Gophers men's hockey coach Don Lucia arrived in Cincinnati this week for the NCAA tournament Midwest Regional. He attended practice Thursday and is gearing up for this weekend's games … just like any other college hockey parent would.
The Gophers missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in five years after losing to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament championship, last week. But Lucia's college hockey season extended through his son Mario, a senior forward at Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish face off against Michigan in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals Friday at 5:30 p.m. on ESPNU. No. 3 overall seed North Dakota and Northeastern play the first Midwest quarterfinal at 2 p.m. also on ESPNU.
Minnesota Duluth and Providence open the Northeast Regional at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN3.
"I'm disappointed I'm not a coach this week, to be honest," Lucia said. "I'd rather be doing that. Since that is not the case, I'm happy I'll be able to go to the games this weekend.
"I'm looking forward to going to practices on Thursday and watching both games at the regional."
The Gophers played Michigan five times this season, finishing 2-3, but Lucia will take off his coaching hat this weekend. He does have one suggestion for Mario and Notre Dame, though.
"Obviously [Notre Dame is] is going to have to do something we weren't able to do and that is they can't give up three power-play goals and win games, that's for sure," Lucia said. "Michigan has its style and Notre Dame is going to have its style. It should be a good game."
