I may have a spot for some ink should the Gophs do well....
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
Been a fan before I can remember as my Dad would take my Sister & I to games every Winter. Definitely learned a few of my first curse words from the student section.
When I realized I was "obsessed" would be when I noticed that listening to the GPL Podcast and checking in for reactions on this site was a core part of my sports fandom. Thanks for all the work that you do @jupiter & @vegoe for making this community thrive.
I followed a bit in high school. The new Mariucci was being built in my first year at the U. I parked in the ramp by Ridder (it may have been a lot back then). I watched the rink being built day by day and it fueled my excitement for the team.
Woog was the coach and the Gophers were a perennial powerhouse . I got season tickets in my freshman year and the Gophers went to the Frozen that year (in St Paul) or the next. I watched them play BU at the Civic Center. If not for a Joe Dziedzic injury…..
That is also the time I became a big fan of a little fireplug who would throw crushing open ice hits, Jesse Bertogliat. He was actually in one of my classes in my freshman or sophomore year. Good guy.
I realized I was "obsessed" would be when I noticed that listening to the GPL Podcast and checking in for reactions on this site was a core part of my sports fandom.
Yeah I have a similar story. It was upon discovering the GPL podcast and then this website that realized I was “obsessed.”
Gophers hockey has always been a part of my DNA, though. I’ve got a brother that was named after Justin McHugh. My Dad and my Grandfather would stand in the corner at the Old Mariucci every weekend. Discovering the GPL community definitely made me realize how much of a fan I really am.
I realized I was obsessed when I ran from the law school all the way to Mariucci as soon as the Daily was dropped to get student tickets.
Not that there is anything wrong with that. Totally normal.
I realized I was "obsessed" would be when I noticed that listening to the GPL Podcast and checking in for reactions on this site was a core part of my sports fandom.
Yeah I have a similar story. It was upon discovering the GPL podcast and then this website that realized I was “obsessed.”
Gophers hockey has always been a part of my DNA, though. I’ve got a brother that was named after Justin McHugh. My Dad and my Grandfather would stand in the corner at the Old Mariucci every weekend. Discovering the GPL community definitely made me realize how much of a fan I really am.
Shameless plug for those that aren't at the games, the GPL Live Chat is a fun thing to take part in, as the game goes on. Dissect the game, etc.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I almost never watch games live. People won’t let me be alone long enough.I realized I was "obsessed" would be when I noticed that listening to the GPL Podcast and checking in for reactions on this site was a core part of my sports fandom.
Yeah I have a similar story. It was upon discovering the GPL podcast and then this website that realized I was “obsessed.”
Gophers hockey has always been a part of my DNA, though. I’ve got a brother that was named after Justin McHugh. My Dad and my Grandfather would stand in the corner at the Old Mariucci every weekend. Discovering the GPL community definitely made me realize how much of a fan I really am.
Shameless plug for those that aren't at the games, the GPL Live Chat is a fun thing to take part in, as the game goes on. Dissect the game, etc.
I always love the guy who’s at my kids soccer or hockey game and is watching Gopher football or hockey live on his phone and feels the need to tell everyone around him what he just saw.
One persons thoughts about Oliver Moore from WJC.
https://twitter.com/theTonyFerrari/status/1688538225172713472
OLIVER MOORE, C, USA (CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS)
His summer showcase may have been a bit understated because he didn’t score the way that others on the U.S. teams did, but Moore was so good at all of the little things throughout the event. His 200-foot game was on display as he routinely broke up plays in his own end. His speed was always apparent, and when he did put points on the board, it was almost always because he broke free from a defender for a breakaway or won a race to a puck and then found a teammate with a crisp pass.
Moore should be a pivotal member of the U.S. world junior squad as he is capable of playing up and down the lineup, at center or wing. His speed will play in all situations, and his intelligence will allow him to be effective at both ends of the ice. He was the best player on the ice in the final game at the showcase, driving his line and collecting two goals in the process.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Chris Peters thoughts from WJC. He also takes a shot a predicting the team in another post. He has Chesley, Moore, Snuggy and Rinzel on the team, with Rinzel the only Gopher who could possibly miss the team. He has Hagens on the team, and Eiserman not.
Ryan Chesley, D (Washington Capitals): With solid defense, good physical play and good mobility, Chesley looks like a much better player than he did at this time last year as his game has matured. Based on how big a role he’ll have at Minnesota and the way he played here, there’s little doubt he’ll be on USA’s top pairing for this tournament alongside Lane Hutson.
Oliver Moore, C (Chicago Blackhawks): I initially wasn't going to include Moore on this feature because I thought he had a slow start to camp, but after his final game during which he scored two goals, he showed that he simply progressed day over day. He finished camp with three goals and an assist and while he wasn't much for driving play, he was solid at finishing them. His speed was a lot to handle and I think that, plus his willingness to defend and play on the PK could get him in the mix for a spot. I don't think he guaranteed himself anything, but he's better positioned now.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
The Brian Bonin Hobey year (though I watched the Gophers plenty prior to that). I was playing Bantam A and was fully immersed in hockey.
My favorite year was the 1996-97 season because of the teams the Gophers had on the ice and the court. Mike Crowley (still my favorite hockey player ever) was the best player in college hockey. Bobby Jackson, Sam Jacobson and co made their run to the Final Four. It was also the best year of hockey I played, as our team won VFW State.
I was so into Gopher hockey, I created a team on NHL96 made entirely the 1995-96 roster, played a full season, and then did the same for the 1996-97 roster.
When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
Well my first memories of Gopher hockey were the back to back 02-03 Championships. Then after that the next really big memory for me is Blake Wheeler's Final Five winner against UND. Those solidified my fandom and then in 09-10 my dad brought me to a game against Bemidji, and dropped the news that where we were sitting was basically where our season tickets were going to be starting the next season.
They're my #1 with a bullet in terms of fandom across all sports.
When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
My grandpa had season tickets starting in the 1970s (mine now!) and my first game was in the '74-'75 season, after we moved back to the Twin Cities. I was in 2nd grade and absolutely loved it but the hook was really set during the '78-'79 season, that was a magical ride. I am 95% certain when this new fangled internet thing was gaining traction in the 1990s my first search was "Gopher Hockey". It was probably on Netscape. ?
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Went to my first Gopher game in January of 1989 and got hooked in the old barn. Was a student at the time and had student tickets until Mariucci opened - actually got full season tickets, including the donation, in my Sr. year since I knew it was the only way I would have seats in the building after graduation (there was a 5000+ waiting list at that time).
Was a season ticket holder until this year (move out of state), but still support the program financially. Also, went to the WCHA FF every year until the B1G happened and went to the first couple years of that tourney as well. Have only missed 5 Frozen Fours since 1989 and that won't change this next year. I'd say I'm a little more than a "casual" fan... 
I remember how pissed off I was at the waived off playoff goal through the net.
Of all the heartbreaks it's that Woog never got a title. He assembled some of the best teams to ever play college hockey and sadly never earned that illusive championship. They had teams that if the Gophers were on the PP you were a complete idiot to leave your seat. And they played with grit, passion and a complete love for the M. Last season was eerily similar to those years - a true team that loved playing for each other and fully respected the privilege of putting on that sweater.
I remember how pissed off I was at the waived off playoff goal through the net.
I was at that game, second row in the 3rd deck (west end) so my angle of the missed call was excellent.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Fun way to pass a little time
https://gophersports.com/news/2023/8/7/mens-hockey-watch-top-20-goals-from-the-2022-23-season
68-69 season, I was four years old. My dad took me to my first game. I was hooked forever. Never a doubt where I would go to college.
When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
Well....my birthday was yesterday (61), but my first Gopher hockey game was in....(yikes) 1974, and my obsession started then. I loved old Mariucci, and while "new" Mariucci is special, you younger fans missed out; that old place had character, and Brooks' teams played like none other.
(I also have my 1972 Big Ten Men's Basketball championship cups with Musselman's huge collars (and Winfield) but that's for another post!)
I was hooked sometime in the late 70's, I was playing squirt hockey and our whole team came to watch the Gophers play at old Mariucci. What a blast we had and of course then we all wanted to pretend we were our favorite Gopher player the next time we all got on the ice.
I also remember watching them on TV in the mid 80's or so on MSC, I believe that was Tom Reid and I don't remember who else was on the broadcast, maybe Mazzocco? Good times...
(I know it’s just da beauty league but it’s the off-season lol
I had been to a few games here and there in the late 60's/early 70's, but what locked me in was the WCHA second round playoff series vs Denver in 1974 at Williams Arena. Two game/total goals matchup, with the winner going to the NCAA tournament in Boston. First game was a 3-3 tie, with the Gophers winning game two, 2-1. It was an absolutely amazing atmosphere, guaranteeing I would be a Gopher hockey fanatic forever.When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
(I know it’s just da beauty league but it’s the off-season lol
I usually try and go at least a couple of times a year. It's a fun way to spend a hot summer night inside Braemer arena where it's nice and cool. $15 for 3 games a night.
Then the Vikes will be starting soon and before you know it the Gophers will be playing.
I was hooked after being at Mariucci for the Nate Schmidt goal against Wisconsin in 2012. Casual fan before that, and everything changed after that game. The building was insanity.
I was probably hooked at the age of six after getting the tub of butter with a little popcorn thrown in at the old Marriucci and then chocolate ice cream after the second period. As far as games go, probably hooked before this but I was super excited when we went to BC and John Blue played great and we beat Leetch and Janney to go to final four. Then I went to Detroit to see the zamboni door goal in person so I got quite the experience.
I was at that series too. The old barn was rockin! IIRC Monday morning I went to the Williams Arena box office and bought FF tickets and airfare ($99 for a package) to Boston. Then cheered the Gophs on to their 1st Natty.I had been to a few games here and there in the late 60's/early 70's, but what locked me in was the WCHA second round playoff series vs Denver in 1974 at Williams Arena. Two game/total goals matchup, with the winner going to the NCAA tournament in Boston. First game was a 3-3 tie, with the Gophers winning game two, 2-1. It was an absolutely amazing atmosphere, guaranteeing I would be a Gopher hockey fanatic forever.When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
I was hooked after being at Mariucci for the Nate Schmidt goal against Wisconsin in 2012. Casual fan before that, and everything changed after that game. The building was insanity.
Thats the one game I wish I was at live the most. I can’t imagine how that place sounded.
Thats the one game I wish I was at live the most. I can’t imagine how that place sounded.
It sounds pretty loud!!!
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Look at that geek in the 50s throwback jersey. ?
It was L.O.U.D!
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Well here is the Danny Irman penalty shot.
Should we all take a vote based on watching both videos?
I vote the Schmit goal.
Our group needed a hockey win at that point. I grew up in West St. Paul and Henry Sibley had suffered a historic meltdown in the third period of the State Tourney semi-finals vs Edina East the night before. My friend's Dad worked at the "U" in a maintenance capacity and scored tickets for the lot of us. The atmosphere, the quality of hockey and the result was just what the doctor ordered.I was at that series too. The old barn was rockin! IIRC Monday morning I went to the Williams Arena box office and bought FF tickets and airfare ($99 for a package) to Boston. Then cheered the Gophs on to their 1st Natty.I had been to a few games here and there in the late 60's/early 70's, but what locked me in was the WCHA second round playoff series vs Denver in 1974 at Williams Arena. Two game/total goals matchup, with the winner going to the NCAA tournament in Boston. First game was a 3-3 tie, with the Gophers winning game two, 2-1. It was an absolutely amazing atmosphere, guaranteeing I would be a Gopher hockey fanatic forever.When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
That must have been incredible to be in Boston; crazy it was just 4 days later. Still remember Mike Polich scoring the game winner vs BU in the semis in the closing seconds.
Good memory you got there Chris! Dick Spanbaur took a penalty in the last minute of a tie game. Our spirits really sagged. Then Polich scored with 13 seconds left, shorthanded. Talk about pandemonium!Our group needed a hockey win at that point. I grew up in West St. Paul and Henry Sibley had suffered a historic meltdown in the third period of the State Tourney semi-finals vs Edina East the night before. My friend's Dad worked at the "U" in a maintenance capacity and scored tickets for the lot of us. The atmosphere, the quality of hockey and the result was just what the doctor ordered.I was at that series too. The old barn was rockin! IIRC Monday morning I went to the Williams Arena box office and bought FF tickets and airfare ($99 for a package) to Boston. Then cheered the Gophs on to their 1st Natty.I had been to a few games here and there in the late 60's/early 70's, but what locked me in was the WCHA second round playoff series vs Denver in 1974 at Williams Arena. Two game/total goals matchup, with the winner going to the NCAA tournament in Boston. First game was a 3-3 tie, with the Gophers winning game two, 2-1. It was an absolutely amazing atmosphere, guaranteeing I would be a Gopher hockey fanatic forever.When did you first realize you are obsessed with Mn Gophers hockey?
That must have been incredible to be in Boston; crazy it was just 4 days later. Still remember Mike Polich scoring the game winner vs BU in the semis in the closing seconds.
So, some of the recent activity in this thread got me thinking. If someone says “the Schmidt goal” I believe pretty much everyone here’s brain goes immediately to the goal posted above. How many other ones get the same response? The Wheeler goal? The Koalska goal? The Grant Potulny goal? The Holl goal?
I get a certain image for “the Vanek goal” or “the Neal Broten goal”, but there is a large enough body of work for those players that I could see other people thinking of a different goal.
Thoughts?
I think you could say "the Rau goal" and everyone would know it refers to any tap in from the right post.
I think you could say "the Rau goal" and everyone would know it refers to any tap in from the right post.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
The Pitlick goal (Rhett)
I was in a decent spot to get that Rau goal... (Click to see full size/more clearly)
Do not like how this board is run?
Get your own board!
♃
I always loved Rau’s celly after that goal. So chill while everything around him is pure pandemonium.
Vanek could have a few, but I imagine most would first think of the UNH game.
I didn’t come to be a hockey fan as young as some of you, despite starting to play on the family rink at age 5. I got dragged to a Section final game that went to double-overtime at around middle school age. Then was woken up early and asked if I would rather go to the tourney than school as we had an extra ticket, and I was hooked on hockey. Along came this team from Roseau with a phenom (and his brother and best friend) that I cheered for when my future High School wasn’t playing. They didn’t win a tourney (about the only thing he didn’t win.)
I don’t remember Gophers being on TV at the time so I can just remember hearing some games on the radio when my parents listened, but now that I knew some of the players vaguely followed them that year. I watched parts of the 1979 Championship game, maybe first Gopher game I saw, and do remember my brother who was watching at home screaming for me to come see ‘the Broten Goal” as I had left the room. The next year I went to a few of their scrimmages with Team USA (And watched USA against a Russian Team). A lot of my interest was driven by Neal and other Minnesotans being on the team. 1980 raised my hockey fandom to another level.
For the 1981 season, I had a brother attending Law School who had season tickets in the first row of the balcony and he took me to several games. Despite what Sweet Lou said about last years first line, that Roseau line was the best I have ever seen in college hockey. Nothing like the atmosphere in that old arena. My oldest brother and his wife started buying season tickets so attended games through the 1980’s and watched when on TV. (While my memory isn’t’ the greatest, I do remember the disbelief when I clearly saw the puck go through the net and the goal was waved off. Refs found the hole between periods.)
I attended Grad School at the U and got student tickets and sat behind the bench a couple rows one year (that equipment really stinks when players return after a break) and in the awesome “NE’ section one year.
Also during that time, I watched my high School win its first championship in my senior year with an undefeated season. And it wasn’t until Neal went pro that I started watching NHL. And while I watch the majority of Wild games, and feel the NHL game has really improved with rule changes to reduce interference, I still prefer the college game. As great as it would be to see them win the Cup, it couldn’t compare to being at Xcel in 2002.
There were a few years where I was studying abroad or didn’t have good access to TV where I couldn’t follow the team as closely, but they have been my number one sports obsession. (And it kills me they have not won more NC’s.) As I’ve gotten older, I can handle the losses a lot better (just ask my wife what I used to be like) but the sweetness of the wins doesn’t seem to diminish. The Gopher Men’s hockey team has been a big part of my life and brought a lot of joy, and having a community of like-feeling fans to share with is great as well. So thanks to all of you who put this site together and contribute. (And while I am a rookie poster, I was a USCHO fan for years who always followed GPL, but just didn’t post. And yes, I am not a succinct writer.)
I've posted these pictures previously, but I became a Season Ticket owner in the Fall of 1974. It cost me $9.00 as a student. Though they won it all a few months earlier, it was amazing easy to walk to Bierman and plunk down a few bucks and get a ticket to 20 home games for well less than a buck a game.
It took me a game or two to realize that one should not go to the main gate on the South side of Williams Arena, but instead stand outside in the cold on the North side because that was faster entrance to the Balcony Level GA seating. After a few games I came to know the other people who would arrive 5:30 ish for a 7 pm game and shiver until the outer doors were open. That was the bond; you could have someone look out for you and save you a seat. The best I did was score second row seats, Center Red Line, Balcony. I don't think there are any seats better than Balcony Center Red Line at any arena. The cool guys like Steve Stillwell and Mike Mason got the front row. It was a fun group to get to know. We went to St. Louis in 1975, but did not witness what happened in Boston the year before. Some guy named Holmgren decided to pummel a Havahd boy in the first game, and there was no repeat. I continued to get student season tickets as long as possible, but eventually had to resort to radio when I left school and was too poor for cable.
So, some of the recent activity in this thread got me thinking. If someone says “the Schmidt goal” I believe pretty much everyone here’s brain goes immediately to the goal posted above. How many other ones get the same response? The Wheeler goal? The Koalska goal? The Grant Potulny goal? The Holl goal?
I get a certain image for “the Vanek goal” or “the Neal Broten goal”, but there is a large enough body of work for those players that I could see other people thinking of a different goal.
Thoughts?
I know it wasn't the biggest one, by far, but "The Wheeler Goal." I was opposite end, damn near last row upper deck center of the nets, and you could see it develop (for lack of a better word) and when that went in...Ho. Lee. Sh*. The eruption that arena made...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Ballard goal was the loudest I ever heard Mariucci. The Koalska, Pohl.and Potulny goals are the loudest I heard in person ever.
Just went back and watched The Wheeler. Hard to believe Mecca has ever been louder than that.
The Ballard goal was the loudest I ever heard Mariucci.
I’m sorry, help refresh an old guy’s memory please.
I suppose the losses are what show me, even to this day, how much this program means to me - love to see them win but hate to see them lose.
I wish I could recall an exact moment I became a fan but perhaps more appropriately, certain moments stick out to me & remind me of why I love being a fan. Whether it was Blake Wheeler’s diving goal, seeing Grant’s goal go in to win #4, watching Thomas Vanek look like a cheat code, my first game at Mariucci or getting heckled by a bunch of drunk whioux fans after a gopher win @und when I was 11; each one are special in their own way.
Will always be a fan of this team, no matter how many “runner up” banners we get.