Freelance Writer since 2008 -- The Athletic MN, GopherPuckLive, MN Hockey Magazine, USCHO, & Cedar Rapids Gazette --
#GPLPodcast
-- St. Olaf alum
#iydwtydht
Pretty sure I’ve never quite seen this rink like this.
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fans are in for quite a treat, maybe only other time was when Minnesota hosted an NCAA regional back in 2003 when they beat Mercyhurst 9-2 and Ferris State 7-4 en route to their 2003 NCAA Championship.
#Gophers
Bob Motzko: One thing I was really impressed with, boy, the Minnesota people that showed up. What a crowd that we had tonight. It was just fantastic.
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men’s hockey in Fargo — their Facebook page has pictures of some freshmen (Cooley and Pinoniemi) carrying in bags during inclement weather, but also senior Ryan Johnson. It’s a small thing, but traditions isolating new players don’t build teams.
Jaxon Nelson on the season: I'm very proud of the things that we accomplished as a team this year and all my years here. I'm just going to take the ride home and enjoy each other's presence for one last time and go from there.
#Gophers
Knies closed the press conference saying this one stings, but 'this was the best year of my life. Honestly, this was the most fun group I've been a part of. I'm damn proud to be a part of this team."
Still not sure how Brock Faber wasn't a Hobey Baker Top Ten Finalist last year, although I did get to watch him in person ~40 times during his career and that's when you notice his strengths the most. Such a consistent player that's on the right side of the puck 99% of the time.
UMD head coach Scott Sandelin said yesterday, 'I want to raise the [national title] banner against Minnesota next year, is what I want to do... that'll be a fun thing.'
The fan base for the
#Gophers
men’s hockey program has taken a lot of flak the last decade, but students have been great this year and they have almost filled out the
@IceBoxUMN
already for warmies to see their team play the
#Badgers
.
#Gophers
Mo Ibrahim brought Paul Bunyan's Axe to the regents meeting today. Glad to see UMN President Joan Gabel knows to make sure the right side of the axe faces the camera.
#Gophers
Matthew Knies said he apologized to his teammates between periods for his five minute major.
"It wasn't a good penalty. I had to apologize to the guys and work a little harder for it, kind of get it back for us. I think that's what we did as a line."
Five sections at 3M Arena at Mariucci are now ~$25/ticket, lowest pricing for
#Gophers
hockey since 1999. The 19-20 schedule is as good as you can get in B10 era with North Dakota and Minnesota Duluth on the docket, and Mariucci Classic with St. Cloud St, Minn St and Bemidji St.
DI Men's Hockey Revenues for 21-22 showed the strength of the NCHC through donors and ticket sales, B10 teams still were coming out of the pandemic and lower numbers all around.
#Gophers
ranked eighth with $4,072,626 in revenue.
#Gophers
football defensive coordinator Joe Rossi will get a raise for the next season. Subject to regents approval next Friday, Rossi's salary will go from $650k/year to $800k/year in total salary which will rank 7th in the B10.
The fan base for the
#Gophers
men’s hockey program has taken a lot of flak the last decade, but students have been great this year and they have almost filled out the
@IceBoxUMN
already for warmies to see their team play the
#Badgers
.
Ton of intestinal fortitude tonight for
#Gophers
men’s hockey — lot of adversity early and hit a ton of singles to get back into the game. They will get the early game on Sunday against Western Michigan for a Frozen Four spot.
#Gophers
Logan Cooley on [why do you want to play college hockey]: This is why you play the game. This is why you come to the school is to play in the big bright spotlights like this. And to win a national championship would mean everything to us.
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PJ Fleck isn't the only coach with a new deal this week. DC Joe Rossi is getting a three-year deal with guaranteed salaries of $1.1M, $1.15M and $1.2M, ranks 6th in the B10. OC Kirk Ciarrocca's deal is also three years paying $900k, $950k and $1M, ranks 8th in B10.
I've been told by sources that Snuggerud is well aware of the complications Cooley's decision had on the people around him and while he understood the decision, Snuggerud learned from watching that happen.
August Falloon making it official on IG today. He’s a big 6’ 2” 200 lbs center playing his third year of junior with Tri-City. Motzko now has three players committed who will be 20-yr-old freshman for 24-25.
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Motzko on Assistant Coach Steve Miller scouting for tomorrow: He just said, I'm out of here. And he gets his own room. He doesn't stay with his family. He's a machine. And you let him go. He's a computer. And he's working his tail off. And these guys know it.
Brock Faber only practiced on Friday this week due to illness and lost 14 pounds, but made an impact tonight.
"He really got it bad. That just tells you what a competitor he is," said Motzko.
Top 10 Ideas to Revitalize
#PrideOnIce
10 Band every game
9 TV every game
8 Fri/Sat, 7:05 puck drop always
7 30 min tv pregame
6 30 min tv postgame
5 Serve Surly Furious
@B10
IPA
4 Annual game 4x vs UND/UMD/ SCSU
3 $10 tickets
2 Full Actual Attendance
1 Hire
@FakeDonLucia
to coach
Gavin Katz commits to the
#Gophers
today -- he's a top scoring forward for SSM this season and played his youth hockey in Mahtomedi. Katz was on campus for a visit on Wednesday taking in practice ahead of making his decision.
#Gophers
get their first verbal from the new recruiting cycle and it's a big one. 6' 5" Maceo Phillips played Wayzata association hockey, defense at BSM last year and will be with the USNTDP U-17s this season.
We saw
#Gophers
Ryan Chesley take part in the pregame skate today, no word if he’ll be available for the weekend.
Also here’s Jimmy Snuggerud getting in some shots. He shared this week that he probably shoots about 2500 pucks a week and goes through about 5-6 sticks/month.
#Gophers
Matthew Knies is hoping the crowd tomorrow is just like last year.
"That was the most memorable game I've played here... it was an electric atmosphere, loudest building I'be been in and I'm hoping it's going to be the same environment."
Motzko said on his
#Gophers
coaching show this week that hockey is a sport based on compete level and you can have all the talent in the world, but it's completely negated if you're not going to bend your knees and get after it.
I’m sure Bob Motzko has to be happy knowing he’s got Knies up front and Faber in the back for next season. Can’t wait to see a Knies-Cooley line in action next year.
I am proud to announce my commitment to continue my education and play hockey at The University Of Minnesota. Thanks to God, my coaches, my teammates, friends and family who have helped me along the way.
#Gophers
#SkiUMah
〽️
#Gophers
Bob Motzko was quite pleased with his team tonight.
"There's two games when you play North Dakota the first 10 and the next 50. They came all hard and we had to adjust... that was an excellent team victory tonight."
Matthew Knies shared how Bob Motzko addressed the team before it opened to the media: He just told us he loved us and that it stings, it hurts. There's not a lot of words to be put there… everyone knows how it feels and it's not a good feeling.
#Gophers
add forward Jacob Kvasnicka to the pipeline today via his IG. The Minnesota native played Wayzata youth, one year of high school for Pat O’Leary and is with the USNTDP now.
Brodzinski on what he’ll take from the year: One of the closest teams I've ever been on. It's guys I'll be in touch with for the rest of my life. I'll never forget this group. This is one of those groups where every person on the team, you're here excited to see them.
That'll do it for the Gophers season falling 6-3 to Boston University. Minnesota had stretches where they looked like they might find their game, but it never came together. Heck of a two games from Nelson-Brodzinski-Nevers, but not enough from the rest of the lineup.
Just feels like the officials have no idea what to do when the goalie and an opponent make contact. I think we’ve seen three different situations for Minnesota in two weeks and all are no goals for the Gophers.
Motzko: That’s how we want Gopher Hockey to look… all weekend long we played with enthusiasm, we were making plays, we were smart.... Is this the start? Maybe next week it changes on us, but right now I think we’re starting to see a glimpse of what this group is going to be.
“The Gophers moved to… 2-3-1 in games officiated by Sean Fernandez this season.”
I’d love for a B10 comment/explanation on the decisions at this point.
@AlexMicheletti
made a legit comment about what if these were NCAA Tournament games decided on the reviews.
Notes from the
#Gophers
’ 1-1 tie against Wisconsin:
• Under Bob Motzko, the Gophers are now 10-6-2 on the road against top-five teams, including 2-1-1 this season; in those 18 games, Minnesota has given up more than three goals just once (2.03 team goals against average)
Oliver Moore on Jaxon Nelson: He is an unbelievable human being. It stands out way more than what he does on the ice. He's one of the better leaders I've ever had. He was just such a good example for me coming in and really took me under his wing.
#Gophers
get John Whipple as a verbal commit on day one of when HS juniors can commit. Big 6’ 1” left shot blue liner from NJ who was top point scoring D at SSM last year and will be with USNTDP 17s next year.
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Bob Motzko today praised captain Brock Faber.
"This is one of the first times he's been an older guy on a team and he's still 20. He's excited because his play is elevated. He's making more plays. He's involved in the offense, he's just not out there defending."
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AD Mark Coyle has reached an agreement extending his contract through 2028.
Coyle's compensation will rank near ADs at Iowa, Michigan, Rutgers and Penn State. Base salary starts at $975k, increases 2.5% years 2 to 5 and 3% the rest. Deal also includes longevity bonuses.
Look for the
#Gophers
men's hockey team to announce they have an agreement to play North Dakota for another five years. Minnesota is taking next year off playing the Bulldogs, but will soon announce another four year scheduling agreement with Minnesota Duluth as well.
Dr. Mike Osterholm said today that Gov. Walz and the state's response to Covid-19 has been as good as any state he's seen... he was thankful not just for himself but his children and grandchildren to be in Minnesota.
A little financial insight to college hockey -- there were nine schools that spend more than $4M on men's college hockey in FY22. NoDak, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Michigan, BC, UW, PSU, DU and Michigan State.
Minnesota State spent $2.8M and ranked 22nd.
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D Carl Fish finds a spot for a fifth year. Minnesota had promised incoming guys spots and scholarship money that they wanted to honor, convinced Fish that he should take advantage of an opportunity to get one more year. Friars will be a great spot for him.
I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota. I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who have all helped and supported me throughout my life.
#GoGophs
〽️
#Gophers
coach Bob Motzko had an interesting line during his radio show this week when talking about celebrating senior night, 'Sadly it comes to an end at some point, although we may have some of the seniors back with us next year.'
Biggest takeaway from Wild presser is Kirill and Boldy need a new boss.
"We're not there to beat 'em up and point fingers... you're not pushing guys around anymore, you're not bullying them, you can't yell at them or bully them into playing well, we are there to help them."
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3M Arena at Mariucci will be getting a long awaited update next off-season. The $14M project will replace the ice refrigerant systems at Mariucci and Ridder Arena and reduce the ice sheet size from 200 x 100 and 2 ft radius corners to 200 x 90 with 24 ft radius corners.
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Logan Cooley has shared that he's not necessarily a big fan of school, but he's still pretty decent at it. He was named an AHCA All-American Scholar for 22-23 with Ryan Chesley. Student athletes must have a 3.75 GPA for each semester to qualify.
I'm apparently old school, but I totally support athletes who keep playing multiple sports. Great for everyone when a D-I hockey player keeps grinding with his HS baseball or football squad.
Little bit of chaos for recent
#Gophers
commit
@BrennanBoynton
in the USHL conference final for Fargo against Sioux City--breaks a SC stick after getting run, gets run again and then gets in a scuffle!
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name Faber, Nelson and LaCombe as their men's hockey captains for 2022-23.
Motzko: They have given their heart and soul to this program so it's only fitting that they have this opportunity to lead.
Matthew Wood is 6-foot-4 with "exceptional" hands and an ability to "score from anywhere."
Those things have made him potential top-10 pick in the
#2023NHLDraft
.
And according to those around him, he's not even close to a finished product.
My story:
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add another defenseman to the pipeline with a verbal commitment from
@matthewgrimes_
— he’s a native of Locust Valley, NY, played for Mount St. Charles last year and signed a tender for
@sfstampede
for this next year.
#Gophers
coach Bob Motzko said on his radio show this week that their UMD series will be switching to two game series at one location for the next four years starting with two in Duluth for 2024 and then two in Minneapolis for 2025.
After our scrimmage on Tuesday, we had an ELITE time with a private movie screening of the new “Fast and the Furious” at
@mallofamerica
and a steak dinner at Wildfire!!
#RTB
#HYPRR
#SkiUMah
There was a similar moment earlier in the year where they had practiced flying someone between the D off a neutral zone face off vs Michigan State… coach said they practiced it, players just said it opened up… coaches teach patterns, players play by instinct.
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Justen Close gets the shutout in the 4-0 win over the Fighting Hawks, it's the 11th of his career and he is now only two shy of tying the team record of 13 held by Kellen Briggs and Adam Wilcox. Close made 25 saves tonight including a lot of big ones in the first period.
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got a commitment from Jackson Nevers this week. The forward from YHH No. 6 ranked Edina HS is having a great season with 11g, 3a in 10 games played.
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men’s hockey had a lengthy first practice today to kick off their season — highly rated freshman Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel looked to fit right in with this group.
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Bob Motzko gave some injury updates on his team today -- Mason Nevers will be back this weekend, Mike Koster is probably a week away, Nathan Aiery is a full participant in practice and Max Rud will be day to day moving forward.
Forty-seven years ago, with strong encouragement from my wife Deb, then seven months pregnant, I called my first hockey game. It was a plunge into a world of which I had a mere fan’s knowledge.
Today, five teams later, I’m still learning; but the drive and curiosity ... 1/6
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hockey opened up bidding for their equipment contract again this season and CCM won the bid again for the next five seasons. The men's program usually orders about 700 sticks annually and women's team gets 324.
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Bob Motzko said everyone is back healthy and available for his hockey team headed into their series against Minnesota Duluth. He added that Mike Koster might be mad at him for saying this, but the staff will want to monitor the senior D's ice time this weekend though.
#Gophers
Bob Motzko said he got 10 minutes into the film of last year's game versus Minnesota State and then he turned it off because they had two bad mistakes that cost them and then his team got discouraged. He hopes they learned from that last year.
Always something to see old vets hoist the Stanley Cup. I remember thinking about Kyle Okposo as one of the big
#Gophers
recruits as I started getting involved with
@GopherPuckLive
— amazing path!
#Gophers
add Matthew Wood out of the transfer portal from UConn. Nashville selected Wood as the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and the 6' 4" forward played in the WJC last season for Canada.
I could definitely sense a change in attitude about this decision the last few weeks from Snuggerud and we’ve talked about it on the
#GPLPodcast
quite a bit that there is still more for him to develop while playing college hockey. Exciting news for fans and Motzko.
💣🤯🏒〽️HE'S BACK〽️🏒🤯💣
It's official
@GopherHockey
fans!!
Jimmy Snuggerud is coming back for another year with
@DTAthletes
Let's build this thing for next year!!
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