INAUGURAL NORTH STAR COLLEGE CUP
Friday, Session 1
Game 1: Minnesota State Mankato vs. Minnesota Duluth, 4 p.m., FSN
Game 2: St. Cloud State vs. Minnesota, 7 p.m., FSN
Saturday, Session 2
Game 3: Consolation Game, 4 p.m., FSN
Game 4: Championship Game, 7 p.m., FSN
(Both of the Gophers games also will be broadcast on 1500-AM and streamed on BTN2Go.com)
Gophers at a glance: The Gophers (17-2-3, 7-0-1-0 Big Ten) are riding a 10-game unbeaten streak and are the unanimous No. 1 team in college hockey. They return to full strength this weekend with defenseman Jake Parenteau (broken leg) cleared to play. The Gophers will need every piece working in Friday's nightcap against highly ranked St. Cloud State.
Huskies at a glance: St. Cloud State (12-4-4, 7-3-2-0 National Collegiate Hockey Conference) has had a bumpy start to the second half of the season, but still sits at No. 5 in the rankings after being as high as No. 1. The Huskies are 1-2-1 in January and are a little banged up.
Mavericks at a glance: Minnesota State Mankato (14-10-0, 12-6-0 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) is arguably as hot as the Gophers. The Mavericks have won 10 of their past 13 games and are coming off a sweep of then-No. 2 Ferris State. They've climbed to second in conference standings.
Bulldogs at a glance: Minnesota Duluth's (9-9-2, 5-6-1-1 NCHC) mediocre record doesn't reflect the skill of the club. The Bulldogs are responsible for the Gophers' only home loss.
JASON GONZALEZ
