From today's Minnesota Daily:
Headline: Alumni to usher in new er
Publish Date: 08/20/1993
.RM138PT/By Joe Christensen
For The Daily
Across the street from the building that holds heartfelt memories for
each player, 70 Gopher hockey legends will help open a new arena of
dreams Saturday night.
The new $21 million Mariucci Arena will house the Gophers well into
the next century, and fans will get their first look at the
excitement when the players hit the ice to the roar of the crowd and
the Minnesota rouser.
"Everyone who's going to be here is going to love it," said Bill
Butters, who added assistant arena manager duties to his assistant
coach responsibilities this year. "I've been in just about every
arena in North America, and this is the best one around. I've never
seen a facility like this."
Each of the former players was sent an invitation to come back for
the festivities, which include today's golf tournament and picnic.
But only 70 of the alumni will be able to play in the game.
Because of the high demand, strict criteria had to be set in order
for the players to be eligible to play in the game. Alumni had to
either have been named All-American, played professionally or played
in the Olympics.
Neal Broten and John Mayasich were named honorary captains of the
maroon and white teams, respectively.
The rest of the maroon team features Broten's two brothers, Aaron and
Paul, Butters, coach Doug Woog and recent graduates Larry Olimb and
Trent Klatt.
The white team boasts several members of the 1980 Olympic team,
including coach Herb Brooks, Bill Baker, Steve Christoff and Buzz
Schneider, in addition to Murray Williamson, Wendell Anderson and Jim
Mattson.
Although several eras of Gopher hockey will be represented, Butters
said the main focus will be on instilling the Gopher tradition in the
new arena.
"Everyone took so much pride in building this arena," he said. "There
never was any garbage laying around, because the workers knew they
were building something really special.
"People said, `What about the tradition and the pride?' so the
Blueline Club donated money to help us bring some of that into the
new building."
The boosters provided the varsity with white 1950s-era replica
jerseys for this year's home games, similar to the style the alumni
will wear Saturday.
As for the arena, lights still hang from the ceiling to display the
Olympic-sized rink, which is painted just like the old ice sheet.
Nearly 9,000 maroon and gold seats rise sharply to the corridor,
where memorabilia from the old arena's wall of fame will be
displayed, along with two large murals.
But will the arena enhance enthusiasm like the old Barn, where the
Gophers played for 43 years?
"If the product on the ice is bad, it won't rock," Butters said. "But
it should, because it's going to be a loud building with the steel
roof."
Butters said the arena's biggest effect will hopefully be on opposing
players.
Although Saturday night's action won't provide an answer, it will at
least provide a taste of what's to come.
Gopher notes: On WCCO radio Thursday morning, Woog said 1988 Hobey
Baker winner Robb Stauber would play, but the goaltender hasn't yet
been added to the roster.
<end of article>
We'll see about Stauber playing. I thought Carol heard that he was
getting married tomorrow! That would take a VERY understanding bride!
Pam Sweeney
Go Gophers!!!
1993 WCHA Playoff Champions!!!
1 day until Mariucci Grand Opening!!!
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