Hoeffel said Gophers confident of third-period rally

Mike Hoffel, a junior winger, got his ninth goal of the season in the Gophers' 3-1 victory over Bowling Green on Saturday in the Dodge Holiday Classic.

The goal came with about 3 minutes left and was the game-winner.

"Obviously, it feels good to have four wins in a row," Hoeffel said. "We have been playing really well as of late. We feel confident in ourselves in that dressing room. Hopefully we can come out and make it five in a row [on Sunday]."

The Gophers will play Northern Michigan at 7 p.m. Sunday at Mariucci Arena in the championship game. The Wildcats beat Clarkson 4-0.

Hoffel was asked about the speed Jacob Cepis, a transfer from Bowling Green, adds to the Gophers. Saturday was the first game Cepis could play in.

"He is practicing with us for a year, so we know what he can do," Hoeffel said. "He is super quick and real nifty with the puck so I was happy he played real well [Saturday] and he will definitely help us out in the second half."

Hoeffel said Ryan Flynn also showed great hustle on his empty net goal in the last minute. Hoeffel took a long shot and immediately two Falcons and Flynn went after the puck with different ideas in mind.

Hoeffel said the U coaches did not get upset between the second and third periods. "They just were real positive and confident," he said. "We all knew that we had it in us to come back. And they were just stressing the point, to keep with the game plan, get on the forecheck and to try to eliminate our turnovers and we will hopefully get our goals and we will come out with a win."

Which is exactly what happened.