MINNEAPOLIS – The No. 3/2 Minnesota men’s hockey team overcame a slow start to secure a 5-2 victory against (RV) Bemidji State in their exhibition opener at the newly renovated 3M Arena at Mariucci.
Oliver Moore and Rhett Pitlick scored within 5:27 of each other in the second period to break the scoreless tie. Bryce Brodzinski and Pitlick added insurance goals in the third period, while Moore sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
The Minnesota team struggled initially as they adjusted to the new ice surface and made early turnovers to the Beavers. However, goaltender Justen Close provided stability to the defense and allowed the team to find their rhythm in the second period. Moore’s speed on the wing created scoring opportunities, including a close chance in a 2-on-1 situation with Jimmy Snuggerud. However, the BSU goaltender made a sprawling save to keep the score 0-0 in the first period.
The Minnesota offense picked up in the second period, with Moore scoring the first goal at the 9:09 mark. Mason Nevers capitalized on a turnover, and Pitlick extended the lead to 2-0 just 20 seconds later with a perfect finish from a pass by Connor Kurth.
Bemidji State managed to score a shorthanded goal in the third period to cut the deficit in half. However, a fortunate bounce off the end boards led to Brodzinski tipping in a shot by Garrett Pinoniemi to restore the two-goal lead. Pitlick then scored his second goal of the game, securing the 5-2 victory for Minnesota after Moore’s empty-net goal.
In other notable performances, Close made 12 saves before being replaced by Zach Wiese in the second period. Pitlick continued his strong form from the previous season, scoring 11 goals in his sophomore year. Additionally, Jimmy Clark had an impressive faceoff performance, winning 9 out of 11 faceoffs. Minnesota dominated the second period with a 21-6 advantage in shots on goal.
Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko commented on the team’s performance, stating, “When we started to win puck battles, better hockey came out. The ice was great, it’s really a good, fast sheet of ice. There’s some new technology going into work there.”
Next, Minnesota will face St. Thomas at Xcel Energy Center on October 13th, officially beginning the 2023-24 season. The game will be part of a women’s and men’s hockey doubleheader, with live coverage on FOX 9 and an audio broadcast on the Gopher Radio Network 103.5 FM/AM-1130 KTLK.
Oliver Moore and Rhett Pitlick scored within 5:27 of each other in the second period to break the scoreless tie. Bryce Brodzinski and Pitlick added insurance goals in the third period, while Moore sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
The Minnesota team struggled initially as they adjusted to the new ice surface and made early turnovers to the Beavers. However, goaltender Justen Close provided stability to the defense and allowed the team to find their rhythm in the second period. Moore’s speed on the wing created scoring opportunities, including a close chance in a 2-on-1 situation with Jimmy Snuggerud. However, the BSU goaltender made a sprawling save to keep the score 0-0 in the first period.
The Minnesota offense picked up in the second period, with Moore scoring the first goal at the 9:09 mark. Mason Nevers capitalized on a turnover, and Pitlick extended the lead to 2-0 just 20 seconds later with a perfect finish from a pass by Connor Kurth.
Bemidji State managed to score a shorthanded goal in the third period to cut the deficit in half. However, a fortunate bounce off the end boards led to Brodzinski tipping in a shot by Garrett Pinoniemi to restore the two-goal lead. Pitlick then scored his second goal of the game, securing the 5-2 victory for Minnesota after Moore’s empty-net goal.
In other notable performances, Close made 12 saves before being replaced by Zach Wiese in the second period. Pitlick continued his strong form from the previous season, scoring 11 goals in his sophomore year. Additionally, Jimmy Clark had an impressive faceoff performance, winning 9 out of 11 faceoffs. Minnesota dominated the second period with a 21-6 advantage in shots on goal.
Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko commented on the team’s performance, stating, “When we started to win puck battles, better hockey came out. The ice was great, it’s really a good, fast sheet of ice. There’s some new technology going into work there.”
Next, Minnesota will face St. Thomas at Xcel Energy Center on October 13th, officially beginning the 2023-24 season. The game will be part of a women’s and men’s hockey doubleheader, with live coverage on FOX 9 and an audio broadcast on the Gopher Radio Network 103.5 FM/AM-1130 KTLK.
