Gophers lose WCHA opener to MTU 5-3

After a brilliant offensive display last weekend against Michigan State at home, the Gopher men’s hockey team and its fans weren’t too concerned about facing another Michigan team.

Perhaps a bit unfocused after a dominating sweep last weekend, the Gophers allowed 3 goals in the first period and 2 more in the second, losing the WCHA opener 5-3 on the road.

Junior Michael Shibrowski started the game but was pulled in the second period and replaced by freshman Adam Wilcox – but it was too little too late.

The Gophers scored in every period with goals by Nate Schmidt, Nick Bjugstad and Travis Boyd, but MTU’s Chad Pietila scored the game winning goal in the second period with six minutes left.

With the loss, Gopher coach Don Lucia sits on win No. 599 with the Gophers playing the second and final game of the series Saturday evening.