For years, the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the North Dakota Fighting Hawks have been two of the most dominant teams in college hockey. Whenever these two teams face off, it's a battle of the titans, with both sides bringing their A-game to the ice.In this article, we'll take a closer look at the rivalry between these two teams, what makes it so special, and what we can expect from their upcoming matchups.
The Rivalry
The rivalry between the Gophers and the Fighting Hawks dates back to the 1930s. Over the years, they've faced each other more than 290 times, with North Dakota holding a slight edge in the overall record.Despite the lopsided record, there have been plenty of memorable moments in this rivalry. From the 2007 Frozen Four semifinals, where the Gophers edged out North Dakota in overtime, to the 2012 WCHA Final Five championship game, where the Fighting Hawks got revenge with a 6-3 victory.These two teams simply don't like each other, which makes every matchup must-see hockey.
The Teams
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are one of the most storied programs in college hockey history. They have won five national championships and have produced some of the game's biggest stars, including Neal Broten, Phil Housley, and Blake Wheeler.This year's team is no different. Led by head coach Bob Motzko, the Gophers are off to a strong start, with a 7-2-0 record as of November 2021.Meanwhile, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks have also been a force in college hockey for decades. They have won eight national championships and have produced NHL stars like Jonathan Toews, T.J. Oshie, and Brock Boeser.This year's team, coached by Brad Berry, is once again one of the best in the country. They have a record of 8-3-0 as of November 2021 and are ranked third in the NCAA.
The Matchups
The Gophers and the Fighting Hawks are set to face off twice during the 2021-2022 season, with the first matchup taking place on December 2nd at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota.This game will be a rematch of last season's thrilling matchup, where the Gophers came back from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 in overtime. There's no doubt that North Dakota will be looking for revenge in this one.The second matchup will take place on February 4th and 5th at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This will be a homecoming of sorts for North Dakota head coach Brad Berry, who played for the Gophers from 1983-1986.Both of these games are sure to be intense, physical battles between two of the best teams in the country.
Conclusion
The rivalry between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the North Dakota Fighting Hawks is one of the best in college hockey. These two teams simply don't like each other, and every matchup is a battle of the titans.As we look ahead to their upcoming matchups, one thing is certain: These two teams will leave it all on the ice. Whether you're a Gophers fan, a Fighting Hawks fan, or just a fan of great hockey, these games are not to be missed.
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