University of Minnesota Athletics
GOLDEN GOPHERS WIN MARIUCCI CLASSIC WITH 5-4 VICTORY
12/30/2000 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Lake Superior State took a one-goal lead in the first period as Minnesota managed just four shots on goal. Matt Frick scored for the Lakers at the 7:24 mark on the power-play.
Lake State increased the lead to 2-0 as Ryan Knox scored unassisted in the second period. The goal seemed to wake the Golden Gophers up as John Pohl got Minnesota on the board with his power-play goal just under three minutes later. That got the ball rolling for the Golden Gophers as O'Leary and Nick Angell each picked up tallies.
With a 3-2 lead entering the third, Minnesota could not hold the lead as Kyle Anderson beat Adam Hauser at 4:32. The Golden Gophers responded once again as tournament MVP Erik Westrum scored in front of goaltender Jayme Platt. The Lakers would not go away as Bart Redden knotted the game at five.
That's when O'Leary went to work. Freshman Joey Martin blistered a slap shot towards the goal and O'Leary tipped it past Platt. While most believed Martin picked up his first career goal, O'Leary's tip was clear on the replay.
Minnesota held on for the 5-4 victory and the tournament title. The Golden Gophers are 12-5-2 and resume WCHA play next weekend at Alaska against Anchorage.
All-Tournament Team
F - Erik Westrum, Minnesota
F - Mike Vigilante, Lake Superior State
F - John Pohl, Minnesota
D - Ryan Knox, Lake Superior State
D - Jordan Leopold, Minnesota
G - Brandon Snee, Union
MVP - Erik Westrum, Minnesota
