University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Complete Sweep, Top Tech 4-1
11/21/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
Minnesota improved to 7-4-1 overall (5-4-1 in the WCHA) and completed their second road sweep of the season with a 4-1 win against Michigan Tech at John MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton Mich. Kent Patterson recorded 28 saves to maintain his unbeaten 2010-11 record.
The Gophers jumped out to the early lead for the second night when Mike Hoeffel put a shot past Michigan Tech goaltender Kevin Genoe from in close to make it 1-0 3:09 into the game.
Each team had one power play and several close chances in the period, but both goaltenders stood tall to ensure the game stayed at 1-0 heading into the first intermission.
The Huskies tied the score early in the second with a power-play strike from Deron Cousens, but the Gophers responded quickly to take control.
Shortly after MTU tied the score, Nate Condon skated in and slid a seemingly harmless shot toward the Husky goal that deflected off of Tech defenseman Daniel Sova's skate and in.
Hoeffel added his second of the night moments later with a low shot that beat Genoe to the glove side. The goal was his fourth of the weekend and was his sixth career goal against the Huskies. Justin Holl picked up his first assist as a Golden Gopher on the goal.
Nick Bjugstad closed the scoring with an empty-net goal with one second left in the game.
Michigan Tech tried to rally late in the second and in the third, but the Minnesota defense with Patterson playing strong in net, wouldn't budge.
The Gophers pick up play next weekend with a pair of games at Mariucci Arena as part of the College Hockey Showcase. They face Michigan State on Friday and take on Michigan on Sunday.
