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Articles by Nate Wells
Bemidji State: Bright Spots
Nate Wells has covered men's and women's hockey for nearly 15 years. His writing has appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, The Athletic, Minnesota Hockey Magazine and too many outlets to name without needing a second page for this bio. Follow Nate on Twitter @gopherstate and listen to him regularly on the MNCAA podcast.
22 Canadian comics we can't wait to read this fall
Books·Fall Preview Here are the comics by or with Canadian creators that we're excited to read in the second half of 2022.
Minnesota Hockey Magazine
BOSTON- A perfect wraparound goal comes out of nowhere. Starting behind the net, taking advantage of an opening in a moment of opportunity. It is a quick move which seemingly takes a second to change the course of a game. Yet in reality, successfully mastering the move is the result of months and years of work behind the scenes.
How St. Thomas Moving Up to Division I Affects the College Hockey Landscape
Photo credit: University of St. Thomas YouTube screenshot And the Tommies make it six. A side effect of the University of St. Thomas receiving a waiver to move directly from Division III to Division I is the “State of Hockey” evolving in both men’s and women’s D1 hockey. The path to change has been quick. Minnesota boys wanting to stay in-state had two options — Minnesota and Minnesota Duluth — as recently as the mid-1980s.
How St. Thomas Moving Up to Division I Affects the College Hockey Landscape
And the Tommies make it six. A side effect of the University of St. Thomas receiving a waiver to move directly from Division III to Division I is the “State of Hockey” evolving in both men’s and women’s D1 hockey. The path to change has been quick. Minnesota boys wanting to stay in-state had two options — Minnesota and Minnesota Duluth — as recently as the mid-1980s.
Fast Start Paramount for Gophers in Big Ten Tournament Matchup with Penn State
Credit: University of Minnesota Athletics The Minnesota Golden Gophers continue with their collective backs against the wall this coming weekend. The Gophers are heading back to the dreaded Pegula Ice Arena at the Penn State campus for the one-game Big Ten semifinal round after defeating Notre Dame in three games.
Gophers Fall in Regular-Season Finale, Eye a Reset Headed into Big Ten Playoffs
Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Athletics It has been a frustrating few weeks for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, as they tried to solidify their spot in the Big Ten regular-season standings and even get a share of the regular-season title, and that frustration even furthered itself on Saturday night in a 2-1 regulation loss to the University of Michigan. “That’s a tough one for us,” said Minnesota forward Nathan Burke.
Offensive Chances Don't Lead to Goals as Minnesota Ties Michigan
during Big 10 Hockey action between University of Notre Dame vs University of Minnesota at Compton Family Ice Arena on February 14, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. Four power plays. Fifty-three shots. Single and double overtime with a shootout to top it off. Despite these chances, the Minnesota Golden Gophers still didn’t get a victory on Friday night.
Gophers Squander 17-Point Lead in Gutwrenching Loss to No. 9 Maryland
Photo Credit: David Berding (USA Today Sports) The Golden Gophers are running out of time and running out of answers. Wednesday night’s game against the No. 9 Maryland Terrapins had the makings of a signature win to put Minnesota back in the NCAA Tournament bubble discussion. It felt like a replay of the Gophers’ 2016 upset of Maryland — also a late-season win over a highly-ranked team.
Golden Gophers Squander 2-0 Lead, Dim Big Ten Title Hopes in Loss to Nittany Lions
(image credit: @GopherHockey on Twitter) STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Minnesota’s opportunity to make a trophy-winning statement disappeared in 31 seconds. Progress turned into disappointment. On the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, a game featuring nine Golden Gophers plus head coach Herb Brooks, it was upstart Penn State who celebrated an opportunity to win its first-ever Big Ten regular-season title at Minnesota’s expense.
Gophers, Nittany Lions Skate to a 3-3 Tie in Battle for Big Ten Supremacy
(please credit: @GopherHockey on Twitter) STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — On a night where the Big Ten lead was at stake with a playoff atmosphere in the air, the Minnesota Golden Gophers caught the Penn State Nittany Lions before failing to take advantage of the opportunity. Freshmen Ben Meyers and Bryce Brodzinski put the Gophers ahead with third-period goals, but Minnesota only took one point in a 3-3 tie after Penn State’s Brandon Biro tied the game with his third point of the night.
Brad Davison Returns to Wisconsin Lineup as Badgers, Gophers Prepare to Face Off
Photo Credit: Harrison Barden (USA Today Sports) If the Twitter account for the Gophers’ basketball student section is any indication, Wisconsin Badgers junior Brad Davison will be in for quite a welcome when he returns to the Twin Cities on Wednesday.
Gopher Men's Hockey Escapes Home Opener with 3-2 Overtime Victory
(image credit: @GopherHockey on Twitter) After regulation, the Gophers’ men’s hockey team was tied with the Niagara Purple Eagles at two goals apiece. Minnesota’s captain didn’t wait too long in overtime to send the fans home with a 3-2 overtime victory. “When I saw it, I said ‘oh, that’s going to be a goal,’” forward Sampo Ranta said.
Gophers have talent to rebound from NCAA title game loss
HAMDEN, CONN. -- If Kelly Pannek has her way, the 2019-20 Gophers will keep the feeling of finishing second with them even if she won't be there any longer. "We gave it our all, and I hope that the underclassmen and the juniors take this feeling going forward because we haven't had this feeling very much," she said after Sunday's 2-0 loss to Wisconsin in the national championship game.
Gophers women's hockey tops Cornell 2-0 to advance to national title game
Hamden, Conn. – The Gophers will be playing on the final day of the season. Following a two-year absence from college hockey’s pinnacle game, Minnesota survived a low-scoring affair to defeat Cornell 2-0 and advance to its tenth national championship game since 2000. The WCHA regular season champions will face the winner of the second Frozen Four semifinal between two-time defending champion Clarkson and top seed Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon.
Gopher Hockey Swept in Mankato
Rem Pitlick spent the final 35 minutes trying to make up for a kicked puck. Despite early success and coming close twice more in the closing minutes, the unfortunate play was the deciding one in Minnesota’s third straight loss. In a night where special teams played a major role, Minnesota State (7-1-0, 0-0-0-0 WCHA) used both its power play and penalty kill in a 2-1 victory.
Comparing the Seasons of Jimmy Butler and DeMar DeRozan | Zone Coverage - Cold Omaha
Jimmy Butler and DeMar DeRozan have both played like MVPs this season. To start the year, guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James were considered by some as the leaders of that particular chase. As the season has pressed on, the race’s leaders have re-populated with more of the usual suspects – see: James, James Harden, Kevin Durant – but also started to include Butler, especially during the mid-December stretch when the Wolves were statistically the best team in the NBA.
That Gopher Hockey Puckcast: Michigan Woes and Amy Moritz on World Juniors | Zone Coverage - Cold Omaha
Nate Wells calls in from New York, where he’s getting ready to cover the Michigan State game at MSG, to discuss the Michigan sweep with Drew Cove. Then Amy Moritz of The Buffalo News joins him to discuss Casey Mittelstadt’s performance at the World Juniors (33:00) before the guys wrap up by discussing the Gophers chances of making the NCAA tournament (1:15:00). Related
11/17 RECAP: Casey Mittelstadt, Minnesota Get Highlight-Reel Win Over No. 13 Harvard | Zone Coverage - Cold Omaha
Casey Mittelstadt bounced right back from a rough weekend. So did the Gophers. Minnesota scored four times in the first two periods Friday, and held on for a 4-2 victory over No. 13 Harvard to get back in the win column. Mittelstadt, held off the scoresheet last weekend versus Michigan, finished with two points and a highlight-reel goal in the second period against Crimson goaltender Merrick Madsen.
Gophers goalie Eric Schierhorn says OT loss good practice
The Gophers hockey team sat idle Saturday waiting to find out where and what seed the team will receive in the 2017 NCAA tournament. Penn State ended the Gophers’ hopes for a Big Ten Conference tournament championship Friday with a 4-3 win in double overtime in the longest game in Big Ten history. Either the Nittany Lions or Wisconsin will take home the Big Ten title, one of six conference tournaments decided Saturday before the field is set. “I didn’t really like our start.
Penn State beats Gophers in second OT of Big Ten tournament semifinal
– Facing Penn State for the fifth time this season, the Gophers needed to go beyond regulation to decide a winner in Friday’s Big Ten semifinal. They had to go beyond the first overtime, too. Penn State’s Erik Autio scored at 13:33 of the second overtime, giving the Nittany Lions a 4-3 victory. Jack Sadek’s game-tying goal and goaltender Eric Schierhorn career high in saves had the score tied at 3-all going after three periods.
Gophers hockey earns road split with Michigan after 4-1 victory
Consistent as a sophomore, Sheehy became the first Minnesota player Saturday since Erik Haula in 2012-13 to reach the milestone when he assisted on linemate Rem Pitlick's first-period goal in a 4-1 victory over Michigan. As he has all season, however, Sheehy didn't stop with a single point. The Burnsville native added two more goals to finish the night with 52. "It's pretty special. I don't know if I was really expecting to do that this year," he said.
Two late goals cost Gophers against Michigan
– Minnesota trailed for a total of 2:11 Friday. Unfortunately for the Gophers, it was the only time that mattered. Michigan erased a pair of Gopher leads Friday night, defeating Minnesota 5-3 in the first of a two-game series. Evan Allen and Jake Slaker scored goals 1:27 apart with Allen’s being the go-ahead goal. Vinni Lettieri had put Minnesota ahead with 6:22 remaining in regulation, but the lead lasted less than three minutes. Slaker fanned on a wrist shot at first.
Gophers beat UMass for long-awaited Mariucci Classic championship
The Gophers celebrated Saturday night at Mariucci Arena after winning the Mariucci Classic. It was Minnesota’s 14th title in the 26-year holiday tournament but first since the 2012-13 season. In a way, celebrating with the trophy was a team effort. In a way, it wasn’t. Before Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Massachusetts, none of the present players had won the tournament. In that time the team’s senior class had reached a national championship game and won regular-season conference titles every year.
Gophers hockey opens Mariucci Classic with 5-1 win over Mercyhurst
Winter hats flew over the boards during the third period of the Gophers' 5-1 victory against Mercyhurst. Saying goodbye to head warmth on the walk home Friday was a small price for fans to pay to see Minnesota begin the second half of its season on the right track, winning for the fifth time in six games. Sophomore Brent Gates celebrated his first collegiate hat trick as the Gophers advanced to the championship game of the 26th annual Mariucci Classic.
Twin Cities
Date/Time: Friday December 2 at 8 pm CT (BTN), Saturday December 3 at 7 pm CT (FSN+) at Mariucci Arena Note: Schierhorn is 71st out of 74 eligible goaltenders in non-Saturday/Sunday games. He’s 7th in Saturday/Sunday. Toughest non-con schedule comes from KRACH – http://www.collegehockeynews.com/ratings/krach.php Minnesota head coach Don Lucia answered where his team was entering Big Ten play this weekend against Ohio State (8-1-4) with three numbers. Six, four and two.
Gophers men's hockey blows lead again against St. Cloud State
St. Cloud State’s student section came with chants the minute the gates opened Saturday at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. The visiting Gophers, making their way up Interstate 94 to the Granite City, came into the second game of a home-and-home with a chip on their shoulders. That they were able to get a second chance was a silver lining, captain Justin Kloos said Friday.
St. Cloud State rallies for overcome victory over Gophers
As cliché as it is to say hockey is a 60-minute game, St. Cloud State made Minnesota pay for only playing 50 at Mariucci Arena. Huskies junior forward Judd Peterson scored his second goal of the game with 1:13 remaining in regulation to erase a three-goal third-period deficit. Teammate Jake Wahlin did one better, scoring the game-winning goal on the power play with 2:07 remaining in overtime for a 6-5 overtime win.
Parise, Vanek To Miss Games 1 And 2 For Wild
wild.com is the official Web site of the Minnesota Wild Hockey Club. The Minnesota Wild, wild.com, "The State of Hockey" and State of Hockey flag image are trademarks of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League.
Minnetonka Finalist for Hockeyville
The State of Hockey once again has a finalist, Minnetonka, in the Kraft Hockeyville competition to find America's most passionate hockey community. One of over 1,000 communities that were nominated, Minnetonka and its Pagel Activity Center now enter an online voting phase for the opportunity to host a 2016-17 NHL preseason game, a live broadcast from NBCSN and $150,000 towards upgrading their rink. Visit MinnesotaHockey.com today to learn how to vote and get more information.
Wild Announces Pep Rally And Viewing Party For Games 1 And 2 Of 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Wild Announces Pep Rally And Viewing Party For Games 1 And 2 Of 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs The Minnesota Wild today announced it will host a lunch-time pep rally ahead of Game 1 and a viewing party at Xcel Energy Center for Game 2, so fans can gather and cheer on the Wild in the First Round of the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Minnesota Wild will take on the Dallas Stars for Games 1 and 2 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Wild Signs Alex Tuch To Entry-Level Contract
wild.com is the official Web site of the Minnesota Wild Hockey Club. The Minnesota Wild, wild.com, "The State of Hockey" and State of Hockey flag image are trademarks of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League.
Gophers top Connecticut 3-2 in Mariucci Classic
With the University of Minnesota and University of Connecticut each playing for the first time in three weeks, it took some time at Mariucci Arena to shake off any rust accumulated over the holidays. When both teams eventually did following a scoreless first period, the Gophers took advantage for a 3-2 victory in the first-ever match-up between the two teams. Michael Brodzinski and Taylor Cammarata scored goals 23 seconds apart in the second period to take a 2-1 lead.
Change of venue no help as Gophers swept by UMD for 0-3 start
– The first road game of the year for the Gophers men’s hockey team did not change fortunes. Despite a new look offense and focus upon getting off to a strong start, neither happened 2½ hours north of Mariucci Arena. Minnesota Duluth scored twice in the first period and went on to a 3-0 victory for a home-and-home series sweep of the Gophers. Goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo made 21 saves for the Bulldogs (2-1) in front of an Amsoil Arena record crowd announced at 7,569.
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