gophers gameday

Exhibition: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology at No. 1 Gophers

7 p.m.• Mariucci Arena • Pay-per-view TV: BTN Plus

Fans can get an early look at the No. 1 Gophers on Saturday night at Mariucci Arena. This exhibition is the Gophers' only home game until Oct. 24. They open the regular season next weekend on the road in South Bend, Ind., and then have a bye week.

About the Gophers: The top three lines likely will see a lot of shuffling Saturday night. Coach Don Lucia said he's still looking for the right combinations for forwards Connor Reilly, Vinni Lettieri and Leon Bristedt. Bristedt, a freshman from Sweden, might have more to play for since he'll miss the first two games of the regular season because the NCAA ruled him ineligible because a pro played twice on his Linköping junior hockey team in Sweden. Bristedt will make his official college debut Oct. 24 against Bemidji State.

About the Ooks: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology enters Saturday's exhibition with a 2-3 record and riding a two-game winning streak. The experienced roster is familiar with playing NCAA Division I opponents. Omaha defeated the Ooks 6-1 last season and invited them back this year. After Saturday's stop at Mariucci Arena, NAIT will travel to Omaha for a Monday night exhibition with the Mavericks.

JASON GONZALEZ