This week, the University of North Dakota and the University of Minnesota will renew their historic rivalry after taking a two-year hiatus. All-time, UND trails in the series 130-139-15 (.484).
I like many North Dakotan’s have my favorite Sioux vs. Gophers memory. I have been following this series since 1993-94 season. My favorite memory is from the NCAA 2007 West Regional Championship in Denver, Colorado. A week earlier, Minnesota had beaten North Dakota in the WCHA’s Final Five championship game when Gopher forward Blake Wheeler scored his famous goal in overtime to give Minnesota a 3-2 victory.
The next week, the Fighting Sioux would get sweet revenge against Gophers when forward Chris Porter would score 9:43 mark of overtime to punch the Fighting Sioux ticket to the 2007 Frozen Four.
The two teams will renew their heated rivalry this weekend at Mariucci Arena, in Minneapolis, MN. That being said, I don’t expect to see any of these kinds of shenanigans. While many in Gopherville will refer to UND as a bunch of goons, UND is no longers known as a team that likes to rough it up and pound an opponent out of the rink. UND would rather play hard, fast, clean style of hockey. Lately, UND is also known for overwhelming an opponent by taking away their time and space. Just ask Quinnipiac, Northeastern, and Michigan.
Viewing Options
There is some good news for UND hockey fans that want to see the F’NHawks dismantle the Gophers this weekend. If you have DirecTV or Dish Network and live outside the regional area, you will be able to watch both games on TV this weekend.
TV Friday: FSN, FCS Atlantic, DirecTV 668, DISH Network 436
TV Saturday: FSN, FCS Central, DirecTV 668, DISH Network 436
Record the Last 10 Games
In the last 10 games against the Gophers, UND is 3-6-1. UND will look to improve on that record. After being swept last weekend, UND is looking to break a two-game losing streak and get some momentum back. Next week, the Fighting Hawks play their heat rival the Denver Pioneers. There should be no reason the UND hockey team can’t get up for the next two series.
Date Location Result
01-15-11 Grand Forks W, 4-1 WCHA game
11-04-11 Minneapolis L, 0-2 WCHA game
11-05-11 Minneapolis L, 2-3 WCHA game
01-13-12 Grand Forks W, 2-1 WCHA game
01-14-12 Grand Forks L, 2-6 WCHA game
03-16-12 Saint Paul W, 6-3 WCHA Final Five
03-25-12 Saint Paul L, 2-5 NCAA regional
01-18-13 Minneapolis L, 1-5 WCHA game
01-19-13 Minneapolis (ot) T, 4-4 WCHA game
04-10-14 Philadelphia L, 1-2 NCAA Frozen Four
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