Here are a few excerpts from the article in today's Star Tribune by John Gilbert: GOPHERS SKATE PAST NOTRE DAME It was, however, Notre Dame's first game of the season, and it didn't disappoint coach Ric Schafer, who graduated from Blake (in Minn) in 1970 and was assistant coach at Notre Dame under Lefty Smith before becoming head coach at Alaska-Fairbanks. He then returned to Notre Dame to resurrect its hockey program. "We played well to get to 3-2," Schafer said. "If we had been able to win the game, it would have been 'Miracle on Ice, Part II'. We knew what we were getting into. This was a game against the big boys, where we want to get to. Our committment is the reintroduction of hockey, to a football- and basketball-crazed area." When asked how quickly he thinks Notre Dame can return to national contention, Schafer said: "My plans? Or the administration's? My plan is to do it yesterday. The administration says we'll increase from eight to 10 full scholarships --- divided 17 ways --- over a four year plan. We've got eight right now, and we'll go up to 10 for next year, which is the fourth year of the plan. After next year, the administration will 'adjust accordingly'." PERSONAL NOTE:I thought it was a very good game, interesting through the end of the second period. The Gophers dominated the game in the third period. Our freshman players were outstanding-so the returning lettermen should be careful or they'll be out of a job!! {:-) HERE ARE ALSO A FEW QUOTES FROM THE MINNESOTA DAILY'S ARTICLE BY DAN LIEN: Despite the lopsided score, Woog told Schafer after the game that he'd be willing to play Notre Dame anytime Schafer wanted to. "The score was an accurate reflection of the game," Woog said. "They didn't deserve to be smacked in the face tonight and they weren't. They didn't get cheap and take penalties when they were down. Give them credit." "We were outmatched tonight, no doubt," Schafer said. "If we had man-to-man races with their guys, every one of them would probably win. Maybe I could beat Doug Woog, but that would be about it. I'm going to bring my guys back here in a couple of years to see how our program has developed." end of quotes The Fighting Irish sure showed alot of CLASS last night and I would also like to see these two teams play again! You'll certainly be welcome back anytime. Carol White U of M GO Gophers!!!