Minnesota vs North Dakota Clash Set for October 17-18 in Intense Athletic Showdown
The Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s hockey team is set for an exciting clash as they face off against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on October 17-18. This matchup renews a historic college hockey rivalry, taking place at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Game Time and Broadcast Information
The series opens on Friday, with the game scheduled to start at 7 p.m., followed by a second game on Saturday at 6 p.m. Fans in the Twin Cities can catch the live broadcast on FOX9+ through an agreement with Midco Sports and FOX9. Additionally, Wally Shaver and Tanner Hoops will provide audio coverage via the Gopher Radio Network on 103.5 FM/AM-1130 KTLK.
Recent Performances
Minnesota recently squared off against Boston College, securing a shootout victory after a tie in the series opener. Brodie Ziemer’s power-play goal added to the Gophers’ tally, while the team displayed a collective offensive effort, with Luke Mittelstadt leading with four assists. Goalie Nathan Airey’s performance was commendable, with 60 saves over two games.
North Dakota’s Strong Start
Meanwhile, North Dakota showcased their strength with a sweep over St. Thomas, delivering impressive victories both home and away. A balanced offensive display saw 15 players register points, while their goaltender, Gibson Homer, demonstrated resilience with a .923 save percentage across the series. The Hawks excelled in special teams as well, striking four times on the power play and maintaining a steady penalty kill.
Historic Rivalry and Series Record
This historic rivalry sees Minnesota holding a slight edge in the all-time record with a 151-137-16 lead since 1930. Although recent encounters have been evenly split, North Dakota maintains a slight advantage in the last 10 meetings. Notably, Minnesota claimed victory in the inaugural game at Ralph Engelstad Arena in 2001 and continued its impressive performance in their latest win there in 2023.
Strength of Schedule
Looking at the current season, Minnesota’s schedule is amongst the nation’s toughest, featuring 25 games against ranked opponents. The Gophers are no strangers to rigorous competition, having navigated challenging seasons ranked fourth and second in schedule difficulty recently.
Professional Achievements
Minnesota continues to distinguish itself as a breeding ground for professional talent, with numerous alumni ascending to the NHL. Last season, 36 players associated with the program participated in NHL training camps, and a total of 25 alumni took to the ice during the 2024-25 season.
