Gophers hockey freshmen aren't allowed to speak to media throughout the first month of the season. The sports information department, however, provided a Q & A with freshman Hudson Fasching on Thursday. Fasching is part of the Gophers first line and has six points in four games. Here's what he has to say about his hot start.

What does it mean to you to play for the Gophers?
"I am a Minnesotan, born and raised. I grew up around Mariucci my whole life watching Gopher games and finally being able to put the jersey on means the world to me."

Describe the type of game you like to play for people who may not know you?
"I am a power forward. I go in the corners and like to grind it out. I want to bring pucks to the net hard and just play hard in general."

Is there an NHL player you like to watch and model your game after?
"Yeah! David Backes of the St. Louis Blues. I like to model my game after him. He plays hard in all aspects of the game, and that is what I like to model from him."

We're just a few weeks into the season, but you seem to have found some success playing alongside Sam Warning and Kyle Rau. How has that experience been?
"Coming in as a younger guy on the team, it's great to be able to play with two of the veterans on this team. They're good at moving the puck around and setting up scoring chances, and we've had some success so far. They're both great players, and they're great examples for me in terms of how I want to develop as a player."

Read the full interview.

• The Gopher Hockey Blue Line Club will kick off its luncheons on Friday afternoon at Gabe's by the Park in St. Paul at 11:30 a.m. Gary Gambucci will be the alumni guest speaker and Frank Mazzocco will emcee. I will also be involved in the program as part of a "get to know the beat writer" segment.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $20 for Blue Line Club members, $25 for non-members. Reservations are preferred and can be made online or by phone at 612-625-2886.

• Be on the lookout for Friday's feature on the Gophers first line of forwards and how the group was pieced together. Series preview with Boston College and video will also be available on Friday.

Gophers goaltender Adam Wilcox on upcoming opponent Boston College: