Ziemer Scores Four as Gophers Roll Past Alaska Anchorage

The No. 19 Minnesota Golden Gophers got off to a fast start, took advantage of a five minute power play in the third period, and got a four goal performance from captain Brodie Ziemer to defeat Alaska Anchorage 7-3 Friday night at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

It took just 66 seconds for Minnesota to grab control of the game, as Javon Moore scored twice in the opening minute to give the Gophers an early 2-0 lead.

Moore opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the game, finishing a 2 on 1 rush after taking a pass from Ziemer. Tanner Henricks also picked up an assist on the play. Moore wasn’t finished, scoring again just 26 seconds later after LJ Mooney found him near the left post for another 2 on 1 opportunity.

The quick start gave Minnesota exactly what it needed, but Alaska Anchorage responded with a power play goal from Jacob Terpstra at 6:10 to cut the lead to 2-1.

Ziemer restored the two goal advantage at 8:40, redirecting a Henricks shot past Seawolves goaltender Joey Rocha. The Gophers carried the 3-1 lead into the first intermission.

Minnesota had opportunities to extend its lead in the second period but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Seawolves took advantage of a loose rebound late in the period, with Ethan Neutens scoring at 17:09 to bring Alaska Anchorage within one.

The Gophers held a 3-2 lead heading into the third period, but the game was far from decided.

The turning point came with just over nine minutes remaining when Alaska Anchorage was assessed a five minute major penalty for slew footing. Minnesota’s power play had struggled coming into the game, converting just once in its previous 19 opportunities. That changed in a hurry.

Javon Moore gets Slewfooted by Luke Helgeson. Photo by Craig Cotner

Wyatt Cullen got things started at 11:27, firing a shot through traffic and past Rocha just 40 seconds into the advantage. Ziemer followed with an unassisted goal at 12:31, then completed his hat trick at 13:57 with his third goal of the night. Three power play goals in just over three minutes turned a one goal game into a 6-2 Minnesota lead.

Mooney & Ziemer watch as Wyatt Cullen shot goes in to the back of the net. Photo by Craig Cotner

Alaska Anchorage did manage to get one back while shorthanded, as Ethan Warrener scored at 14:21 to make it 6-3. The Seawolves eventually pulled their goaltender, but Ziemer took advantage of the empty net, scoring his fourth goal of the night with 1:15 remaining to put the finishing touches on the 7-3 victory.

Ziemer’s four goal performance was the first by a Gopher since Ryan Potulny scored four times against St. Cloud State on March 17, 2006 in an 8-7 loss in the WCHA Final Five semifinal. Ziemer finished the night with five points, adding an assist to his four goals. It was also his first collegiate hat trick.

Moore added two goals, while Cullen finished with a goal and an assist. Henricks and Mooney each recorded two assists.

Minnesota outshot Alaska Anchorage 34-21, including a 15-7 advantage in the opening period. Luca Di Pasquo stopped 18 shots to earn the victory.

The Gophers finished the night 3 for 8 on the power play, with all three goals coming during the third period major penalty. It was a welcome change for a unit that had been searching for consistency.

Minnesota improved to 4-4-3 on the season with the victory. The two teams will meet again Saturday night at 3M Arena at Mariucci to close out the weekend series.

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