Louie,
 
The Gopher hockey team has NEVER been known for clutch and grab play.  Because
their skaters are so fast, all the other teams have to clutch and grab just to
have a chance against them.  Only when another team is capable of Gopher-caliber
skating and passing will that team not resort to clutch and grab.  Last year
the best team I saw come to Mariucci was Northern Michigan.  Both games were
exciting because BOTH teams used fast, controllable skating and crisp passing.
And when I saw NMU playing Gopher style hockey, and playing it very well, I knew
that they would be a national contender.  Nuff said.
 
Dan Glumac
University of Minnesota