Recent content from Randy Johnson
Penn State's starting goalie transfers to Gophers men's hockey
Liam Souliere has been the Nittany Lions' primary starter for the past two seasons and has one year of eligibility remaining.
U football adds No. 6 in-state recruit to 2025 class, loses 3 to portal
Andover wide receiver Cameron Begalle committed to the Gophers, but the team also saw two linemen and a defensive back from its spring roster enter the transfer portal.
Challenger and champion: Gophers to play Denver in men's hockey
The Pioneers, an old WCHA foe with a new NCAA title in hand, and the U will meet in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game on Thanksgiving weekend in 2025. They last played in 2013.
Is Minnesota still the State of (College) Hockey? Let's take a look.
The fact that no Minnesota team was in the Frozen Four (and only a handful of players with Minnesota ties were at the X) gave fuel to critics who offered a collective, "State of Hockey, my posterior!" Do they have a point?
Denver wins Frozen Four title at the X with a local flair
Jared Wright, a former St. Thomas Academy standout from Burnsville, broke a scoreless tie in the second period for the Pioneers and Rieger Lorenz, a second-round draft pick by the Wild, stretched Denver's lead.
Gophers, St. Paul intend to bid on future Frozen Fours at Xcel Energy Center
This weekend's tournament is the fourth time the NCAA Frozen Four has been held in Minnesota.
Denver, Boston College — two teams that have it all — set for Frozen Four title game
Denver has three wins by the same 2-1 score in the NCAA tournament, while Boston College can open things up with a stable of playmakers.
Boston University star Celebrini wins Hobey Baker Award at age 17
Macklin Celebrini emerged from a list of other Hobey Baker finalists including North Dakota's Jason Blake and Boston College's Cutter Gauthier.
State ties, NHL prospects and more about the Frozen Four title game
Denver has more Minnesota ties; Boston College has a longer winning streak. And why the title game resembles a battle between Hill-Murray and St. Thomas Academy.
Former Gopher scores OT game-winner to get Denver to finals
Tristan Broz played one season for Minnesota before transferring and returning home to score the goal that gave Denver a 2-1 win over Boston U.
Everything you need to know about today's Frozen Four at the X
The men's Frozen Four opens with two powerhouse semifinal matchups: Denver vs. Boston University, followed by Michigan vs. Boston College.
An hour from his roots, 17-year-old leads Boston U. into Frozen Four
Shattuck-St. Mary's coach Tom Ward said freshman Macklin Celebrini reminds him of two other alumni of the Minnesota boarding school: Jonathan Toews and Zach Parise.
No Minnesota teams in Frozen Four. But there are state players to watch.
Minnesota couldn't put one of its six Division I hockey teams in St. Paul for the Frozen Four this week, but the state will be represented by several players from Minnesota. Here's the list.
NIL hasn't overhauled college hockey yet but it's only 'a matter of time'
Dinkytown Athletes — the Gophers' official name, image and likeness collective — played a part in Jimmy Snuggerud's return. Frozen Four coaches are bracing for a bigger NIL impact in coming years.
Who is the X-factor for each Frozen Four team this week in St. Paul?
While all four teams are bringing star power to the Frozen Four, it's depth and those who do the dirty work that often decide which team takes home the championship trophy.
Ten 10 NHL prospects to watch at the Frozen Four in St. Paul
This Frozen Four is brimming with high-end NHL prospects, including several who already have been drafted and two probable first-rounders. Here's our list.
U football assistant DeLattiboudere has his 'Tonight Show' moment
Winston DeLattiboudere, the Gophers defensive line coach, played 'Password' against Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel on "The Tonight Show."
St. Paul's history as an NCAA Frozen Four host
Minnesota teams have celebrated national championships before their home-state fans. And there has been heartbreak, too.
Frozen Four Hat Trick: 3 key things about each team coming to St. Paul
Four blue blood hockey programs loaded with talent and history are in pursuit of another NCAA trophy. They already have a combined 28 NCAA titles.
Gophers men's hockey lands top transfer Matthew Wood
The winger, a 2023 first-round draft pick of the Nashville Predators, played the past two seasons at Connecticut.
Eden Prairie native Jackson Blake among three Hobey Baker finalists
Macklin Celebrini (Boston U.), Jackson Blake (North Dakota) and Cutter Gauthier (Boston College) were named Hobey Baker Award Hat Trick finalists.
Longtime U hockey broadcaster Mazzocco announces retirement
Frank Mazzocco started as a Gophers hockey broadcaster in 1985 and had long stretches teaming with Doug Woog and Wally Shaver.
5 Days in South Dakota: Inside the U's failed quest for the Frozen Four
From the top floor of the team hotel in Sioux Falls to the arena dressing room, hockey writer Randy Johnson shares his extra access to the Gophers' Frozen Four bid.
Gophers hockey standout Snuggerud is staying with the team
The St. Louis Blues made Jimmy Snuggerud the No. 23 overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, but for now, he's staying in college.
Gophers captain Nelson signs entry-level contract with Bruins
A former Luverne High School standout, Jaxon Nelson finishes his Gophers career with 42 goals and 47 assists in 169 career games.
17-year-old freshman leads Boston U. past Gophers for Frozen Four ticket
The Gophers lost 6-3 to Boston U. in the Sioux Falls Regional final Saturday and failed to reach a third consecutive Frozen Four, an event that's in St. Paul this year.
Gophers want a Frozen Four trip to St. Paul. Boston University wants revenge.
Two powerhouse college hockey programs square off Saturday in Sioux Falls, with a trip to the Frozen Four on the line.
Gophers vs. Boston U. for Frozen Four berth: Everything you need to know
The two NCAA tournament rivals have a combined 27 NHL draft picks, with the Terriers looking to avenge last year's loss to Minnesota in the national semifinals.
Nelson's heroics lead Gophers past Omaha in NCAA hockey tournament
Jaxon Nelson tied the score at 9:15 of the third period, then netted the winner with 4:13 to play to snare the Gophers a 3-2 victory and send them into the Sioux Falls Regional final against Boston University.
Gophers land QB recruit, defensive line flip from Wisconsin
Quarterback Jackson Kollock of Laguna Beach, Calif., and DL Torin Pettaway of Middleton, Wis., announced their plans.
Boston University overcomes slow start, beats RIT in NCAA regional
The Terriers, seeded No. 2 overall, came out sluggish but handled their business against RIT.
Three keys for Gophers vs. Nebraska Omaha in NCAA tourney opener
The Gophers will be facing what they describe as a "hard, heavy team" in the Mavericks. Here's how they can advance in Sioux Falls.
Gophers begin NCAA hockey tournament fueled by last year's heartbreak
"A few losses you take to your grave," coach Bob Motzko said. On Thursday, the Gophers start to rewrite the script in their tournament opener vs. Nebraska Omaha.
Gophers men's hockey regional: Everything you need to know
If the Gophers get past Nebraska Omaha on Thursday — no small task — they could face one of the nation's top teams and top players Saturday.
NCAA men's hockey tournament bracket: Randy Johnson's predictions
The Gophers open the NCAA men's hockey tournament Thursday against Nebraska Omaha. Star Tribune college hockey writer Randy Johnson's picks are ready for the 16-team tournament.
Gophers draw Omaha, get No. 2 seed in men's hockey regional
The road to St. Paul for the Gophers hockey team runs through South Dakota in its quest to reach the men's Frozen Four for the third year in a row.
NCAA men's hockey field is set: Here's what the bracket might look like
The NCHC Frozen Faceoff in St. Paul decided the final entrant on Saturday night.
Gophers QB Brosmer shows off arm, passing in spring practice
Coach P.J. Fleck credited Max Brosmer for his leadership since joining the Gophers and noted teammates have voted him captain.
Nebraska Omaha, Denver will meet in NCHC championship game at the X
Nebraska Omaha beat top-seeded North Dakota while Denver outlasted St. Cloud State in overtime.
NCHC Frozen Faceoff offers college hockey preview at Xcel
All four teams have an eye on the NCAA tournament, with some fighting for a top seed and one fighting just to get in.
Gophers wrestling: NCAA championships preview
The Gophers have one wrestler in each of the 10 weight classes and are ranked 14th in the nation entering the NCAA championships, which start Thursday in Kansas City, Mo.
Fleck shrugs off UCLA's interest, emphasizes his love for Minnesota
"We built a life here," Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck said of the state on Wednesday, when asked about UCLA's interest in hiring him in February.
New Gophers QB Brosmer embraces challenge of fixing offense
The Gophers struggled to pass last season with Athan Kaliakmanis at quarterback, and now, as spring practice starts, it's Max Brosmer's turn.
Gophers wrestler Salazar reaching new heights with dominant defense
Isaiah Salazar will try to follow up his Big Ten title at 184 pounds with an NCAA championship. The national meet opens Thursday in Kansas City.
U men's hockey is NCAA bound, but others have work to do
St. Cloud State's game against Denver on Friday is must-win for the Huskies, and the Beavers need to defeat Michigan Tech that night to punch their NCAA ticket.
Gophers men's hockey loses to Michigan, comes up short of Big Ten title game
With Saturday's tournament loss — the third year in a row to Michigan — the Gophers now must wait until March 24 to find out where they'll be playing in the NCAA tournament.
You again? Gophers and Michigan reignite rivalry for Big Ten hockey tourney
Two teams brimming with NHL draft picks meet for their fourth consecutive year in the conference tournament.
Gophers' Chesley fits the profile of a certain NHL defenseman
The Gophers men's hockey team had big shoes to fill on the blue line after last season, and Ryan Chelsey has been a difference maker.
Gophers pro day: A time for prospects, hopefuls and surprises
Nine Gophers and seven small-college players went under the NFL microscope on Thursday.
Gophers men's hockey will play Michigan at home in Big Ten semifinals
Wisconsin's loss to Ohio State means the Gophers get one more home game this season Saturday night.
Huglen's late goal gives U men's hockey a postseason sweep over Penn State
Despite being outshot 35-7 over the final two periods, the Gophers advanced thanks in part to a pair of close calls and a deciding tally with 68 seconds to play.
Gophers wrestlers take momentum into Big Ten championships
The Gophers' Isaiah Salazar is seeded first at 184 pounds, and Michael Blockhus is seeded second at 157.
U men's hockey finds right combination to beat Penn State
After coach Bob Motzko switched up line combinations, the Gophers responded quickly and pulled away for a 5-1 rout.
U regents approve Fleck's updated contract after extended discussion
The 10-2 vote came after regents had discussed the value of big-money college football and a coach making $6 million per year while students and academic staff members struggle financially.
Gophers men's hockey opens postseason vs. Penn State
A strong second half has the Gophers poised to take their first step toward honing their game for a deep playoff run.
Gophers hockey senior Nelson aims for bountiful postseason harvest
The fifth-year senior and farm kid from southwestern Minnesota is heating up at tournament time.
Bogosian content to stay put on Wild's blue line
The veteran defenseman, who just inked an extension, reignited his career since coming over from Tampa Bay.
UW-River Falls women's hockey 28-0 with roster full of Minnesotans
Randy Johnson's College Hockey Insider: The top-ranked Falcons face reigning Division III women's champ Gustavus in the quarterfinals.
Gophers men's hockey edged 6-5 by Michigan after rallying to force OT
Minnesota scored five goals in the third period after giving up three in the first, but Seamus Casey's power-play goal in OT clinched the win for the Wolverines.
Connecting athletes to NIL money. Gophers boosters making it happen.
The name, image and likeness era has reshaped college sports — and created opportunities for passionate fans to get involved in ways that previously would have violated NCAA rules.
Gophers hockey routs Michigan 6-2 to clinch third place
Jaxon Nelson and Oliver Moore competed for a hat trick, with Nelson pulling it off in the third period, and the power play woke up at last.
Fleck to get bonuses added to contract after UCLA's pursuit
Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck can collect an additional $5.7 million if he stays through the 2029 season, pending Board of Regents approval.
'Don't you want disruption?' Cash for recruits could be game-changer at U.
Things might get wild, but a recent court ruling currently means the NCAA can no longer ban players from being paid in the recruiting process. Some Gophers boosters think it could level the playing field.
Gophers vs. Michigan to feature NHL draft picks aplenty
The Gophers will need a balanced defensive effort to secure at least a split against a team that's 14th in the PairWise Ratings.
Mavericks have CCHA title chance in first season without Hastings
College Hockey Insider: Bemidji State is trying to snap the Mavericks' run of six consecutive conference regular-season crowns under former coach Mike Hastings. The Beavers have a four-point lead heading into the big showdown.
Pitlick gives Gophers' top line a big boost next to Moore, Snuggerud
The Gophers men's hockey team has relied on Rhett Pitlick's line this season, and he has delivered with a team-high 32 points.
Playoff push: They're all big games, but Wild's next two top the list
Even if the Wild are trying to temper the urgency of upcoming games, including Thursday vs. Nashville, there's no doubt how important they are to playing in the postseason.
Wild's Rossi finds success — and name on scoresheet — on a new line
The center has four goals in five games to bolster the Wild's forward depth and is tied with Connor Bedard for rookie goals.
As hockey postseason approaches, St. Cloud State is in an odd place
College hockey insider: The Huskies are chasing the NCHC regular-season title but aren't doing nearly as well in the national picture.
Gophers men's hockey tops Notre Dame with overtime victory
Just 1:18 into the extra session, Jimmy Snuggerud ended his eight-game goal-scoring drought.
Shaw's return to Wild after fourth ACL tear 'feels like Christmas morning'
The two-way forward excelled on the penalty kill before crashing into the boards last April.
Gophers women's hockey braces for second tussle with defending champs
Wisconsin averages 5.4 goals per game and boasts the nation's top two highest-scoring players.
Gophers men's hockey hopes to keep rolling at Notre Dame
Randy Johnson's breakdown: Minnesota is playing its best hockey of the season and will try to keep it up on the final road trip of the regular season.
With concussion healed, Gophers hockey veteran Nevers hits stride
"For a long stretch, that wasn't the Mason Nevers we knew," Gophers coach Bob Motzko said of Nevers' first weeks back from injury.
Fleck posts message reaffirming commitment to Gophers
The Gophers football coach, whose name was connected to the UCLA vacancy, wrote on X that he is ready "for an ELITE 2024 season."
