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February, 2 2008 Minnesota Gophers vs. North Dakota Fighting Sioux

Minnesota Gophers took on the visiting North Dakota Fighting Sioux at Mariucci Arena on this Saturday night in early February. This was my first Gophers Hockey game that I was able to shoot at within Mariucci Arena. Needless to say it was definitely a learning experience for me as to where to shoot, and where not to shoot within the Arena. I was able to capture some great shots within the building including the varsity team locker room, press box areas, and of course game action. The entire game was very hard-nosed with some great "old-time hockey" being played before the home crowd. The Gophers got a break in the first minutes of the game as former Hobey Baker award winner Ryan Duncan checked Jay Barriball into the boards from behind drawing a 5 minute major and ejection from the game. "That wasn't part of our game plan, it hurt our energy level for the rest of the period" said former Minnesota Moose Hockey player and current UND Head Coach Dave Hakstol,  (whom also received a one game suspension for "giving the finger" to referee Don Adam as he skated away after explaining penalty calls). The game went into the overtime session and ended in a 1-1 tie.

After the game ended during the traditional series-ending hand shake Gophers Junior Blake Wheeler passed Sioux Joe Finley in line and possibly said something as Finley came after Wheeler spearing him in the side with his stick causing absolute mayhem on the ice, and within the arena, as fans showered cups onto the rink when numerous fights broke out. After the coaches took to the ice to help break up the fighting, one game disqualifications were handed out to Tony Lucia, and North Dakota's Darcy Zajac for fighting that took place in the mayhem. With emotions running high amongst both squads, the next time the Sioux and Gophers do battle it will definitely be a great game to see!

"It was a battle, things got a little heated in the end, it was fun." said Freshman goaltender Alex Kangas outside of the Mariucci Arena locker rooms after the game.

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