Gopher Splits Series With North Dakota

GRAND FORKS, N.D (Gophersports.com) – A five-minute penalty in the first period cost the No. 8 Gopher Hockey program a chance at a rare road sweep at No. 4 North Dakota on Saturday night as Minnesota fell 4-0 in the series finale at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Minnesota (3-3-0 overall, 1-1-0-0 Big Ten) allowed three power-play goals following a five-minute major and a game misconduct to Jack Glover as the Gophers’ seven-game unbeaten streak against North Dakota came to an end.

North Dakota (4-1-1, 0-0-0-0 NCHC) built up a 2-0 lead in the first period with an even-strength goal from Nick Jones at 4:59 and a 4-on-3 goal from Christian - at 19:19 to kick off the five-minute power play. UND added two more power-play goals during the same advantage to start the second period with Colton Poolman striking at 2:12 and Christian Wolanin adding to the lead at 3:43. Both goals were 5-on-4 tallies.

Minnesota outshot North Dakota 22-18 on the night but couldn’t capitalize on six power-play chances.

Eric Schierhorn took the loss for the Maroon & Gold, making 14 saves.

The Gophers return to action next weekend at 3M Arena at Mariucci with a nonconference series against Clarkson. Single-game tickets, season tickets and flexible Pick-Your-Packs are currently available at GopherSports.com, by calling 1-800-U-Gopher or by stopping by the ticket office at 3M Arena at Mariucci.