Gophers Swept by Michigan at Mariucci

MINNEAPOLIS (GopherSports.com) – The No. 9-ranked Gopher Hockey program fell 3-1 against Michigan to close out a series victory for the Wolverines at 3M Arena at Mariucci on Saturday evening.

No. 9 Minnesota (13-12-1, 4-9-1-1 Big Ten) simply could not muster the offense as Michigan (10-10-2, 5-7-2-1 Big Ten) relied on its power play scoring to claim its second win of the weekend, out-shooting the Gophers 28-18 for the game.

The Wolverines gained the advantage early when Brendan Warren scored just 1:13 into the game, ripping a shot from the right side of the slot to the top right corner of the net. A power-play goal gave Michigan a 2-0 advantage just 3:02 into the game as Josh Norris scored on a one-timer. Offense was at a premium the rest of the period as the Wolverines held tight to its lead while out-shooting the Gophers 10-8 after one.

Minnesota finally broke through off the stick of Darian Romanko, who netted his career-best third goal of the year on the power play, pulling the Gophers back within one at 15:26 of the second with Jack Ramsey and Sam Rossini collecting assists. Six points on the season for both Romanko and Ramsey mark career highs. Michigan pulled back ahead by two with a power-play goal of their own thanks to Cooper Marody at 17:18.

The third period went quietly offensively for both squads. Minnesota pulled goalie Eric Schierhorn with 90 seconds to play for an extra skater but could not find the back of the net. Hayden Lavigne made 17 stops for the Wolverines in the victory. Schierhorn stopped 25 pucks for the Gophers. Michigan finished 2-for-3 with the man advantage while Minnesota would end its evening 1-for-3 on the power play.

Minnesota travels to Michigan State for a Thursday night tilt beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT ahead of Big Ten Super Saturday College Hoops & Hockey Doubleheader when the Gophers and Spartans collide at historic Madison Square Garden this Saturday, Jan. 20 with a 7:00 p.m. opening face-off. Tickets and ticket packages are currently available at GopherSports.com, by calling 1-800-U-Gopher, or by stopping by the ticket office at 3M Arena at Mariucci.