The Gophers are thankful for Friday night's exhibition against the U.S. national developmental team. Not only does it allow them to keep playing during what otherwise would be a bye week, it also offers a much-needed opportunity to work out some offensive issues.
They've scored only one goal in the last seven periods while the forwards struggled to produce shots on goal. In each of last weekend's defeats, a defenseman was responsible for recording the most scoring chances.
"It's coming at a good time for us," Gophers sophomore forward Hudson Fasching said. "It's time for us to regroup, reorganize and figure out some of our weaknesses and try to make up for them this weekend and really get down the technical part of it and figure it out."
Fasching is one of five current Gophers that played for the U.S. developmental program. He was part of the team the last time it played at Mariucci Arena, although he didn't play much after being hit by future teammate Tom Serratore. Hear more about that in the below video link.
My feature this week evaluated the need for one or two Gophers to carry the offensive load. Also, Travis Boyd and Brady Skjei are eyeing their returns and the Gophers welcomed Arizona State to college hockey, and conferences begin the battle to welcome the Sun Devils into their family.
Check out video of coach Don Lucia and forward Sam Warning, and national team alumni Ryan Collins and Hudson Fasching.
• EXHIBITION PREVIEW: NO. 4 GOPHERS VS. U-18 U.S. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
7 p.m. at Mariucci Arena • No TV or radio (live stream on subscription service BTN Plus)
