In a games televised back to Minnesota (but not in Maine :-( ), the Maine Black Bears and the Minnesota Gophers battled for three periods. The territorial edge and top chances both went to Maine, but for two and a half periods it remained a one goal game. Both goalies were excellent! Maine's first three goals were on the power play and the final goal was an empty-netter. Here are some of the stats ... Scoring ... Saves ... 1 2 3 Total 1 2 3 Total Mn 0 0 0 0 Mn 11 10 6 27 (Stolp) Me 1 0 3 4 Me 10 8 9 27 (Dunham) Power Play ... Attendance: 3698 (standing room tickets banned by NCAA) Mn 0-5 Me 3-8 Penalties ... Mn 10 minors, 1 10minute misconduct (Hankinson, for a remark after a charging penalty) Me 7 minors Referee: Matt Shegos, CCHA Linesmen: Mike Shegos & Richard Zanetti Goals ... Period 1 - 15:02 PPG Carney from Montgomery & Robitaille (5 on 3) Period 2 - no scoring Period 3 - 8:52 PPG Roy from Montgomery & Carney 16:17 PPG Downey from Montgomery & Straub 19:47 ENG Salfi from Imes & Tepper Maine and Minnesota each have powerful teams with exceptional speed up front. It was a battle, with emphasis on defensive play, and was decided by the players. Maine's coach Red Gendron kept his coaching record perfect (2-0) as Shawn Walsh watched, with father-in-law Ron Mason, from a perch high in a corner of Alfond Arena. Walsh was serving his NCAA imposed one game suspension. Shegos is an excellent referee and called a very good game. His on-ice position is the best I've seen this year from anyone. P.S. Minnesota sent their pep band and cheerleaders (skating yet!). Both groups had excellent spirit. The Gopher mascot also got my nod for "mascot of the game" as the Black Bear mascot, Bananas, disqualified himself by making fun of (1) the Gopher cheerleaders on-ice pyramid and (2) my loading onions on a hot dog.