(Sioux Falls, SD) — The seventh-ranked Golden Gopher men’s hockey team got two third period goals from senior Jaxon Nelson and beat number-11 Omaha on the opening round of the N-C-A-A Tournament last night in Sioux Falls. Nelson grew up in Magnolia, Minnesota, less than 40-miles from Sioux Falls. He says it was special to have a big game this close to home. Senior Bryce Brodzinski assisted on both of Nelson’s tallies. Omaha led it 1-0 after one period and the game was tied at 1-1 after two periods. The Mavericks took a 2-1 lead before Nelson’s heroics kicked in Freshman Jimmy Clark scored Minnesota’s first goal on a feed from Connor Kurth in the second period. Gopher goalie Justen Close made 34 saves. The Golden Gophers will now face second-rated Boston University tomorrow night at 7:30 P-M in Sioux Falls. The winner advances to the 2024 Frozen Four in St. Paul next month.
Goaltender Justen Close spoke with MNN sports director Mike Grimm after the game:
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Gopher freshman forward Jimmy Clark of Edina scored Minnesota’s first goal and spoke with MNN sports director Mike Grimm after the game:
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Minnesota senior Bryce Brodzinski of Blaine assisted on the two Jaxon Nelson goals and spoke with MNN sports director Mike Grimm in the dressing room after the game:
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(photos courtesy of Gopher Sports – credit Brad Rempel)
