Recent content from Jason Gonzalez
High ceilings, big rooms: University shows off Athletes Village
Construction on the $166 million Athletes Village is 65 to 70 percent completed and about $100 million of the project's cost has been raised so far.
![Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Tyler Sheehy (22) takes the puck down the ice during the second period. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE ï anthony.souffle@star](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UFCXT477VJSEXDR4L5D6BNXHB4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Want to add Gophers recuit Isaiah Washington to NBA 2k17? Here's how
If you can't wait to see future Gophers star Isaiah Washington on your TV screen or monitor, here's how to create him for the NBA 2k17 video game.
NCHC's tournament field ranks as best in college hockey
The NCHC Frozen Faceoff at Target Center this weekend will showcase three teams in position to earn No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament.
Five Big Ten hockey teams battling for NCAA berths
Big Ten hockey has four teams ranked in the national polls after a successful regular season, yet the conference is in danger of earning only one spot in the NCAA tournament.
Eight Minnesotans to watch in the NCAA tournament
Over 20 Minnesotans are on the rosters of NCAA tournament teams. Here are eight non-Gophers who could have a big impact on the big stage.
Second season: Pitino puts Gophers through 'preseason type' practice
After a flurry of good feelings and recognition, Gophers coach Richard Pitino is reminding his players of all they accomplished -- while challenging them to be better going into the Big ten tournament.
Petersen steps down as Lynx associate head coach
The team's associate head coach was part of three WNBA title teams.
Former Gophers swimmer, Olympic medalist David Plummer pens a farewell to his sport
The former U swimmer went out on top with two Olympic medals.
Here are five things you get with P.J. Fleck as head Gophers football coach
Takeaways from P.J. Fleck's introductory news conference.
Gophers look to keep winning ways going in Mariucci Classic
Gophers won four of their past five games before their break.
Kuemper 'looking forward' to start in net for streaking Wild
Darcy Kuemper, who hasn't played since Nov. 29, will give Devan Dubnyk a day of rest while trying to keep the Wild's six-game win streak intact
![Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) made a save in the third period. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - October 18, 2016, St. Paul, MN](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/TU7ZZFG3WOLYMG7D33W33ACZ6E.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Kuemper expected to start in goal for Wild on Saturday
Darcy Kuemper, who hasn't played since Nov. 29, will give Devan Dubnyk a day of rest while trying to keep the Wild's win streak intact.
![Minnesota Kai Forbath (2) had an extra point attempt blocked. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - November 20, 2016, Minneapolis, MN, US Ban](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/EDTC2TXLMYYEP5R4PHZDBK4XZ4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
![Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau watched gameplay in the final moments of the first period Saturday. ] (AARON LAVINSKY/STAR TRIBUNE) aaron.lav](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RL46LJUCDHZOFIEYC4IUGQWSPM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Blown lead, scoring slump leads to Boudreau shaking up Wild's lines
"I just think maybe some guys are getting stale with some other linemates," Bruce Boudreau said Sunday. The Wild has scored more than two goals once and been held below two goals four times in November.
![Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford throws an incomplete pass that was tipped by Arizonaís Calais Campbell in the 1st half. ] Minnesota Vikings -vs-](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DUCMG67M72XTBXYUY3IKOFCMEM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings O-line needs help; here's who might be available in the draft
The Vikings have drafted only two offensive linemen — tackles Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt — in the first three rounds since 2007.
![Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - November 6, 2016, Minneapolis, MN, US Bank Stadium, NFL, Minne](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/V4TWKW6BR4ABAIGJXIO3T2XWLU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
What to watch for in Gophers men's hockey's home opener vs. St. Cloud State
Gophers hockey plays host to its official home opener Friday at Mariucci Arena. Here are three things you should know:
Twin Cities Marathon champ sets course record
Dominic Ondoro blew through the finish line and disappeared into the chute of volunteers at Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon.
![Wheelers left the starting line of the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - October 9, 2016, Minneapolis](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BB4TOI3MBOF2T5CR546OBWWNG4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Arizonan repeats as TC 10 Mile champ; Olympian Gwen Jorgensen 3rd
Oregonian captures the women's title.
![10-milers Josh Dedering, Sam Chelanga, Gwen Jorgensen and Aliphine Tuliamuk at the Twin Cities Marathon press conference. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@star](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DS2H7EHZ25JR6HJZHCFZODMB44.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
St. Paul native travels from Afghanistan to run second TC Marathon
Security protocol limited Greg Adams' training within the walls of the embassy. He had to be creative to stay motivated.
Gophers hockey aiming high at the start of a new season
Missing last year's NCAA tournament and a new locker room have Gophers hockey players fired up for this season.
Alaska trip hits home for Gophers hockey coach, goalie
Don Lucia once coached there and his goaltender, Eric Schierhorn, was born there. The Gophers are opening their season with games in Anchorage on Friday and Sunday.
![Senior Brie Orr sets the ball. ] (Leila Navidi/Star Tribune) leila.navidi@startribune.com BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Girls volleyball tryouts at Eagan Hi](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OQHMRQHL4SPN6DO5EXQRQO36LE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Eagan volleyball star Orr looking for another state title
Senior setter Brie Orr has helped the Wildcats to the past three state championship matches.
Progress at Gophers' Athletes Village is turning heads
Nine months after the university broke ground on the project at the Bierman complex, the progress is becoming much more visible.
![The Delta 360 Club offers a view of players as they enter and leave the field at US Bank Stadium. ] JIM GEHRZïjames.gehrz@startribune.com (JIM GE](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BD5F5AZEO4HPLUXI55GZVDWFFY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Fans get royal treatment in stadium planning
U.S. Bank Stadium promises one of the best experiences in the NFL and new standard for watching any event at the new state-of-the-art facility.
Wild's top pick out to win fans over (despite Badgers roots)
"From the University of Wisconsin …," echoed throughout the X when Luke Kunin was taken in the NHL draft. The crowd didn't exactly go wild.
Two recent defeats don't concern Lynx too much
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said her team's foundation is solid even though it has lost the past two games by a combined 42 points.
A day to 'celebrate the excellence' as 12-0 Lynx meet 11-0 Sparks
The Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks will meet Tuesday afternoon in what is almost certainly the most-hyped regular-season game in WNBA history.
![Minnesota Vikings Andrew Sendejo on the field during practice, Tuesday, June 7, 2016 in Eden Prairie, MN. ] (ELIZABETH FLORES/STAR TRIBUNE) ELIZABETH](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6NS4D6BALUBLORWNQZO5S6IODA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Sendejo's discipline may help in battle for starting spot
One year after his future with the team seemed uncertain, the Vikings rewarded Andrew Sendejo with a four-year contract extension worth $16 million.
WCHA switches playoff format to all on-campus games
The revised format is expected to draw more.
Minnesota teams barred from national baseball tournaments in NC
The Minnesota State College and Universities system announced that all sports travel is nonessential, meaning future trips to North Carolina would be prohibited.
Vikings, Minneapolis want to host NFL draft – possibly as soon as 2018
Team suggests new Eagan practice site could hold event.
Big Ten will not pursue Arizona State for hockey
A source involved in the conversations between the school and conference confirmed that the Big Ten will not extend an invitation to the nation's newest Division I program.
Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III wants to put together a balanced team
His approach will be focused on building the best pairings instead of just the best 12 players.
'Keep an open mind' Twins ask fans who don't like new safety netting
Cindy Redmond and Bruce Kane sat shoulder to shoulder a few rows behind the first base dugout Monday afternoon. Their perspectives were markedly different.
Sunday Q&A with Runar Arnorsson and Sean Donnelly, Gophers record-holders
One shot a 62 on the golf course, the other threw a hammer more than 74 meters.
College hockey referee who tripped on ice before tourney game dies
Butch Mousseaux was injured at the WCHA Final Five during warmups before the Ferris State-Michigan Tech game. It was reported that he fell, hitting his head on the ice.
With Banham gone, Gophers women will seek more balanced scoring
Marlene Stollings said the Gophers were 'obviously' trying to hide some defensive weaknesses with the way they used star Rachel Banham. She vowed that will change.
Seven teams helps Big Ten hockey, but what about eight?
Will an eighth Big Ten hockey team be added? The question came quickly from fans after Tuesday's news of Notre Dame joining in 2017. There are possibilities spread from coast to coast:
Notre Dame to join Big Ten in hockey in 2017-18
The Fighting Irish will be the Big Ten's seventh hockey program.
Fasching leaves Gophers for pros, but others aren't likely to follow
Hudson Fasching's departure is significant, but the better news for Gophers fans is that not many will follow him off campus this spring.
On court, on gridiron, Badgers on unmatched run of excellence
The Badgers will play in a third consecutive Sweet 16 this week and are the only remaining team to achieve this feat. They played in the past two Final Fours and finished national runner-up a year ago.
For 3 Minnesota college hockey teams, it's titles or bust this weekend
Only St. Cloud State is in firm position to make the NCAA tournament. The U, UMD and Mankato have work to do.
Gophers clinch Big Ten regular-season hockey title
The bigger prize would be a conference tournament championship next weekend.
Badgers edge Gophers, deny them Big Ten hockey title for now
Minnesota appeared to tie the score with five seconds left, but the goal was waived off.
Wisconsin stands between Gophers and Big Ten men's hockey title
The Gophers' yo-yo season is why coach Don Lucia won't assume his program's championship winning streak is safe, even with seven-win Wisconsin the final obstacle this weekend at Mariucci Arena.
Gophers-Badgers hockey series preview
The Gophers men's hockey team hosts the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend with a Big Ten title on the line.
Ex-Totino-Grace player begins 'long recovery' after paralyzing injury
Matt Olson, a onetime standout defenseman at Totino-Grace, remains unable to move his arms or legs after he stumbled and fell headfirst into the boards while chasing down the puck during a junior hockey game.
'They need more discipline' Fans weigh in on Gophers basketball program
Some fans are growing weary with the program and coach Richard Pitino, and some are showing grace.
Things to do outdoors today: Play golf, watch baseball
Several golf courses across the Twin Cities and beyond have decided to open, and college baseball teams are shaking up their schedules for the chance to play outside.
Wild win comes with big assists from former Gophers
U alums Vanek, Haula and Reilly come up strong in big game back where they started.
Outdoor family night a reminder about having fun for Wild
Everyone from grandparents to former teammates took to the TCF Bank Stadium ice.
From football field to hockey rink: Makeover at TCF Bank Stadium
Last week's frigid temperatures actually meant it was too cold to make ice for the first outdoor NHL game to be played in Minnesota.
Gophers star Amanda Kessel returns to women's hockey team
Kessel missed the last two seasons with the Gophers. She suffered a concussion while playing for the USA in Sochi.
Gophers falling behind in Minnesota college hockey
Minnesota is 2-11 of late vs UMD, St. Cloud State and MSU Mankato.
After a big comeback against Purdue, Gophers wrestle No. 2 Iowa next
Junior Ben Morgan had a memorable duals debut.
Wild seeks to go into All-Star break feeling good about itself
After Saturday's 4-3 loss at San Jose, Wild coach Mike Yeo recalled that the final game before last year's NHL All-Star break turned into a "real rallying point" for his team.
Tommies, Johnnies take rivalry to new level with Big Ten transfers
St. Thomas added a quarterback who was No. 3 on the Gophers depth chart at quarterback; St. John's added one who was a walk-on at Penn State.
An impressive weekend of sports is upon us
It's a marathon of sorts this weekend for sports near and far. Here's what you need to know.
Lucia tells criticized hockey players he's proud of them
Despite negativity flaring up after three months of playing losing hockey, Don Lucia has been impressed with how his young group works.
Twins announce new season-ticket flex plan
The plan consists of 20 tickets that can be redeemed in any increment for any games with the exception of four "elite games" and the home opener.
Daily fantasy sports: Here to stay in Minnesota?
The Legislature is expected to take up the growing conundrum surrounding daily fantasy sports when Minnesota lawmakers convene for the year on March 8.
Too much sports watching for a Wednesday night? (Answer: No!)
Both Gophers hoops teams, the Wolves and the late, late Wild show: plenty of action tonight. Here's a quick guide to Wednesday night:
Lucia feels the heat but wants to keep his seat as Gophers coach
Don Lucia has experienced both championship celebrations and the fury of Gophers hockey fans over the years. He said that some people have wanted him gone for years because he's not a Minnesota graduate.
Yeo builds some play time into Wild's practice
The Wild spent 60 minutes Sunday afternoon with the team's part-time skating and skills instructor, Aaron Ness, trying to work out the kinks that have led to four straight losses and back-to-back shutouts.
