Football Team Last Chance Efforts

I wasn’t even going to post any thing about the Gopher Football team on my blog until AFTER the big Iowa game because I am so bitter about the lost to Wisconsin. I am still angry and bewildered at how we could squander away our 21-3 lead in the second half. But I read that Eric Decker will be back on the field on Saturday night vs. Iowa Hawkeyes! Good. We need him, hurt or not, I think it is becoming psychological. The Gophers really need to win this game for many reasons including my

TOP 5 REASONS GOPHERS MUST WIN THIS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22ND 2008:

1. It’s the LAST Gopher Football game at the Metrodome Minneapolis EVER

2. It’s the LAST regular season game for the seniors (I will miss Willie VanDeSteeg – it’s not every day you have someone with 3 capital letters in their last name)

3. Floyd of Rosedale is on the line (I love pork)

4. Bowl Game Chances

5. It’s Iowa, Idiots Out Walking Around, we have to beat them just to save face

There are still Gopher football tickets available. I may try and sneak over – I bet the scalpers on the street will be fetching a pretty penny, though. It’s a 6pm start, I bet I could order tickets on-line Saturday afternoon if I can work the game into my schedule.

Have a great weekend Gopher Fans!

Gopher Gal hearts Gopher Hockey Best

I now love Gopher Hockey more than Gopher Football and (sorry Tubby) Gopher Basketball will always be third. I am just not a basketball kind of girl.

YES, I went to the Gopher mens hockey game on Sunday afternoon with my man and we had a great (GREAT) time. The Gophers beat Michigan Tech 3-0. It was a stellar game and I am so glad I went and didn’t waste my time staying home to watch the Vikings game (pathetic I heard – my sister was texting me updates throughout the hockey game).

Gopher super star goalie Alex Kangas got his first career shut-out and I was there to witness it. He worked really hard for it, too. Michigan Tech was firing off shots like crazy. We were sitting by the Gopher goal during the first and third periods so I got to watch Kangas in action up close – he really is an amazing goalie. Our defense was really good, too. They looked like a well oiled machine on the ice. Screening and covering corners, deflecting shots, pushing guys in the boards. It was intense.

The crowd was minimal (strange), it was about 60% full. In fact, we had great seats and there were 4 chairs next to me open and half the row in front of me. Gopher Hockey fans, where are you? The Gopher Hockey team is #1! I can’t wait to go to another game.

Gopher Hockey is Great (too)

My man wants to know why I am so obsessed with Gopher Football in my blog when the Gopher Hockey team is rocking the WCHA. He is a total hockey guy so it’s no wonder he is feeling slighted by all the attention I give to the Gopher Football boys (and even the Vikings and not so much Gopher hockey or the Wild). Sorry honey.

It’s true the Gopher Mens Hockey Team is doing fabulous. In fact, they are technically undefeated with at 5-0-3 record. Mariucci Arena will be alive with Gopher Hockey magic on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. My man is trying to convince me to splurge for some Gophers Hockey Tickets for Sunday and head over to campus for a game. Frugal Gopher Gal just said, “We’ll See.” (oh dear, I am becoming my mother).

Gopher Basketball is playing at the Barn this weekend, too. Lots to see and do in Gopher Country. It’s a great weekend to be a Golden Gopher! Have a great weekend, every one!

Gopher Football Team prepares for Wisconsin Badgers

The Gophers hit I-94 East this weekend as they head over to Madison to take on the Wisconsin Badgers. I have been to a Gopher Badger game at Camp Randall Stadium before and it is quite an experience. I wish I could pack up the car and head over this weekend, but I can’t. I will be glued to the TV, broadcast on ABC, so I can even get it on my little portable TV with the bunny ears (thank God the switch over hasn’t happened yet – LOL!)

I hope the outdoor weather conditions don’t prove to be too tough for the Gophers, afterall, next year we will be playing outdoors, too! This is going to be a tough game to win for my Golden boys, but I hope they at least keep it close!

*********** ******************** ************
Have you guys heard about this? OHHHHHH, I wish I could go!!!

2008 Gopher Football Away Game ‘Sota Socials with Coach Brewster!!

Free Admission to all Friday Night Events with appetizers and a cash bar (sadly). Meet Coach Brewster, Goldy Gopher and other U of M representatives! Win prizes and mingle with Gopher Fans!!! (SUPER FUN)

Some hotels may have guest rooms available and they will be on a first come, first served basis. Try calling today! If you have additional questions you may email beeme001@umn.edu. (I hope beeme doesn't mind me posting their email on my Gopher blog)

Wisconsin - Nov. 15
Friday Night ‘Sota Social on Nov. 14
Sheraton Madison 8:30 – 10:30 pm
706 John Nolan Drive
Madison, WI 53713 – 608.251.2300

Gopher Football Team Needs Confidence (and Eric Decker)

The Gopher Football Team (once again) let me down and broke my ever tender Gopher heart. I seriously thought we could give Michigan a run for their money, but even with the Gopher Gold roaring it’s loudest at the beginning of the game, it was quickly silenced as most of us realized the Gophers weren’t looking very stellar and the fact that Michigan brought their “A” game didn’t help.

Michigan Wolverines devoured the Gopher Gold offense. Gopher Quarterback Adam Weber was totally off kilter early and never recovered. He was sacked 4 times, but it was hard to tell if it was the offensive line that let him down OR (I believe this) he was holding the ball too long and the Gopher receivers weren’t stepping up like they need to.

Yes, it’s clear Adam Weber NEEDS Eric Decker. Gopher Nation NEEDS Eric Decker. My husband throws a fit that one player can make such a difference, but I proclaim that if your best friend is on the field with you, you feel invincible…whether or not you are is not important, it’s all about how you feel. When Adam Weber feels confident, he plays better -duh. When Adam Weber has Eric Decker on the field, he plays better. In fact, the Gophers haven't scored a touchdown since Decker was injured – yikes.

MarQueis Gray Passes ACT, Finally.

Before I post about the Gopher Football Team Breaking my heart, I read this over on the Star Tribune and I just had to share:

"Gray is a Gopher again
Posted on November 12th, 2008 – 10:50 AM
By Kent Youngblood
MarQueis Gray has passed his ACT and is headed back to the Univerisity of Minnesota.

”Yeah, I passed,” Gray said in a text message this morning. ”I plan on coming back when the boal practices start.”

Gray, an Indianapolis native, was one of the most highly-rated dual-threat quarterbacks on the recruiting scene coming out of Ben Davis High School. He began practice with the Gophers during training camp, but had to re-take his ACT test after his test score was flagged by the ACT board. Gray took the test again Oct. 11 and posted a qualifying score.

Gray won’t be able to practice with the team during the Gophers’ preparation for their bowl game, but he will be on-campus. He plans on enrolling in school in January and would be eligible to practice with the Gophers in the spring."



SERIOUSLY?!?!? He mis-spelled BOWL ?????? ugh. I know all the athletes of the world will be banding together with their, English teachers don’t have to tackle 300 pound dummies to get a degree, so why should we have to tackle 300 vocab words to get a degree logic, but come on.

At least he passed the ACT, this is like the 4th time he has taken it. I am sure most of the Gopher plays he needs to master are X’s and O’s and arrows and not a lot of words so we should be fine, right? Besides, if he has a phone with a full QWERTY key board, the A and W are pretty close and maybe those big quarterback hands touched the wrong key, right? *insert deep breathing here*

Gopher Football Gold Out

Before I forget, I have to share that I volunteered to work at the Metrodome for FREE to put Gold pom poms on the chairs before this weekends Gopher Michigan game. I got an email back from the Volunteer Coordinator saying that they hired some one to do the dirty work *pout*

Here is the email response from the Gopher marketing girl:

SOLID GOLD Volunteers
From: "Rori Carlo"

To: there were 6 (six) email addresses including mine in the to section…hmmm – does that mean she only got six volunteers???

Dear Loyal Gopher Football Fans! Thank you so much for your willingness to help make SOLID GOLD a success this weekend! I was in need of volunteers to put out GOLD pom poms on the seats, however due to the timing constrictions to get into the Dome to do this I have elected to go with a private group to put them out. They can work throughout the night and I was guessing you all wouldn't really want to do that! I am sure as the loyal fans you are, you would have done it, but it would have been inconvenient for most.

What you can do though, is spread the word of wearing GOLD and making it SOLID GOLD Saturday! Tell your friends, family and co-workers and any others to get their tickets to the game if they don't already have them and wear GOLD! No Maroon! We NEED a great turnout of Gopher fans to cheer our team onto a victory over the Wolverines and an 8-2 record!


Also, visit www.goldyslockerroom.com to print out a 20% off coupon on any one GOLD apparel item. The coupon can be used at any GOLD COUNTRY store and will also be honored at the concourse stands on game day!


Thanks again for your willingness to help!


Go Gophers!

--
Rori Carlo

Gopher Sports Marketing

Promotions Director

4 Oak Street SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455

****WEAR GOPHER GOLD THIS SATURDAY****

SUPPORT GOPHER FOOTBALL

Gopher Football Breaks Gopher Gals Heart

Thanks h*dizzle for the comment on giving props to my “Let Your Gopher Out” shirt. I wore it proudly, but my beloved Gopher Football team lost anyway. The ENTIRE Gopher football team (particularly Eric Decker who let Adam Webers’ pass slip past his fingers in the last seconds of the game) has broken my Gopher Gal heart. The Northwestern Homecoming loss was tough on this gal.

Yes, I admit I was seeing the Gopher team through Rose Bowl colored glasses, but the glasses are now off. I do *seriously* think the Gopher team can beat Michigan this weekend. There seems to be a lot of doubters out there, but I realistically think it is possible. This Gopher Football team is strong and if we can play tough through the second half, a win is possible. I will once again be glued to my TV, but this week I am changing the shirt. This week Gopher Gal will be wearing her Bright Yellow Gopher Football with a maroon camouflaged “M” on it.

Upcoming Gopher Games – BIG WEEKEND

While I was blabbering on about my Gophers Blog purpose yesterday, I forgot to mention there are huge Gopher games going on this weekend! #1 HOMECOMING – I love homecoming, what girl doesn’t. Memories of fun football games and fancy dresses, dreams of a tiaras and your name being called out as queen – ok, back to reality. The Gophers are playing Northwestern at the Dome on Saturday at 11am …. I looked over on Gopher Football Tickets (once they published one of my articles, I gotta give them props) and they have Gopher tickets for like $80 each – wow, that’s a little out of my range. I will probably just join some buddies at the tavern and watch the game in my favorite bright yellow "Let your Gopher Out" t-shirt.

Gopher Hockey is also in town this weekend, playing Friday night at Mariucci Arena against in state rival Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks (that has got to be the longest college name ever) and then the Gophers hockey team partakes in the WCHA Minnesota College Hockey Showcase event at the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday night. I may try to make it over to St Paul Saturday. Anyway, keep the Gopher gear handy, you will need it this weekend!

Goooo Gophers!

Gopher Blog is still looking for her niche

I was so excited to read all the comments on my Golden Gophers Blog Purpose post. BTW, I still haven’t heard back from the Cal Bears blogger Dave (I heard those California boys are a unique breed) – I hope he isn’t anti-Gopher – LOL!

I am still considering modeling my blog after his. One comment on my blog pointed out that the Daily Gopher does that, but when I went over there (I confess, I have never been) it looked more like a traditional all sports Gopher blog – it’s part of those SB Nation blogs. I used to know a blogger who blogged for SB Nation, they have a lot of rules, I guess. I always thought that bloggers were anti-corporation and anti-rules. Anyway, that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I need to find a purpose for this Gopher Blog.

Another comment I loved so I am “promoting” to the front page is this one from anonymous Buck:

One niche that could attract readers is a blog that focuses on the fun side of
Gopher sports instead of stats and game reviews. A blog that is no longer
active, but was fun to read, is Bat Girl for the
Twins:

http://www.bat-girl.com/

Perhaps articles on
players, activities, fans, etc. from a unique female perspective could be an
option.

Buck

I used to read bat girl all the time and she was practically famous. I am not sure I am as talented as she is, but I will consider going down that route as well. My friend Cortney writes in the Style and Sports blog and perhaps I will fashion (play on words there) my Gopher blog after hers and make this blog a little more girly. Talk about cute hair cuts and goatees, who’s working out more than others etc. Now, that sound’s like a good idea. Oooo, gotta run, the boss is coming!

Wear Gold to Gopher Football Game

**GOLD OUT - MICHIGAN GAME!!**
The Little Brown Jug is calling for Gopher Fans to “GOLD OUT” the Metrodome!
Pull out your Gopher GOLD apparel and put it on!
Don’t wear maroon! Spread the Word!

WEAR GOLD ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8TH!!!

this is good news for Gopher Gal, I have about 4 gold golden gopher t-shirts - Don't worry, I am doing my part Gopher football fans! Go Gophers! This Gopher Michigan game should rock the Metrodome! Be there! There is nothing like it! You can get Gopher Michigan Tickets from this Gopher Football Tickets web site.

Golden Gophers Blog Purpose

You know every web site (even blogs) need a purpose – I would like to redefine my Gopher Blogs purpose. I found a really interesting Cal Bears blog out there that basically gathers all the articles on the Cal Bears (Dave just does Football) on the blog in one space and then provides a link to the article and a snipet of the article so blog visitors can decide if they want to read the article in it’s entirety or not. I would like to do something like that for this blog. I wonder if I email Dave, if he has any hints. While I am waiting for his response, I will ponder what my Golden Gophers Blog Mission Statement should be. If you have a suggestion, leave it in the comments.

Gopher Blog Needs Pictures

Maybe this Gopher Site needs some pictures! My nieces’ myspace layout is all pretty with glittery graphics and fancy text, but I think a few Gopher Football action shots will be just what the blog doctor ordered.

College Sports are for me

I love the Golden Gophers of Minnesota very, very much. In fact, I don’t bleed purple or live for the Wild and I haven’t been to a Timberwolves game in a really long time. Why? Because I love college sports. There is something so invigorating about guys (and gals) playing at a division one level and playing their hearts out. Sure, some of them will make it big in the NFL, NHL or NBA and then I will despise their money grubbing ways, but right now they are college kids living on campus, going to class (I hope) and enjoying some of the best years or their lives. They play the sport because they love it and they haven’t forgotten that love or it hasn’t got lost amidst agents and contracts and bonuses.

I think I wrote this article as a reminder to why I want to keep my blog and not give up on it. Stay Tuned, Gopher Fans! More to come!

Gopher Gal is Not a Quitter

Gopher Gal has not been very active in the blogging world lately. I was going to quit, but this is such a great domain name and I still have a passion for the University of Minnesota and I know there are others out there that share my passion so I am going to trudge on for a bit longer.

I read some where that in order to have a successful blog, you need to update it every day, but that is not going to be possible for me so I am going to try and find a happy medium. I wish I was more tech savvy because then I could add more bells and whistles to this site so users could stop by more often even if I haven’t updated. I will put that on my Gopher Blog to do list. Maybe I could put a little game on here or something. I have tetris on my Windows vista sidebar, I should be able to put something fun here on the gopher site. Maybe I will have to get me teen niece to spruce it up, her myspace page is amazing – sure you can use some of that same code over here on blogger.

Don’t worry Gopher Fans, Gopher Gal is not quitter (well, at least not yet)

Gopher Gals A-Squad

Have I mentioned yet that Gopher quarterback Adam Weber is the first sophomore in University of Minnesota history to be named captain? Wow, that is a big accomplishment. Clearly, Coach Tim Brewster has some faith in this kid. I know I do. Adam Weber is definitely on my top players list … I am going to start a Gopher Gal “lonely hearts club” and list all my favorite Gopher players. Let’s see…

Gopher Football:
Adam Weber (cute and talented)
Eric Decker (fast as lightning, has great moves)
Jeff Tow-Arnett (a walk-on, everyone has a soft spot for the underdog)
Willie VanDeSteeg (my bad boy complex)

Gopher Basketball:
Blake Hoffarber (cutie and quick on his feet)
Dan Coleman (tall and lanky)

Gopher Hockey:
Aaron Ness (a little young, but what can I say…he’s legal)
Mike Carmen (fast on the ice, and off?)
Alex Kangas (all that flexibility is a definite turn on)

Any other additions, gophers fans?

Gopher Football Slogan

Many fans have been asking about the red bracelets worn by the Gopher football players. Apparently, the Gophers are wearing bracelets with the team slogan "One Play at a Time" to remind them to execute each and every play with precision and to slow down and focus on ONE PLAY. Hmmm…interesting concept. I suppose you could say that last year’s record could have looked a whole lot different if just a half dozen plays had turned out differently. I hope the bracelets bring the team some much needed luck!

Gopher Football Coach Optimism

From Tim Brewster – head coach of Gopher Football Team – recorded on opening day of Gopher Football training camp:

“On this day across the country, every football coach is somewhat optimistic
about his football team. The question really is whether or not that optimism is
realistic. Without question, I think we’ve taken the steps necessary to ensure
that our optimism is realistic. Everybody has made it known that we went 1-11
last season. We all understand that, but we’ve taken the steps necessary to
improve our football team.”

From Gopher Gal – University of Minnesota Alum and Gopher blogger – recorded today:

“We’ll See”

Gopher Nation Fan Fest

I wish I could go to this, but I have a family function tomorrow - - - If you are around campus, stop by the football complex and check-out your 2008 Gopher football team. Here is the press release about Gopher Nation Fan Fest 2008:

“University of Minnesota football fans will have an opportunity to get up close
and personal with Golden Gopher players and coaches on Aug. 10. Gopher Nation
Fan Fest will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the Gibson-Nagurski Football
Complex.

Golden Gopher head coach Tim Brewster and the rest of his
coaching staff will be in attendance. Minnesota players will instruct fans in
football drills. Interactive games and prizes will also be featured. The event
will wrap up with an autograph session.

Admission is free.”

Gopher Defense has new leader with Ted Roof

The Golden Gophers football team has a new defensive coordinator Ted Roof this year. Roof is from the Duke Football team who if I remember correctly don’t have a big football program. Obviously, though, coach Tim Brewster saw something in this coach. I was reading over at a Duke Football tickets site that the Blue Devils have had “a few losing seasons” and now have a new head coach. I am not sure how I feel about getting a coach from an organization that cleaned house and started over. Do we really want another team’s dispensable employee? I hope what they say about 'one persons trash is another persons treasure' will prove true for Ted Roof and the Gopher Football defense. Time will tell.

Adam Weber is ready to lead Gopher Football, what about Gopher Nation?

Gopher Football training camp started this week and from all the reports around town, the team is stronger than last year and is ready to show Gopher Nation what it’s got. Gopher quarterback Adam Weber said that Tim Brewster's faith in him, along with a better sense of what the team and offense needed to do to reach its potential, has helped him become more focused. I hope he is right. I have a lot of faith in Weber, but he isn’t a one man show – he needs an entire Gopher team to win more than one game this Gopher season. Sure, Weber is one year older and one more year experienced, but is he ready to lead Gopher Nation? Last year, Gophers fans felt duped by Tim Brewsters rose colored promises – fans won’t be so quick to jump on the wagon this year – Weber will not only need to lead a Gopher offense, but a Gopher Nation as well.

I am ready for the season to start…August 30th isn’t that far away! Go Gophers!

Gopher Basketball Players eat too

One of the best things about going to Jimmy John's is not only to watch their speedy fast sandwich making skills but also that I always see someone I know. Last time I was there I ran into an old teacher of mine from third grade. This time I saw Blake Hoffarber. Yes, Gopher Basketball player Blake Hoffarber eats at Jimmy Johns. This is an unofficial Gopher sighting, but I was really excited. I started day dreaming about me working for TMZ and the possibility of a paparazzi show in Minneapolis. It just brightens my day knowing I just saw a guy I write about often. What is even more exciting about seeing Blake was that we both ordered the turkey sandwich on wheat bread. I love Gopher sightings.

Gopher Iowa game is BIG

I really want to go the Gophers Iowa game on November 22, but hold on to your hats gopher fans because something big is about to blow in. Big ticket prices! This is a hot game for several reasons.
#1. Border Battle
#2. Floyd of Rosedale
#3. Last Metrodome game for Gophers Football

Gophers Iowa tickets are going from $89 to $199 per ticket. Wow! That seems more like the prices of the new TCF Bank Stadium, not the grungy old Metrodome, but the fact remains, this game is a big deal. With the improved Gopher football line up, I am hoping that Minnesota will be kicking some Iowa butt! The tickets are going fast so I better buy them now before they are all gone or the prices go even higher. We all know that watching football on T.V. is nowhere near as exciting as watching it live in your 50 yard line seats no matter how hard I try and convince myself that it wouldn’t be that bad to stay home.

My favorite Gophers will attend Media Day

I read that two of my favorite Gopher football players will be attending the Big Ten Media Days July 24th and 25th. Quarterback Adam Weber and wide receiver Eric Decker will be talking about the upcoming season and the Big Ten competition. Coach Tim Brewster will also be there (and I am guessing will do most of the talking, that’s what he seems to be good at…talking) and linebacker Steve Davis will be there, too – no offense Steve, but you just aren’t cute enough to make Gopher Gals favorite player list, but I am sure you will still represent the maroon and gold very well. Go Gophers! You know with Media Days coming up it won’t be that long until players are reporting for camp!

Big Ten Network Upcoming Gopher Games

The Big Ten Network has committed to airing three of the Gopher football teams four nonconference games this season along with regular season finale versus the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 22nd. The Gophers Hawkeyes game will be the last game the Golden Gophers football team plays at the HHH Metrodome. It will be a bittersweet game for sure. I am hoping to attend live and in person, but if Gopher ticket prices get to be too high, I may just have to enjoy it from the couch. Then again, the Gophers seem to win more when I am in the stands and I want to be sure that the Gophers go out of the Metrodome with a bang so I better get tickets!

Big Ten Network Games:

• August 30th Gophers vs. Northern Illinois
• September 13th Gophers vs. Montana State
• September 20th Gophers vs. Florida Atlantic
• November 22nd Gophers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (be there or be square!)

Comcast broadcast Big Ten Network

I am not sure I complained about this as much as I should have last year, but I was really irritated with Comcast and their refusal to work out a deal with the Big Ten Network. I missed several Gopher games thanks to their stubbornness (and mine, I concede, since I didn’t physically go to every gopher game at the dome or just head to the local tavern or my dads house to watch TV) I am not a huge Comcast fan anyway and their refusal to take part in my beloved Gophers Big Ten Network was just more fuel to my fire. Well the burning flame against comcast will be a little dimmer now. Comcast has announced that they plan to carry the Big Ten Network on expanded basic service beginning August 15th! yeah!

Gopher Gal gets published

Hey, I got published over on a gopher football tickets site! I traded links with them in hopes to gain added readers. Check out my article on the Gopher Football team working hard on strength and conditioning! Goooooo Gophers!

Gopher Basketball Best Play of the Year

I realized that yesterday I got so caught up in the process of voting I didn’t even mention what the Best Play to vote for was. I am sure most Gopher basketball fans remember the Gopher Indiana Hoosier game last March when Blake Hoffarber sunk the buzzer beater to stun Indiana 59-58. It wasn’t just an ordinary shot though, it was a 15 foot shot off a half court pass and Blake was falling as he was making the shot. It was a beauty and truly deserves the ESPY Award so fans better get out there and vote!

This isn’t even Blake Hoffarbers first ESPY award. In 2005, Blake Hoffarber sunk a shot while lying on his back on the Target Center floor to help his Hopkins High School team win the Minnesota State high school boys basketball championship. I think you would have to live under a rock if you don’t remember that play. It was amazing and the news played it over and over and over. You may not remember that is was Blake, but it was. He has a golden touch when it comes to those beautiful buzzer shots.

Vote Blake Hoffarber for ESPY Award

Gopher Gal heard Blake Hoffarber was up for another ESPY award so I headed over to www.espys.tv and decided to vote. I have never voted for one of these fan based award thingies before (I don’t even vote for the MLB All-Star game - some of my friends do and I know Minnesota Twins fan will be disappointed that I didn't vote this year, but Mauer and Morneau made it anyway with out my votes). Ok, back to Gopher Blake. I decided Blake Hoffarber was worth the time and effort.

So I get to the espys/espn website and I realize that I have to register before I can vote – I hate that! They needed my name, address, email address, full birth date, agreement to 17 complicated terms and conditions and my underwear color. OK, I am exaggerating on the undies, but everything else is accurate. After I registered, I took the time to vote for all 37 categories! 37! I thought this was going to be a 15 second process, but it turned into like 15 minutes. The cool thing was I got the chance to vote for some of my other favorite athletes like Adrian Peterson from the Minnesota Vikings and I got the chance to vote against some of my least favorite athletes like Tiger Woods. Yep, I am a Tiger hater. I purposely voted against him in every category he was nominated in even if I didn’t know any of the other nominees, I just picked one, any one but Tiger. The ESPY awards are broadcast July 20th on ESPN of course. I just may watch them this year. Justin Timberlake is hosting - he isn't half bad.

I hope Gopher Basketball gets the chance to win big with Blake Hoffarber – VOTE NOW! Go Blake!

I still love my Ernie

Last gopher football season I was in love with Gopher Wide Receiver Ernie Wheelwright - I really just like his name. How can you not love someone named Ernie? Anyway, Ernie was Gopher jersey number 1 and was number 1 in my heart as well. Well, he wasn’t drafted in the NFL – I didn’t really think he would be – his skills aren’t that good and with such a crummy Gopher Football team, I don’t think there were too many NFL scouts in the stands. Ernie Wheelwright did manage to score a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens and so far they love him! I am going to keep my eye on him Gopher fans. I bet he plays in the Viking Ravens pre-season game for sure. Go Ernie! Make the gopher football program proud. We need something.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July Gopher fans! I hope every one has a safe and happy holiday! I scoured the Internet for a snappy shot of a gopher holding an American flag, but I didn't find anything I loved as much as seeing the American flag waving next to the University of Minnesota maroon and gold flag. Enjoy your holiday!

Gopher Basketball Schedule Update

Everyone is awaiting the release of the 2008-09 Gopher basketball schedule. The gopher hockey schedule was released weeks ago, but the University of Minnesota is waiting to release the Gopher basketball schedule for another week or so. You can sign-up on www.gopherbasketballtickets.com and get notified via email when the schedule comes out. I think I am going to do that because Gopher Gal wants to make a few trips to the barn this season to see Tubby Smith and the Gopher team in action!

Gopher hockey player Stu Bickel signs with NHL team

The Gophers hockey team loses another player to the NHL. Stu Bickel signed a three-year free-agent contract with the Anaheim Ducks today. Bickel’s contract is reportedly worth the maximum amount, including an $85,000 signing bonus. I think these kids see the chance at a paycheck and just jump. Sure, Bickel will make approximately $67,500 if he plays, as expected, for the Ducks' American Hockey League affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, but it sucks for the Gophers to lose another quality hockey player. I guess the $67K is more than a college graduate usually gets anyway, so Bickel figures he might as well collect the cash playing hockey and he can finish his education later on. It really sucks for the Gophers because Don Lucia was counting on Stu Bickel to be a leader on the Gophers hockey team this year.

There appears to be an epidemic of college hockey players going pro before finishing their commitments to their Universities, but what do you do? Any sort of regulation would be an infringement on personal choice. I guess I would just hope that the NHL would want mature experienced players, but when the free agent market is weak, the NHL is going to raid the college players. Let’s just hope this is a phase and the NHL will grow out of it.

Gopher Basketball Camps part two

I read one more interesting fact about the Gopher mens basketball camps this week. Apparently, current gopher players Al Nolen, Blake Hoffarber, Kevin Payton, and Lawrence Westbrook are coaching at Williams Arena this week. Tubby Smith is allowed to pay them, but he is not allowed to work with them one on one thanks to NCAA rules that say coaches must be hands-off during summer months. What a silly rule and I am glad that Tubby has worked this tiny loop hole to get the guys into the gym under his watchful eye. I agree with Tubby when he says, "They're on campus. They're in class ... why not give us a couple hours like they do in the fall?" Perhaps that is a rule change that Tubby will spear head in the near future.

Gopher Basketball Camps

This week Tubby Smith and the Golden Gopher basketball coaches are hosting a series of day camps at Williams Arena. Apparently, there are over 160 kids there – wow! That’s a lot tall men in one building. Tubby Smith is serious about recruiting and serious about building strong teams and that means finding the right talent. It is good to see so many faces vying for some face time with Tubby Smith and the Golden Gophers. It feels so good to be excited about Gopher Basketball again!

Gopher Gear coming to Victoria’s Secret

Gopher Gal has some very interesting news for other Gopher gals. Victoria’s Secret is going to start carrying a line of Minnesota Gopher clothing under its Pink! brand. Hoodies, t-shirts and panties will appear at the stores starting mid-July. Woo Hoo! I love Vicki’s and I am excited to get some Gopher team spirit from one of my favorite stores. This gopher season, I can look sexy in my brand name gear and confidently cheer on my Golden Gopher team.

So what will Gopher Gal buy first?
A. Victoria’s Secret Gopher hooded sweatshirt
B. Victoria’s Secret black Gopher t-shirt
C. Victoria’s Secret white Gopher t-shirt
D. Victoria’s Secret Gopher underwear

The answer is D. Is that your final answer? (game show reference!) you bet it is my final answer, I have been looking for a new pair of luck underwear!

Clint Brewster Moves Ons

There is a lot of Golden Gopher news this week and I love it! Clint Brewster has decided to transfer out of the University of Minnesota and Gopher Gal isn’t even the slightest bit surprised. This piece of news is actually a yawn fest. I never did figure out why Clint Brewster came to the Gopher football squad in the first place. You would think if your dad was the coach, he would be able to foresee your future pretty clearly on his own team. Adam Weber is the starting quarter back, he isn’t going any where. Tony Mortensen isn’t that bad and then old man Brewster recruits MarQueis Gray as well. Of course, Clint Brewster needs to go to a different team if he wants any playing time at all. Why did he come here in the first place? No one knows. Old man Brewster should have had enough sense to tell his boy that the Gopher Football team already has a solid young QB and, hey, son we are going to recruit another top name QB as well so you might want to find a team that actually needs you.

Blake Wheeler agrees to deal with Boston Bruins

Gopher Gal had a suspicion that Blake Wheeler was thinking East Coast and he was. Blake Wheeler has agreed to a two year deal with the Boston Bruins. I still don’t understand why Blake would give up the Phoenix Coyotes and Wayne Gretzky…maybe I never will. Here’s what I would say to Blake Wheeler if I ran into him on the street:

The Phoenix Coyotes selected you, Blake Wheeler, fifth overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft. 4 spots behind Ovechekin for crying out loud. Getting selected in the first round is golden for any college hockey player, it means that the team that chose you believes in you and will invest their time, patience and money in you. You will have a long term contract there. They want you. They will make it work. Do you get it? Am I beating a dead horse? Phoenix would have handed you the key to the city and to the team. They are an up and coming team and you are an up and coming player. Wayne Gretzky is one of the best players of all time and this Phoenix team is only a few years from being good, real good. My fear is that giving up that commitment to go to a team where YOU want to be will be dangerous for your career, Blake Wheeler. Very dangerous. Boston will sweep you under the rug the first chance they get, they don’t have any loyalty to you. Oh yeah, and I curse the day you were born! (a little Sex In The City movie reference for ya)

Gophers had a tough football season, I am not over it

The Gopher 2007 football season was by far the worst football season Minnesota has ever seen. Maybe I should have shown up to more games. The only game that the Golden Gophers won was the one I attended. That very well could have been just luck. Well, the Gophers are going to need more than luck to replace their bad football skills reputation. All I know is that the Gophers better get stuff straightened out if they want to actually win a Big Ten game and not only win to the small school of Miami-Ohio. BTW, this year, I am planning on going to at least 3 games.

Blake Wheeler No Deal with Phoenix Coyotes

Blake Wheeler said “no deal” to Wayne Gretzy and the Phoenix Coyotes. Wheeler will now take his chances on the NHL Free Agency market. What was he thinking? Apparently he thinks he has a bigger number in his case (I love game shows and I have made myself a personal pledge to include more game show references in my blog) Sure, I don’t know what the exact offer was, but I doubt Wheeler will get millions via Free Agency so why didn’t he just take the guaranteed money?

"I'm actually quite stunned," Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney said. "Quite frankly, we made him an offer significantly better than any other contract he can get (right now). But that's his choice. I think (he's received) bad advice, and I think he's making a big mistake because of the commitment we've made to our young players and the young players we're prepared to invest in."


Matt Keator, Blake Wheeler's agent, said in several statements that this isn’t about money and that Blake Wheeler wants to pick where he wants to live and play. WTF? What is wrong with sunny Phoenix? This seems like a weird situation to Gopher Gal. If I do recall, though, a few other Gopher alums have went to Phoenix and then moved elsewhere so perhaps Blakey got some advice from them and the Phoenix Coyotes team isn’t a good place for a Minnesota Gopher to be. Don't coyotes eat gophers?

Sure there are rumors that Blake Wheeler wants to sign with the Minnesota Wild (who doesn’t?! ha ha) but the odds of that happening are pretty slim. In fact, recent statements by his agent indicated that probably won’t happen. At first Gopher Gal was thinking that Blake Wheeler may want to experience the life of a Canadian, but Michael Russo from the Star Trib points out the fact that Wheelers agent said Blake Wheeler wants to experience a different part of the country….perhaps east coast? I will keep you posted Gopher Hockey Fans!

Gopher Football – TCF Bank Stadium

Gopher Football is about all there is for Gopher news these days and the big buzz around Gopher Football is TCF Bank Stadium, of course. The new Gopher Football Stadium is going up quickly and last week the builders installed 87 bricks, each dedicated to a Minnesota county. The Gophers are really trying to make this stadium for the entire state, not just the city of Minneapolis. There is no doubt that the anticipation of Gopher football moving back to campus is really gaining momentum! The ultimate Gopher homecoming! Goooooo Gophers!

Gopher Football gets EXPENSIVE

Well, the University of Minnesota just announced its point system for assigning seats in the new TCF Bank Stadium and it is going to be a costly system if you want the best seats or even just to keep the seats you already have. If you want to sit between the 20 yardlines (where most season ticket holders sit –duh) you now have to pay extra money towards a scholarship fund – minimum $100 per seat. Ouch. It has created quite a stir in the Gopher community. I think the extra fee and the extortion of getting people to donate to the program is a bit outrageous. The college football experience should be affordable, not overly priced. This isn’t the NFL. The creators of the system say this is what successful Big 10 / college football teams do. I guess time with tell.

Gopher Hockey Assistant Head Coach Job Description

The Gopher mens hockey organization spent about a month looking for a new assistant head coach to fill the shoes of Mike Guentzel. What exactly were the Gophers looking for? I found this job description on the Internet; it is mostly taken from the University of Minnesota’s umn.edu web site. (my comments are in parenthesis)

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree; knowledge and expertise in the sport of ice hockey; 5 years of men’s ice hockey collegiate or junior level coaching experience; good organizational, communication, and public relations skills; ability to identify and recruit highly skilled student-athletes; and a commitment to high standards, sportsman like conduct, and fairness. (pretty basic stuff, I was not surprised by any of this – I would have liked to have seen some sort of commitment to win in the Required part, though)

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with video equipment and computers. (video equipment? DVD or VHS?)

Duties/responsibilities: Primary responsibility for assisting in the development of all phases of a NCAA Division I Men’s ice hockey program. This position reports to the head men’s ice hockey coach. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Assist in identification, evaluation, and the recruitment of student-athletes; assist head coach in the planning and on-ice implementation of daily practices; assist in developing game plans; specific coaching responsibilities to be matched with candidate’s areas of expertise; work closely with support staff i.e. athletic medicine, equipment, communication and academics regarding student-athletes; utilize video for teaching and motivational purposes; commitment to and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of the University, WCHA-Men’s League, and NCAA; work compatibly and cooperatively with the staff and personnel of the athletic department; assist in all areas as they relate to the operation of the men’s hockey program; other duties as assigned by head coach. (that’s exhausting to even read)

Application instructions: Annual renewal appointment dates are May to April. Submit a cover letter, current resume, and names and contact information of three references.
Applications will be reviewed beginning May 14, 2008, and will be accepted until the position is filled. (it is filled now and probably was filled before this posting even cam out, Lucia knew he wanted Hastings in the slot)

Gophers Hockey Selects Mike Hastings as Assistant Coach

I am not sure why I didn’t think of Mike Hastings as the clear choice for the new Gophers hockey team assistant coach in the first place. Hastings is from the USHL Omaha Lancers organization and he spent time coaching Tony Lucia, Don Lucia’s son so of course Don and Mike have a relationship. I hate to sound like a conspiracist (is that even a word?), but I am guessing Don Lucia may have had Mike Hastings tabbed for this position for awhile now and was just waiting for Mike Guentzel to quietly exit.

Don’t get me wrong I think Mike Hastings will bring plenty to the table or the ice rather for the Golden Gopher team. He is the winningest coach in USHL history, he has great recruiting contacts, plenty of coaching experience, is a likable guy, former defenseman with great on ice athletics, passionate about hockey, born and raised in Minnesota and loves to win. The only strike I have against him is that he is a St Cloud State Husky.

Welcome back to the state of hockey and Gopher Nation, Mike Hastings! Here is his official quote: “I grew up in the state and saw firsthand the pride of Gopher hockey in Minnesota,” Hastings said. “To be a part of that is a unique opportunity and will make me proud to go to work every day. It’s something that our entire family is excited about.”

Kent Patterson signs with Gopher Hockey team

The Gophers hockey team picked up goalie Kent Patterson or rather he picked them up with a letter of intent this week. Patterson is a local guy who played for Blake and then ended up in the United States Hockey League the past two seasons. Patterson will fill the voided spot of Jeff Frazee and will suit up behind Gopher starting goalie Alex Kangas. Gopher Gal doesn’t personally know much about Patterson, but around the blogosphere Gopher fans are saying he is a pretty good goalie if he can stay healthy. I am sure it is a dream of Patterson’s to be on the Gopher mens hockey team and I am sure coach Don Lucia will give Kangas a break or two, so welcome to the team Kent Patterson! Please don’t let me down.

WCHA Happenings; Alaska out, Bemidji in

There seems to be a lot of whispering going around regarding the WCHA these days. First of all, there is talk that Alaska Anchorage will be leaving the WCHA because of high transportation costs. I have heard this rumor the past two years and nothing has yet to come to fruition, but with the ever increasing oil prices, I wouldn’t be surprised if Alaska Anchorage isn’t out come 2010.

With Alaska trying to move out of the WCHA, we have Bemidji State University trying to move in. Bemidji will receive $20 million of state funding that they plan to combine with $60 million raised by a city sales tax, to pay for a new 4,000-seat hockey arena and convention center. The arena will soon be a northern Minnesota gem and will definitely help Bemidji State in their quest to join the WCHA. Minnesota is the state of hockey and fans are loyal to the Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Gophers and ALL Minnesota hockey. In fact, Bemidji has sold nearly all 25 suites for the arena, raising $2.5 million. Wow. Hockey is alive and well in Minnesota…from Roseau to Bemidji to St Paul to Fairbault.

Ryan Stoa Gopher Hockey Captain

Look for the number 29 Gopher hockey jersey of Ryan Stoa to wear the Gopher gold captain “C” next season. I guess I'm not that surprised. Stoa has shown leadership on the ice in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. As a freshman Ryan Stoa played in all 41 games and was definitely a leader on the ice and then again as a sophomore Stoa showed incredible talent and increasingly more leadership amongst his teammates.

Ryan Stoa has the ability to rally his troops when they are down using his own talents to get them motivated as well as his own attitude to keep his team in the game. If Ryan Stoa can come back to the Mariucci Arena ice completely healthy and with no knee issues this Golden Gopher Blog expects Stoa to make an impact on an otherwise struggling Gopher hockey team. Don Lucia is bringing in a lot of new talent this season and will look to Ryan Stoa to help lead the new guys in the Gopher hockey ways.

Blake Wheeler heads to the NHL

Blake Wheeler will not be wearing the number 17 Gopher hockey jersey next year. The Minnesota junior will most likely pursue a career in the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes. Wheeler is the 10th Minnesota player to leave college early for the NHL since the end of the 2005 2006 season. “Blake is an outstanding student, person and hockey player,” Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. “He was a leader on our team both on and off the ice and we will certainly miss Blake’s contribution to the program.”

Blake Wheeler was my favorite Gopher hockey player. I guess I will have to pick a new boy to cheer for next year. Who should it be? I guess I still kind of have a crush on good old Alex Kangas. I always did have a thing for goalies. They may not skate fast, but they always have good moves. If I don't take Kangas as my new favorite player, who will I pick? I guess I do like that kid from Apple Valley Mike Carmen or number 19 is my lucky number maybe I should pick Evan Kauffman. I don’t know, Kauffman doesn't have as much excitement in his skates as Mr. Wheeler. I think the Phoenix Coyotes have another Gopher on their team, maybe I should just trade in my Minnesota Wild jersey for Phoenix Coyotes jersey - ha ha.

Gopher Hockey Recruiting Process

There is no doubt that Don Lucia will need to hit the ground running with his Gopher hockey recruiting program this year. After a weak season last year and losing several solid senior players, Lucia has a lot of holes to fill on the Gopher hockey roster this season and a few seasons after that. I see Lucia is already building his team of the future by offering Cretin-Derham Hall sophomore defenseman Mark Alt a hockey scholarship. (I bet Tim Brewster was next in line with a football scholarship...Alt is son of former Chiefs player John Alt)

Let’s hope that Lucia can get a few other big guys to sign on the dotted line! Any thoughts Gopher fans? Who should Lucia go after next?

Gopher Mens Hockey Banquet

The Golden Gopher mens hockey team held their annual post season banquet last week and Gopher goalie Alex Kangas received three awards, including MVP. Kangas had a stellar year and was deserving of the award. Kangas became only the third freshman named the team's MVP since the award was first presented in 1955-56. The others were goalie Murray McLachlan in 1967-68 and forward Thomas Vanek in 2002-03. Kangas also received rookie of the year honors – duh! Gopher Gal looks forward to seeing Alex Kangas between the pipes for the maroon and gold next season!

Gopher Football Spring Game

Well, Gopher Gal didn’t make it to the Minnesota Gophers Spring game this year, but I read about it in the paper, yes I still get the paper delivered! Quarterback Adam Weber did a good job leading his maroon team to a 14-0 victory, but the paper gave extra kudos to the Gopher defense for looking strong. An interception by one-time wide receiver and current defensive back Harold Howell in the third quarter really got the Metrodome crowd going.

The Gophers have participated in the maximum amount of full contact practices (I love saying full contact) allotted by NCAA rules this spring so I guess we will have to wait until fall to see more of the Golden Gopher football team in action!

Gophers Football Team gets a Makeover

Really, the Golden Gopher football team has been in process of a makeover for over a year. With a new enthusiastic coach (Gopher Gal loves enthusiasm, but we better have the goods to back-up the promises) and new plays and new players. Now, the Gopher Football squad has a new uniform look, too. When I saw the boys on the news last night, I just had to laugh. They did not look very comfortable standing there in the uniforms at the press conference. I was wondering how Coach Brewster decided who would have to play super model for the day. Was it a short straw draw or a slowest lap punishment or a missed tackle percentage that got each of these guys to model their new clothes.

The new Gopher uniforms, made by Nike, feature maroon and white jerseys that can be matched with three different pant combinations - maroon, gold and white. The Gophers haven’t worn white pants since their last Big Ten Conference championship season in 1967. "Minnesota" also returns to the front of the Gopher jersey for the time since 1993.

Perhaps the uniform change will be the lucky charm we need to make it to the Rose Bowl this year? Come on, be real. We need talent and good play calling. I about cracked up when Tim Brewster said the new uniforms will make the team faster. I fully support the power of positive thinking, but let’s face it, those rose colored glasses (Rose Bowl pun intended, but if I have to point that out I guess it isn’t that clever, is it?) won’t get the job done

Gopher Football Spring Game

Gopher Football Spring Game
Friday, April 25th, 2008
Metrodome Kickoff at 7 p.m.
Free Admission!

The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers will be taking the Metrodome turf for the first time this season in their annual Spring Game on Friday April 25th. Kick-off is at 7pm, but the fun starts at 5pm with events on the Metrodome plaza. I went last year and had a blast. The pep band and the cheerleaders will all be out and it’s just a good feeling to start thinking about Gopher Football! Don’t get me wrong I don’t want to rush through summer, but really August 30th isn’t that far away! Let’s go Gophers!

Gophers get ready to say good-bye to the Metrodome

I am sure this will be an emotional Gopher football season as the team and the fans say good-bye to the HHH Metrodome and hello to a brand new outdoor stadium on the University campus. I also hope the season will be emotional enough to fight for a winning record or at the very least a .500 record. The gopher football team should want to leave the Metrodome in style. I know Gopher football fans will be more interested in seeing the final games at the Metrodome if the Gopher team is actually competitive this year. I know I want to go to a couple of games, but it will be interesting if Gopher Football Ticket prices will be high since it is the last season at the Dome or if they will drop because the team hasn’t given the fans much to cheer about.

Gophers Spring Practice Under the Clear Blue Sky

We have finally had some nice Minnesota weather and it is about time! It’s the middle of April for crying out loud. The snow and the cold are turning Gopher Gal into a bitter woman! But, yesterday it was 65 in my neighborhood and although it was a bit breezy, it actually felt like spring. The Gopher football team even practiced outside! They have had to practice the past 8 sessions indoors thanks to Mother Nature. Last year, I think those Gopher boys practiced outdoors their first week of spring workouts.

I am sure getting outside put some fire in their souls and some thoughts to the future of playing every game outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium. I am very excited to open the new Gopher Football stadium, but part of me will be sadly sentimental at saying good-bye to the Dome – nah, who am I kidding? Bring on the new digs!

Gopher Hockey signs Aaron Ness

The Gopher hockey team received its letter of intent from Roseau defenseman Aaron Ness this week and this Gopher Gal is excited to hear it! Ness is a Minnesota hockey star and I will be proud to see him in the maroon and gold. I may just order myself a Gopher Ness jersey! Aaron Ness knows how to win and he knows how to skate. He has great puck handling and earned his Mr. Hockey award. Welcome to the University of Minnesota, Aaron Ness, Welcome!

Gopher Goalie Jeff Frazee goes Pro

The Gopher hockey team officially lost a member to the NHL this week, Gopher goalie Jeff Frazee. The New Jersey Devils had signed him in 2005 and Frazee sees his time in the minors as his only way to play next year. Gopher Gal respects his decision and wishes him the best of luck. Jeff Frazee was expected to be the number one goalie with the Gophers this past season, but he started out rocky and freshman Alex Kangas swooped in and earned the job…I was going to say stole the job, but Kangas didn't just take it away, he proved himself and earned the starting nod game after game. Alex Kangas is the man and Coach Don Lucia will be counting on him for success in the WCHA and NCAA tourney next season.

Gopher Football Schedule

The University of Minnesota Golden Gopher football schedule has been released and I have to say I am looking forward to heading to the Metrodome for the last Gopher football season played there. I know the Gophers will win more than one game this year, I just know. I am planning on going to Gophers Indiana game and the Gophers Iowa game for sure. I think that Gopher Football Tickets will be extra special this year since it is the farewell HHH Metrodome season.

Gopher Gal loves her Golden Gopher Blog

Gopher Gal has been on hiatus and hasn’t posted as many articles on her Minnesota Gophers blog as she used to and google sure didn’t approve. I seem my page rank has fallen from a 4 to a 2. That is so sad. Damn Google! This is still a quality Minnesota Gopher site, I just got busy with work and the family. I am still a dedicated gopher fan. I still watch the games with the same intensity as when my site was ranked a 4. Come on google, rank me!

Gopher Hockey players

I see that I didn’t list my favorite Gopher Hockey Players like I did for Gopher Basketball so I thought I better give the shout out to my two favorite Gopher Hockey players as well. #1 Alex Kangas, of course. Besides , I always have a soft spot for goalies (all my love, Rich). #2 Mike Hoeffel, that boy can shoot.

Gopher Hockey WCHA Tournament

Some of the best college hockey ever was at the WCHA tournament including the Gopher vs Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks series that led up to the tournament. I was at the edge of my seat watching all the close games and the overtime was enough to leave Gopher Gal sleep deprived. If you weren’t a gopher hockey fan before, you should be now because that was as intense as I have seen the Gophers.

Gopher Basketball season ends at 20 wins

The Gopher mens basketball team had a solid season considering the previous year statistics that haunted them throughout the year. The Gophers had an 11 win turnaround and ended the season 20-14. The 11 game improvement was the biggest in University of Minnesota history. Some of Gopher Gals favorite gopher mens basketball players: Blake Hoffarber and Al Nolen.

Next year should be just as exciting with a few returning faces and then Tubby Smiths new recruits. Word on the street is that the Gopher basketball roster will be one of the tallest in the Big Ten.

Gopher Gal, Where are you?

I can’t believe it has been so long since I have posted in my Gopher Blog. I am sure the 10 readers (max) that I had before have given up on me, but I haven’t given up on myself. I still have a real passion for the University of Minnesota and the Golden Gophers and I will try to make a pact to post more often about my beloved Gophers. There is always a lot going on with Gopher Athletics, whether it is Gopher Basketball, Gopher Football or Gopher Hockey, there is always a lot to talk about! Go gophers!

Gopher Basketball Tickets a little bit cheaper

If you want to head over to Williams Arena this Thursday and see the Gopher basketball team, it will certainly cost you less than a month ago when Gopher basketball tickets were at a minimum of $80 each. With a couple of losses since then and no hope of making the big dance, Gopher tickets are not quite as expensive. You can get a good seat for the Gopher Michigan game for about $30. Gopher fans will hope to see a more competitive team on Thursday at the Barn. Check out Gopher Michigan Tickets today as I am sure the Gophers will be looking to woo back in any skeptical fans.

More Gopher Basketball Human Interest Pieces

Gopher Gal keeps running across news article that delve into the personal details of our University of Minnesota Golden Gopher mens basketball team. On Valentines Day, I posted the GopherSports.com story about Spencer Tollackson and now I see my friends over at the Pioneer Press did a nice little human interest piece on Al Nolen. I now heart Al Nolen. He’s amazing and he loves Playstation. The Gopher Basketball boys are quickly becoming local celebrities. I have read more about them than I have about any Timberwolves and I think Gopher Basketball tickets cost more than Timberwolves tickets these days, too.

Gophers can’t overcome Wisconsin Badgers Free Throws

The Golden Gophers mens basketball team couldn’t handle No. 14 (or 15, depending on the polls) Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday afternoon in Madison. The Gophers lost another close Big Ten match-up, losing 65-56. It was the fourth time this year that the Gophers came within single digits, but couldn’t close the deal . It was a close game and it would have been a huge upset if the Gophers could have come out on top. I am guessing Wisconsin Badgers Tickets are now more valuable than Gopher Basketball Tickets.

Gopher Basketball Players Make Good Stories

I learned a lot about Gopher Basketball senior Spencer Tollackson in this GopherSports.com article. If you haven’t read it, check it out…it’s worth the read.

Happy Valentines Day Gopher Fans! And a special I heart you to Spencer!

Gophers Basketball beats Iowa at home, but can’t handle Illinois

The Gopher basketball team rolled over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday 63-50, but then lost to Illinois 60-84 yesterday at the Barn. Illinois is not a super power this year and they don’t even have a winning record, so this Gopher Gal can’t figure out what went wrong…oh yeah, the Gophers forgot where the hoop was. The Gopher mens basketball team shot a mere 20% from the field in the second half. Hello? 20% - who does that?

The Gophers have got to get a grip on scoring inconsistencies. I get the Tubby Smith defense system and the pressuring and denying passing lanes, but your team has to be able to score to win the game, too. With the loss, the Gopher mens basketball team has virtually no chance at the NCAA Tournament…my hoop dreams are over, but this Gopher Gal will still show up at Williams Arena to support her Gopher team!

Gophers Hockey Team Falters in Denver

I think I am ready to give up on the Gophers Hockey team. The gopher mens team faltered in Denver ending Friday night in a tie and Saturday night in a horrific 1-4 loss. What a huge disappointment. Good thing the Gophers have next weekend off, this Gopher hockey fan will need the time to recover and decide if they are worth any more of my time this season. I am guessing Gopher Hockey tickets will be real cheap and Gophers Playoff Tickets are out of the question.

Gophers hockey team in Denver this weekend

I read this over on gophershockeytickets.com

A pair of wins in Denver could give the Gophers hockey team a much needed lift. Go Gophers!

And I couldn’t agree more! Let’s hope the maroon and gold can beat some Pioneer butt this weekend in Denver.

Gopher Basketball home this weekend vs Iowa

If you look through my posts, I think you can tell that I care more about Gopher hockey than any other Gopher sport...I do hail from the state of hockey, ya know! But the Gopher Basketball team is still a big deal on the University of Minnesota campus and here is a quick snapshot of the past few Gopher mens basketball games (more to get myself up to speed than anything else):

>>Jan 31 vs. Michigan Wolverines at Michigan WIN 77 - 65
>>Feb 03 vs. Wisconsin Badgers at Williams Arena loss 47 - 63 (big loss)
>>Feb 06 vs. Northwestern Wildcats at Illinois WIN 92 - 72 (big win)

Up next is a big game back at the Barn vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday February 9th. You can still get Gopher Iowa tickets from local ticket brokers like Ticket King or buy your Gopher Basketball Tickets from Big Ten brokers like www.gopherbasketballtickets.com - they offer local Minneapolis pick-up. It’s going to be a rocking game at the Barn and Gopher basketball fans won’t want to miss it.

Gophers can’t score enough goals to beat the Sioux

The Gophers hockey team was unable to put enough pucks between the pipes last weekend vs the North Dakota Fighting Sioux as they lost Friday nights game in overtime and then tied 1-1 on Saturday night. I was glued to the TV Friday night and I have to admit the Gophers played well on their home Mariucci Arena ice, but you can’t win games against tough opponents by only scoring one goal. The game winner for the Sioux was a shot for the highlight reels as the Sioux player batted a mid air puck as he was falling to the ice. It was fluky, but it counts and cost the Gophers a win.

I must confess I went out Saturday night and didn’t see that game, but I saw the sports highlights which including some skirmishes and scuffles and not just in the stands! Everyone knows the Gopher and Sioux fans don't get along, but neither do the players and the coaches?! In fact the Sioux head coach got suspended for a few games thanks to his “read between the lines” finger gesture. It was a tough series for the struggling Gophers. There are only a few weekends left before the WCHA playoffs and I am starting to get nervous that the Gophers won’t make it.

Kangas excelling in the Gophers net

Even though I am down on the Gophers Hockey team, I have to give some proprs to Alex Kangas. Minnesota Gophers men’s hockey freshman goalie Alex Kangas has been coming up huge this season in the net for the Gophers. Although the Gophers are struggling to get back to a .500 record, Kangas currently ranks third among all Division I freshman goaltenders with a 2.28 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. Both those numbers are extremely solid for such a young goaltender.

Even more telling is Alex Kangas’ 1.80 goals against average and .933 save percentage since his seven starts after the holiday break. Kangas has never allowed more than three goals in any game this season, meaning the problem is the Gophers skaters more than the goaltending. Let’s hope this superb rookie sticks around for another season at the University of Minnesota and can keep the Gophers in the Fighting Sioux games this weekend.

Gophers take on Wolverines tonight

The University of Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball team will take on the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena tonight at 6 p.m. Sadly the game will only be on the Big Ten network, but many local bars have nice spots where you can watch the Gophers basketball team.

The Wolverines have a very talented freshman guard named Manny Harris. Harris is averaging 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 32.5 minutes per game. Despite the explosiveness of Harris, the Wolverines are still only 1-7 in the Big Ten Conference so far, which is worse than the Gophers 2-4 mark. The Gophers are also 2-4 in road games this year, but this matchup versus a weaker opponent gives them a good opportunity to improve on that mark. Look for Blake Hoffarber to fire up a few threes and Lawrence McKenzie to penetrate the lane. Let’s go Gophers!

Gophers take on North Dakota

The Minnesota Gophers hockey team takes on the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux this weekend at Mariucci Arena in a classic border battle rivalry game. Gophers hockey tickets are over $100 each if you want to get in the door. The Gophers really need a pair of victories this weekend and you can bet Gopher Gal will be tuned into to FSN to see all the action. Go Gophers!

WCHA Standings

I had big plans to watch the WCHA playoffs at Mariucci Arena in March, but now I am afraid the Gopher hockey team may not even make the playoffs! There are 5 weekends left before the playoffs and here are the WCHA standings:

TEAM and POINTS
> Colorado College 31
> North Dakota Sioux26
> Denver Pioneers 24
> Minnesota Duluth & Wisconsin Badgers 17
> Minnesota Gophers 15
> Michigan Tech, Minnesota State, & St. Cloud State 14
> Alaska Anchorage 8

Come on Gophers, pick up the pace!!!!

Gophers Hockey Team Disappoints Again

The Gophers hockey team lost to the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center in Madison last Friday 1-3. Kohl Center was alive and well in a sea of red Badger jerseys and the maroon and gold came out flat. Wisconsin is not a better hockey team, I just don’t understand these Gophers. I was mostly surprised that coach Don Lucia didn’t look more fired up about the game. I was shouting for the Gophers to shoot the puck about a million times. I just don’t know what they are thinking sometimes.

Saturday night the Gophers tied the Badgers 2-2. For most of the game I was certain the Gophers were going to split the series and win the Saturday night match-up, but the Badgers just rubbed salt into the wounds of our ailing Gophers by scoring two goals in the third. The Gopher hockey team has been pathetic in the third period this year. Coach Lucia has got to do something to turn that around..more conditioning, more or less line changes – something! You can’t just keep doing the same things over and over and expect the outcome to be different.

Gophers Hockey Update

Usually, I am the biggest Gophers hockey fan that I know, but these days my dad could tell you more about the Gophers hockey team than I could. Usually the Gophers are at the top of the WCHA, but these days I am not even convinced they are going to make it to the playoffs. The Gophers did get three points in Duluth last weekend when the they battled the UMD Bulldogs for a tie and win, but still after the tie and loss to the St Cloud Huskies the previous weekend, I was feeling less than excited to be a Gopher hockey fan.

This weekend will be big for the Gophers team as they battle the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center in Madison. Both teams are tied for fifth place in the WCHA. And although this is the first meeting of the season, it may determine the Gophers fate in the WCHA. Both of this weekend’s games will be televised live on Fox Sports Net North so you can bet Gopher Gal will be tuned in…well, tuned in as long as the Gopher hockey team puts up a fight and makes watching them worth my time. Go Gophers! Go!

Gopher mens basketball update

The last time I wrote about Gopher basketball I was in a Gopher basketball dream state – the Gophers had sunk Northwestern at the Barn and I was certain they were going to the NCAA Final Four (-:

Well, since then my Gopher mens basketball team beat Penn State in Pennsylvania, but then lost two close match-ups at Williams Arena losing to Indiana 60-65 and then Michigan State 73-78. The Gophers are still a solid college basketball team and I think they still have a chance to make it to the big dance. The Gophers basketball team has two road games vs. Ohio and Michigan before returning to Williams Arena to take on the Wisconsin Badgers. You can bet Gopher Gal will be at the Barn for that game! Go Gophers!

Gopher Blog

Gopher Gal has been a little MIA with the Gopher blog lately. Perhaps because it is too darn cold for my Gopher brain to function! Anyway, I apologize to my Gopher fan base and I appreciate you readers that leave comments!! You rock!! There aren’t too many Gopher blogs out there and I know mine isn’t the best, but don’t give up on me Gopher fans – more Gopher sports information is on the burner.

Gophers Basketball Wins at Williams Arena . . .again!

The big sports story on the University of Minnesota campus is definitely the Gopher mens basketball team. The Gopher team led by Tubby Smith are hot hot hot! The Gophers beat the Northwestern Wildcats last night at The Barn 82-63 – there were a number of stand out plays and players, but Gopher Gals favorite was definite the string of three pointers by Blake Hoffarber – he was on fire!!!! He sunk 5 for 5 and the Wildcats coach just shook his head in disbelief. There is something special about a nice long shot, I think I like the 3 pointer more than I like a convincing slam dunk, there is something beautiful about a ball sailing through the air and hitting the hoop and swishing through the net.

The Gopher basketball team has a tough Conference Schedule ahead of them, but I wouldn’t count them out of the big games and be sure to buy a Gopher Basketball ticket so you can have a front and center view of the action. Go Gophers!!!!!!

Gophers Hockey Finally Sweep

The Golden Gopher mens hockey team swept Wayne State Warriors last weekend and Gopher Gal has just one thing to say – whew – The Wayne State Warriors have lost the last eight games and have only won 3 games all year and have the 58th ranked NCAA offense out of 59 teams – ouch - if the Gophers had lost even one game to them I would have thrown up. The Gophers dominated each game winning on Friday 5-1 and Saturday 5-2. Friday night the Gophers let walk-on senior goalie Brent Solei perform his magic between the pipes. Solei is almost the Rudy of the Gophers hockey team and it was nice to him on the ice.

Next weekend the Gophers take on the St Cloud State Huskies . . . I hope they can carry the winning momentum and beat the Huskies!

Gopher Hockey team hosts Wayne State

The Gopher hockey team has a chance to win back their fan base this weekend at Mariucci Arena when they take on Wayne State for a Friday night Saturday night series. There are still great tickets available from www.gophershockeytickets.com but it will cost you a minimum of $60. Go Gophers!

Gopher Football Player Altercation

I was reading over on www.gopherfootballtickets.com that one of my favorite Gopher Football Players was in trouble with the law during holiday break. Willie VanDeSteeg was cited for two counts of fifth-degree assault after a fight outside a bar in Biscay, Minnesota. I am sure VanDeSteeg was home visiting his parents for Christmas and must have had a rough night at the local tavern. Seriously, he’s a big boy so it must have been a tough fight. I don’t think coach Brewster will be too pleased with the news of VanDeSteegs incident…will it affect his playing time or status on the team in the new year? Hmmm….

Gopher Basketball Tournament

The Gopher mens Basketball team went 2-1 in the Duel in Desert Las Vegas Tournament. Minnesota beat Nicholls State 77-32 Friday night in the opening game and then beat the Kennesaw State Owls 83-66 in the second game, but lost miserably to UNLV in the final game 64-81. The Gopher basketball team starts Big Ten Conference play this month and if they play like they did vs UNLV it could be a rough stretch in the Gopher Basketball season, but this Gopher gal will still be at the Barn cheering on her Gophers! Click for the Gopher Basketball Schedule.