In the first game of the WCHA Final Five the Golden Gophers defeated the
Fighting Sioux 3 - 2 in front of a near capacity crowd in St. Paul's
Civic Center.
 
The game was a grinding defensive battle with each team playing tight
defensive. Minnesota won the game with about 7 minutes left to play in
the 3rd on a shot by freshman wing Casey Hankinson. It was Hankinson's
second game winner in three games.
 
Gopher scored first late in the first period on a power play goal from
Dan Trebil. With under a minute to play in the period Minnesota was
called for a penalty and UND quickly cashed in.
 
In the second period the Gophers scored about 4 minutes in. Ryan Kraft
chipped in the puck at the door step. UND came back with the equalizer on
a slap shot from high in the slot that eluded Callinan.
 
Hankinson's game winner was the result of ragged, constant pressure on
the UND zone. Unable to skate into the zone the Gophers were forced to
dump the puck and chase it down. Hankinson was set up by junior Gregg
Zwakman.
 
Gopher scoring leader Brian Bonnin assisted Trebil on the game's first goal.
 
Gopher freshman phenom Mike Crowley sat out the thrird period for no know
reason. If anyone knows anything please post.
 
TOMORROW:
 
DU - UW at 2:00
 
MINN - CC at 7:00
 
Go Gopher Victory!!!
 
Reed
 
PS: Erik Biever was right, it is YyaaaaaaayyyyyYYYYYYY GOPHERS!!!!