Gophers defenseman Justin Holl didn't simply score the winning goal in Thursday's NCAA semifinal against North Dakota. He gave his team's fans a can-you-believe-that moment, a goal destined to be replayed, discussed and celebrated in highlight videos for years to come. That game-winner immediately drew comparisons to some other memorable Gophers goals. Friday, several former Gophers described what they thought when they saw it and where it stands in team history.

NICK BJUGSTAD

Forward, 2010-13

I got out of the rink as soon as possible [after scoring twice to help the Florida Panthers beat Toronto]. My dad was visiting, and we went to a Cheesecake Factory to watch the end of the game. We were the only Minnesota fans there. When they scored, we were all yelling. I actually predicted the score, but I said [Kyle] Rau was going to get the winning goal. But Justin Holl is one of my best buddies, so I'm really excited for him.

Where it ranks: If they win the championship, it's definitely one of the top goals in Gophers history. But you can't top [Grant] Potulny's goal [in the 2002 NCAA title game]. That was a game-winner in overtime in the championship game. That one still gives me goose bumps.

LOU NANNE

Defenseman, 1961-63

I'm in the Dominican Republic, and I was watching the game on my iPad at the house we rented. [The goal] was sensational. I was just nervous about them not getting scored on while they were shorthanded, and then they get that goal with less than a second left.

Where it ranks: Potulny's goal is always going to rank higher. Ironically, I was in the same place in the Dominican Republic when that happened.

CASEY HANKINSON

Forward, 1994-98

I watched the last 10 minutes after the kids went to bed, just by myself in the living room. My first thought was, "Wow." Then I thought, "How did that happen?" With nine seconds left, faceoff at the other end, shorthanded, that just doesn't happen. I had to rewind it and watch it again. I texted Justin Holl after the game and said, "That's the goal of a lifetime. You made a lot of old Gophers proud."

Where it ranks: I think No. 1 is Neal Broten [the winning goal in the 1979 NCAA title game, scored while sliding on his stomach], and No. 2 is Blake Wheeler [a diving overtime game-winner in the 2007 WCHA Final Five title game]. I'd put this one No. 3, but if Minnesota wins Saturday, you could argue it's No. 1.

PAT MICHELETTI

Forward, 1983-86

I saw it on TV. I was stunned. I was at the Wild game, in the press box, so I kept my emotions inside. I wanted to make sure they got the shot off on time, that the clock hadn't run out. When they showed the replay with the clock, and there was time left, I thought: Yes. People were tweeting me all night. It was great.

Where it ranks: The way [Holl] kicked the puck to his stick was phenomenal. It's got to be in the top five, just based on the fact that Minnesota has been ranked No. 1 all year. They had that target on their backs.

NATALIE DARWITZ

Forward, 2002-05

I was watching it at home, sitting on the couch with my husband, Chris, and our dog. After the faceoff, I was thinking, just get to overtime. But the Gophers had been so good on the attack. They put a shot on net, and when you do that, good things happen— just like they did in '02. It was the kind of game that gives you goose bumps, especially as an alum.

Where it ranks: This one ranks up there, but Potulny's goal is still more important, because it was in the championship game. If they win Saturday, it's going to be talked about for a long time. If not, then it becomes yesterday's news. But it sure got people excited about Gophers hockey.

DOUG WOOG

Forward, 1961-66; Coach, 1985-99

I couldn't tell the first time whether it was a good goal. When I saw the replay, there was no doubt. And it dawned on me: That's how we lost a lot of championships in our day, on bounces like that. You think of the Harvard one [when the Gophers lost in the 1989 title game after a shot bounced off the goalpost in overtime], or when Michigan scooped up the puck and threw it in [in a 1996 NCAA quarterfinal]. We seem to have received our share of those. Maybe this one was the law of averages at work.

Where it ranks: It depends. Does it end with this, or is there more to come?

NATE SCHMIDT

Defenseman, 2010-13

I thought it was great awareness by [Holl] to make a read and jump up into the play. In extremely tight games, it only takes one bounce to go your way to determine the outcome. He made a great play, catching the puck in his feet and getting it to the net quickly.

Where it ranks: I think it's one of the top three biggest goals in the past 10 years, since the last championship in '03. He extends the season, on his first goal all season, moving them into the national championship. Doesn't get much better than that.

Compiled by RACHEL BLOUNT