University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Set to Open Season This Friday Against Maine
10/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
The No. 2/3 University of Minnesota men’s hockey team opens the 2006-07 season this Friday against No. 11 Maine in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game at 7:07 p.m., at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The season opener will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net North and head on WCCO 830 AM. Minnesota is ranked No. 2 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll and No. 3 in the USCHO.com/CSTV poll. On Sunday, the Golden Gophers host the University of Lethbridge in an exhibition game at 7:07 p.m., at Mariucci Arena. Tickets are available for that game by calling 612-624-8080 or 1-800-U-GOPHER, or online at gophersports.com.
The Series vs. Maine
The Black Bears lead the all-time series vs. Minnesota by a 12-10-0 margin (.545). In the last meeting, the Golden Gophers edged Maine, 1-0 in overtime at the 2005 NCAA West Regional semifinal at Mariucci Arena. The two teams last met at the Xcel Energy Center in the dramatic 2002 NCAA Championship game on April 6, 2002. The Golden Gophers dropped Maine, 4-3, in overtime to capture their first national title in 23 years. Prior to Minnesota’s 2002 win over Maine, the Bears were on a three-game winning streak vs. the Maroon and Gold. In the last five meetings, the Golden Gophers have averaged 2.6 goals a game, while the Bears have averaged 3.4 goals per contest. In five of the last six meetings, the winning team has scored four or more goals. Maine has not defeated the Golden Gophers in the state of Minnesota since a 6-1 win at Mariucci Arena on Oct. 17, 1997.
About the Black Bears
Last season, Maine compiled a 28-12-2 overall record and a 17-8-2 conference record to finish second in Hockey East. The Black Bears advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the eighth straight seasonand the Frozen Four for the third time in the last five seasons. Maine returns 19 letterwinners this season, including three of its top six scorers in Josh Soares (15-26--41), Michel Léveillé (16-24--40) and Billy Ryan (10-18--28). The Bears also return their top goaltender in Ben Bishop (2.28, .907, 21-8-2). The Maine roster features two natives of Apple Valley, Minn. – defensemen Mike Lundin and Bryan Plaszcz.
Opening Night
Minnesota is 50-33-2 (.600) in season openers in program history, including a 4-3-0 mark under Lucia. Last season, Minnesota opened year with a 4-3 overtime loss to Alaska Fairbanks at Mariucci Arena. UM has not lost two consecutive season openers since losing four straight from 1996-97 to 1999-2000. Minnesota is opening the season at the Xcel Energy Center for the fourth time in the last seven seasons.
Hall of Fame Performances
Minnesota holds a 12-4-0 all-time record in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game, dating to the 1975-76 season. The Golden Gophers have played in five of last seven Hall of Fame Games, posting a 5-0 record. Minnesota downed Denver, 5-2 in 2004, Ohio State, 7-2 in 2002, North Dakota, 7-5 in 2001, and Notre Dame, 7-3 in 2000. UM is 3-0 in HOF Games played at the Xcel Energy Center. The Maroon and Gold has not lost a HOF Game since falling, 3-2, to Michigan in an exhibition contest at Target Center in Minneapolis.
At the X
The Golden Gophers hold an 11-7-0 (.611) all-time record at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center. Minnesota played the first-ever hockey game at the X, routing Notre Dame, 7-3, on Oct. 7, 2000. The Maroon and Gold has won nine of its last 13 games (9-4-0) at the home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. UM is riding a four-game losing streak at the 18,064-seat arena after two losses in each of the last two WCHA Final Fives. Minnesota is 4-0 in the regular season and 7-7 in the postseason at the X.
