BIG TEN HOCKEY

After a decade as an assistant coach with Bob Motzko, first at St. Cloud State and now with the Gophers, Garrett Raboin is getting the opportunity of a lifetime, heading to Sioux Falls to start the new Augustana men's hockey program.

The Gophers rested. The Wolverines played games. The Mavericks had almost too much rest. But all three won their regionals after college hockey added an off day this season for the first time.

After an odd one-year absence, the Minnesota Gophers are back in the NCAA women's hockey tournament as the number two overall seed, and will host either Harvard or Minnesota Duluth for a trip to the Frozen Four.

After two-plus seasons as a backup goaltender, with no extended playing time in sight, Justen Close was thrust into the Minnesota Gophers’ starters role a month ago. His success has come in part due to his universal respect from his teammates.

Two Minnesota Gophers scored their first goals of the season, and goalie Justen Close got a win in his first collegiate start as they won a nonconference game versus the Alaska Nanooks after a crazy week of off-ice changes and challenges.

The Minnesota Gophers played playoff hockey games in front of small crowds last weekend, and will play in a nearly empty building this weekend at Penn State, after that school announced no spectators will be allowed at games in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Their decision follows a growing trend, with games being played in empty buildings or cancelled in efforts to combat the global pandemic.

In his earliest days as a head hockey coach, more than three decades ago, Bob Motzko would sit quietly inside the old Mariucci Arena and watch Doug Woog's Gopher hockey practices to learn drills and get tips on the game. On Monday Motzko recalled his friendship with Woog, who passed away Saturday at age 75.

Bob Motzko, the head men's hockey coach for the Minnesota Gophers, and selected players will talk with the media following the team's Big Ten playoff opener vs. Michigan. The press conference is scheduled to start 10-15 minutes following the conclusion of the game.

Bob Motzko, the head men's hockey coach for the Minnesota Gophers, and selected players will talk with the media following the team's Saturday night home game vs. Arizona State. The press conference is scheduled to start 10-15 minutes following the game's conclusion.