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Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey

Men's ice hockey team of the University of Minnesota


Men's ice hockey team of the University of Minnesota

FieldValue
team_nameMinnesota Golden Gophers
team_link[](minnesota-golden-gophers)
current2025–26 Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey season
imageMinnesota Golden Gophers hockey logo.svg
image_size240
universityUniversity of Minnesota
sexmen's
first_year1921–22
conferenceBig Ten Conference
conference_shortBig Ten
locationMinneapolis, Minnesota
studentsectionThe Ice Box
coachBob Motzko
<!--Motzko's tenure/record entering 2025–26 season -->coach_year8th
coach_wins161
coach_losses82
coach_ties21 ()
assistant_coaches
arena3M Arena at Mariucci
mascotGoldy Gopher
fight_songMinnesota Rouser
NCAAchampion1974, 1976, 1979, 2002, 2003
NCAArunnerup1953, 1954, 1971, 1975, 1981, 1989, 2014, 2023
NCAAfrozenfour1953, 1954, 1961, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1995, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2014, 2022, 2023
NCAAtourneys1953, 1954, 1961, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
conference_tournamentWCHA: 1961, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2004, 2007
Big Ten: 1960, 1963, 1967, 1981, 2015, 2021
conference_seasonWCHA: 1953, 1954, 1970, 1975, 1981, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1997, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013
Big Ten: 1923, 1924, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1960, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1981, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2025
uniform_imageGopher Hockey Uniforms 2020-21.svg

Big Ten: 1960, 1963, 1967, 1981, 2015, 2021 Big Ten: 1923, 1924, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1960, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1981, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2025

The Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team is the college ice hockey team at the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota. They are members of the Big Ten Conference and compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I ice hockey. The Golden Gophers are one of the most prominent and storied programs in college hockey, having made 41 NCAA Tournament appearances and 23 trips to the Frozen Four. They have won five NCAA national championships, in 1974, 1976, 1979, 2002 and 2003. The team also shared the 1929 National Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship with Yale, and captured the national Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championship for amateur hockey in 1940.

The Gophers are currently coached by Bob Motzko, who joined the team in 2018, having previously served as assistant coach on the 2002 and 2003 national championship teams. They have played at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis since 1993. The team's main historical rivalries are with the University of Wisconsin and the University of North Dakota, although several other schools claim Minnesota as their archrival.

For much of the team's history, there has been a strong emphasis on recruiting native Minnesotan high school and junior hockey players, as opposed to out-of-state, Canadian, or European players. This helped high school ice hockey grow in Minnesota, particularly starting with Hall of Famer John Mariucci, who refused to recruit players from Canada. Minnesota high school ice hockey programs grew from 26 in 1945 to over 150 in 1980. Hall of Famer and hockey legend Herb Brooks, who coached the Golden Gophers to three national championships in the 1970s, famously drew on Minnesota talent for his 1980 Miracle on Ice gold medal Olympic team, which included 9 of his former Golden Gophers players. Head coach Doug Woog championed home-grown talent even more, only recruiting Minnesota players in the late 1980s and 1990s. While current rosters occasionally feature players from outside the state, the team continues to heavily recruit Minnesota hockey players to the present day.

History

Early history 1895–1952

According to records, the first intercollegiate hockey team at the University of Minnesota was organized in 1895 by Dr. H. A. Parkyn, a Toronto native who also played on the school's football team. An early Minnesota team played the Winnipeg Seven at the now demolished Athletic Park in downtown Minneapolis. They lost 11–3.

In 1900 George Northrup, Paul Joslyn, and A.R. Gibbons headed a committee to create an official varsity hockey club at the U. Although there was some effort to get Northrop Field flooded, it was ultimately decided to play on Como Lake in St. Paul. Although the 1903 season saw the first scheduled organized competitions for Minnesota hockey, ultimately this season would be the last organized hockey season for almost two decades. In 1910 efforts were made to revive competition and outreach to the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin, other members of the Big Ten Conference, but these plans never materialized.

In January 1914 the Minnesota Board of Regents voted to fund a hockey team. However the University Athletic Board did not officially recognize this team as a varsity team. At this time, a number of fraternity squads existed and other intramural ice hockey competitions were taking place. Professor OS Zelner worked to organize some of this competition. There was also some interest in women's hockey competition.

In 1920–1921, a hockey team again skated representing the University of Minnesota. W. Beaupre Eldredge of St. Paul, a student and club player at the time, was very instrumental in organizing the team, promoting the team to the University Board of Regents to become an official varsity sport. For 1921–1922 season the University Athletic Board of Control decided to finally give ice hockey varsity status on January 9, 1922, answering a petition organized by Merle "Frenchy" DeForest, the president of a new booster organization for the sport, which itself grew out of enthusiasm for hockey among the interfraternal league. During this season, the team finished with a 7–3 record, led by head coach I.D. MacDonald and captain Chester “Chet” Bros. Other members of the 1921–22 team include center Paul Swanson and wingman Frank R. Pond, who were named captains for the following seasons, Swanson in 1922–23 and Pond in 1923–24. DeForest, Swanson and Pond were all members of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, while Bros was a member of Delta Tau Delta.

For the 1923–1924 season Danish Canadian Emil Iverson assumed the role as head coach. During Iverson's first season as coach the team attained a record of 13–1–0. The team played their games at Minneapolis Arena starting in 1924–1925 season. Such players as Chuck McCabe, Joel Brown, John H. Peterson were accorded All-American honors during this era. Iverson's coaching tenure culminated in Minnesota sharing the National Intercollegiate Athletic Association hockey championship with Yale. Following the 1929–1930 season Emil Iverson accepted a position as coach of the Chicago Blackhawks

Frank Pond, former team captain, became coach in 1930 after the departure of Emil Iverson. The team's Rookie of the Year award is named in his honor.

Doc Romnes era (1947–52)

During Romnes's second year, the NCAA sponsored the first Division I Men's hockey tournament. Minnesota did not qualify for the four team playoff during his coaching tenure.

John Mariucci era (1952–66)

In the 1952 season, John Mariucci led the Gophers to the National Championship game, with a 23–6 record, after going 13–13 the year before.

Mariucci was a driving force behind the philosophy of stacking the team with Minnesota talent. Even while other programs brought in older and bigger Canadian prospects, Mariucci thoroughly believed in growing the game in Minnesota, from the ground up. He held coaching clinics, and opened ice rinks in numerous Minnesota towns. This, combined with a sense of pride that the Gophers' roster was stacked with Minnesota talent, was monumental for Minnesota taking a real step forward in producing hockey talent.

George Nagobads was hired as the team's physician in 1958, and remained with the team until 1992.

Glen Sonmor era (1966–71)

After coaching one season at Ohio State, Glen Sonmor became the head coach of the Gophers in 1966. Sonmor's Gophers started off slowly, finishing 8th, 5th, and 5th in the WCHA during Sonmor's first 3 seasons behind the bench. Things turned around for the Gophers in the 1969–70 season, as Sonmor led the team to its first WCHA Championship in 16 seasons, finishing with a 21–12–0 record. In the process, Sonmor was named the WCHA Coach of the Year.

The following season, the Gophers ended a 10-year NCAA Tournament drought, along with capturing a WCHA Tournament Championship. Sonmor led the Gophers to the NCAA Championship game, beating Harvard 6–5 in the first round. The Gophers lost to Boston University in the Championship game, by a score of 4–2.

During Sonmor's rather short tenure as Minnesota's head coach, the team saw attendance rise 60 percent. Sonmor finished his career with a 78–80–6 record, and coached 3 All Americans: Gary Gambucci (1968), Murray McLachlan (1970), and Wally Olds (1970). Sonmor left the Gophers after the 1971 season, to coach the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the World Hockey Association. Sonmor returned later to be the radio analyst for the Gophers on WCCO-AM.

Brad Buetow era (1979–85)

Brad Buetow was head coach from 1979 to 1985. At the start of the 1984–85 season, he hired Thomas "Chico" Adrahtas as an assistant coach. The team won 31 games, came in second in the WCHA, and made the NCAA tournament. Adrahtas has been accused by a number of former players of coercing them into oral sex. Former NHL goaltender Frank Pietrangelo has accused Adrahtas of sexually abusing him during his time as a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota in a lawsuit. The United States Center for SafeSport investigated, and issued its decision declaring that Adrahtas was permanently ineligible "from participating, in any capacity, in any event, program, activity, or competition authorized by, organized by, or under the auspices of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the National Governing Bodies recognized by the USOPC, a Local Affiliated Organization as defined by the Code, or any High Performance Management Organization (HPMO), or at a facility under the jurisdiction of the same."

Championships

National Championships

YearChampionScoreRunner-upCityArena
1974Minnesota4–3Michigan TechBoston, MABoston Garden
1976Minnesota6–4Michigan TechDenver, COUniversity of Denver Arena
1979Minnesota4–3North DakotaDetroit, MIOlympia Stadium
2002Minnesota4–3 (OT)MaineSt. Paul, MNXcel Energy Center
2003Minnesota5–1New HampshireBuffalo, NYHSBC Arena

Runners-up in 1953, 1954, 1971, 1975, 1981, 1989, 2014, and 2023.

Trophies

Big Ten Regular Season Championship Trophy: :* 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2021–22, 2022–23

Big Ten Tournament Championship Trophy: :* 2015, 2021

MacNaughton Cup 13 times as WCHA regular season champions: :* 1952–53, 1953–54, 1969–70, 1974–75, 1980–81, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1991–92, 1996–97, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2011–12, 2012–13

Broadmoor Trophy once as WCHA regular season champions (1983) and six times as the WCHA Tournament champions: :* 1983, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2004, 2007

North Star College Cup, the annual intrastate tournament vs. Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota State, St. Cloud State, and Bemidji State: :* 2014

Mariucci Classic Champions 14 times: :* 1991, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2016

Ice Breaker Invitational Champions three times: :* 2007, 2013, 2014

Mariucci-Bessone Coaches Trophy for series vs. Michigan State, started in 1993 (Minnesota leads series 13–5–5): :* 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16

Mariucci-Renfrew Coaches Trophy for series vs. Michigan, started in 1993 (Minnesota leads series: 10–9–2): :* 1994, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2013-14

From 1959 to 1981, an annual Big Ten champion was crowned for the best record in regular season games among active Big Ten members, 10 times: :* 1959–60, 1962–63, 1964–65, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1973–74, 1974–75, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81

Season-by-season results

Main article: List of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey seasons

Source:

Records by opponent

;Big Ten Conference opponents

OpponentGPW-L-TWin %First meetingLast meeting
Michigan302157-136–190.5552–0 W
January 22, 19232-0 W
December 7, 2024
Michigan State204132–53–190.7142–0 W
February 19, 19263-3 T
January 25, 2025
Notre Dame7844–28–60.6112–0 W
February 9, 19253-4 L (OT)
January 18, 2025
Ohio State5842–10–60.80810–1 W
December 26, 1968**6–1 W
**January 11, 2025
Penn State4628–17–10.6223–2 W
January 13, 20141–0 W
November 1, 2024
Wisconsin312185–102–250.6453–0 W
January 20, 1922**4-1 W
**February 1, 2025

;Former WCHA opponents

OpponentGPW-L-TWin %First meetingLast meeting
Alaska-Anchorage
WCHA8558–19–80.7295–1 W
December 21, 19866–0 W
October 7, 2016
Bemidji State
WCHA2723–3–10.8859–3 W
October 14, 20001–3 L
November 16, 2024
Colorado College
NCHC260164-88–80.6518–3 W
February 28, 19476–2 W
January 8, 2024
Denver
NCHC17994–73–120.56010–4 W
January 1, 19515–1 W
March 2, 2013
Michigan Tech
WCHA267174–78–150.6803–3 T
February 13, 19223–2 W
October 20, 2012
Minnesota-Duluth
NCHC240138–83–190.62414–2 W
December 13, 19525-1 W
October 19, 2024
Minnesota State
WCHA6038–17–60.7046–2 W
January 2, 19982-3 L
October 8, 2022
Nebraska-Omaha
NCHC95–4–00.5567–3 W
October 11, 20031-2 L
October 12, 2024
North Dakota
NCHC302150–136–160.5256–1 W
February 4, 19301–2 L
October 21, 2023
Northern Michigan
WCHA5429–18–70.6023–4 L
March 22, 19802–4 L
January 3, 2010
St. Cloud State
NCHC10659–35–120.6286–0 W
October 3, 19874–1 W
March 26, 2023

;Major non-conference opponents

OpponentGPW-L-TWin %First meetingLast meeting
Arizona State
Independent67–1–00.8755-1 W
March 1, 20195–6 L
November 26, 2022
Boston College
Hockey East3318–12–30.59114–1 W
March 11, 19546–2 W
November 28, 2014
Boston University
Hockey East2713–12–20.5204–2 W
December 20, 19636–2 W
April 6, 2023
Harvard
ECAC3424–7–00.7746–7 L
January 14, 19322-1 W (OT)
November 18, 2017
Maine
Hockey East2310–13–00.4354–2 W
October 26, 19841–3 L
October 6, 2006
New Hampshire
Hockey East1814–2–20.8334–3 W
March 22, 19793–2 W
October 12, 2013
Providence
Hockey East1813–4–10.7505–4 W
December 27, 19626–1 W
December 29, 2001
Yale
ECAC2013–7–00.6500–2 L
December 21, 19342–3 L
March 29, 2013

Source:

Rivalries

The Gophers have historic rivalries with some of the top men's ice hockey programs in the NCAA, including both in-state as well as out of state rivalries.

Out of state rivalries include the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks. The Gophers' rivalry against the Badgers is part of the annual "Border Battle," in which both universities keep a tallied score of all athletic competitions against one another.

The Gophers were engaged in one of the most notorious rivalries in college hockey history with the Boston University Terriers for over 30 years from 1963 to 1995. The rivalry came to its peak during the 1976 NCAA Championship Semi-Final when a bench-clearing brawl occurred only 70 seconds into the game, delaying it for nearly 30 minutes. The Gophers would go on to win the game 4–2 and subsequently, the Championship. A number of players on both teams would end up playing together for the gold medal-winning Miracle on Ice Team USA during the 1980 Winter Olympics, coached by Minnesota Head Coach Herb Brooks. The rivalry began its decline in 1984, when the Gophers would become members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and the Terriers the Hockey East Division, resulting in a steep decline in games against one another.

Due to the fact the State of Minnesota has six NCAA Division I hockey programs, the Gophers naturally share a rivalry with four of them: University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, St. Cloud State University Huskies, Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks and Bemidji State University Beavers. Four of the six programs (excluding Bemidji State and St. Thomas) participated in the inaugural North Star College Cup tournament during the 2013–2014 Ice Hockey Season.

Players

Current roster

As of September 1, 2025.

Olympians

This is a list of Minnesota alumni were a part of an Olympic team.

Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"NameMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"PositionMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"Minnesota TenureMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"TeamMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"YearMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"Finish
Philip LaBatteDefenseman1931–1934USA USA1936
Allan OpsahlDefenseman1943–1947USA USA1948DQ†
Allen VanDefenseman1944–1945USA USA1952
Rube BjorkmanForward1948–1951USA USA1952
Jim SedinDefenseman1948–1951USA USA1952
Ken YackelRight Wing1951–1956USA USA1952
Wendell R. AndersonDefenseman1951–1954USA USA1956
Gene CampbellCenter1951–1954USA USA1956
Richard DoughertyForward1951–1954USA USA1956
John PetroskeDefenseman1953–1957USA USA1956
Richard MeredithForward1951–1954USA USA1956, 1960,
John MayasichCenter/Defenseman1951–1955USA USA1956, 1960,
Jack McCartanGoaltender1955–1958USA USA1960
Bill ChristianForward1956–1957USA USA1960, 1964, 5th
Wayne MeredithDefenseman1958–1962USA USA19645th
David BrooksCenter1960–1963USA USA19645th
Jake McCoyDefenseman1961–1963USA USA19645th
Gary SchmalzbauerLeft Wing1960–1963USA USA19645th
Jim WestbyDefenseman1957–1958, 1961–1963USA USA19645th
Herb BrooksForward/Defenseman1956–1959USA USA1964, 19685th, 6th
Len LilyholmCenter1956–1959USA USA19686th
Lou NanneDefenseman1960–1963USA USA19686th
Larry StordahlForward1961–1965USA USA19686th
Craig FalkmanRight Wing1962–1965USA USA19686th
Jack DaleCenter1964–1967USA USA19686th
Bruce McIntoshDefenseman1968–1971USA USA1972
Wally OldsDefenseman1968–1971USA USA1972
Frank SandersDefenseman1968–1971USA USA1972
Craig SarnerCenter/Left Wing1968–1971USA USA1972
Rob HarrisForward1971–1975USA USA19765th
Buzz SchneiderCenter/Left Wing1972–1975USA USA1976, 19805th,
Bill BakerDefenseman1975–1979USA USA1980
Steve JanaszakGoaltender1975–1979USA USA1980
Steve ChristoffCenter1976–1979USA USA1980
Rob McClanahanLeft Wing1976–1979USA USA1980
Eric StrobelRight Wing1976–1979USA USA1980
Mike RamseyDefenseman1978–1979USA USA1980
Neal BrotenCenter1978–1979, 1980–1981USA USA1980
Phil VerchotaLeft Wing1975–1979USA USA1980, 1984, 7th
Scott BjugstadRight Wing1979–1983USA USA19847th
Steve GriffithLeft Wing1979–1983USA USA19847th
Dave JensenDefenseman1979–1983USA USA19847th
Tom HirschDefenseman1981–1983USA USA19847th
Corey MillenCenter1982–1983, 1984–1987USA USA1984, 19887th, 7th
Todd OkerlundRight Wing1983–1987USA USA19887th
Dave SnuggerudRight Wing1985–1987, 1988–1989USA USA19887th
Craig JohnsonLeft Wing1990–1993USA USA19948th
Travis RichardsDefenseman1989–1993USA USA19948th
Darby HendricksonCenter1991–1993USA USA19948th
Erik JohnsonDefenseman2006–2007USA USA2010
Phil KesselCenter/Right Wing2005–2006USA USA2010, 2014, 4th
Paul MartinDefenseman2000–2003USA USA20144th
Thomas VanekLeft Wing2002–2004AUT Austria201410th
Blake WheelerCenter/Right Wing2005–2008USA USA20144th
Ryan StoaCenter/Left Wing2005–2009USA USA20187th
Aaron NessDefenseman2008–2011USA USA20225th
Ben MeyersLeft Wing2019–2022USA USA20225th
Brock FaberDefenseman2020–2023USA USA20225th
Matthew KniesLeft Wing2021–2023USA USA20225th

† Were members of the AHA team that was allowed to play in the Olympics but disqualified from medal contention.

Honored members

;Retired Numbers The Gophers have retired only one number. On November 15, 1998, the team retired John Mayasich's number 8. Mayasich, a two-time All-American, played four seasons with the Gophers (1951–1955) and holds team records for goals and points scored both in a game and for a career. Although he was a member of the silver medal 1956 and gold medal 1960 Winter Olympic U.S. hockey teams, he only played professionally briefly, in minor league hockey.

;Hobey Baker Award Four players from the University of Minnesota have won the Hobey Baker Award, awarded annually to "the outstanding collegiate hockey player in the United States." Neal Broten (1978–1981) became the award's first recipient in 1981. Robb Stauber (1986–1989) won the award as a sophomore in 1988, becoming the first goaltender to be so honored. Brian Bonin (1992–1996) won the award in 1996 after nearly winning it the previous season. In 2002, Jordan Leopold (1998–2002) became the first University of Minnesota player to win both the Hobey Baker Award and an NCAA Championship in the same season.

;Golden Gophers players drafted in the first round of the NHL entry draft Erik Johnson, Phil Kessel, Thomas Vanek, Blake Wheeler, Kyle Okposo, Erik Rasmussen, Douglas Zmolek, Keith Ballard, Michael Ramsey, Tom Chorske, Nick Leddy, Nick Bjugstad, David Fischer, Jordan Schroeder, Kris Chucko, Patrick White, Brady Skjei, James O'Brien, Jeff Taffe, Ryan Johnson, Chaz Lucius, Logan Cooley, Jimmy Snuggerud, Sam Rinzel, Oliver Moore.

Statistical Leaders

Source:

Career points leaders

Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"PlayerMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"YearsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"GPMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"GMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"AMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"PtsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"PIM
1951–1955111144154298
1982–1986162120149269
1982–1987149119122241
1979–1983144109129238
1988–199218259159218
1992–1996166100116216
1977–198114884118202
1976–198015711784201
1998–200216571129200
1951–19548110978187

Career goaltending leaders

GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

Minimum 40 games

Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"PlayerMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"YearsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"GPMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"MinMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"WMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"LMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"TMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"GAMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"SOMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"SV%Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"GAA
2012–2015115686473261423913.9222.09
2019–202410056256225620413.9242.18
2019–2022744258432461626.9202.28
2008–2012884918442992027.9122.45
2003–200713174458434830313.9072.45

Statistics current through the end of the 2023–24 season.

Coaches

In their eighty-five season history, the Gophers have had a total of fourteen head coaches, including three interim coaches. John Mariucci took a one-year leave of absence during the 1955–1956 season to serve as head coach of the U.S. men's hockey team that won the silver medal at the 1956 Winter Olympics. Halfway through the 1971–1972 season, Glen Sonmor left the Gophers to become the general manager and head coach for the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the World Hockey Association. Doug Woog was suspended for two games during the 1996–1997 season for concealing an illegal payment to a former player after his scholarship ended. During this time, assistant head coach Mike Guentzel served as the team's head coach. In 2009, Assistant Coach John Hill coached 2 games while Don Lucia was out for medical reasons.

All-time coaching records

As of the end of the 2024–25 season

Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"TenureMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"CoachMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"YearsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"RecordMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"Pct.Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"TotalsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"15 coachesMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"104 seasonsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"1,957–1,100–210Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"
1921–1922I. D. MacDonald16–3–1
1922–1930Emil Iverson882–22–11
1930–1935Frank Pond *549–24–4
1935–1947Larry Armstrong12125–54–10
1947–1952Doc Romnes553–59–0
1952–1955, 1956–1966John Mariucci *13197–140–18
1955–1956Marsh Ryman * (interim)116–12–1
1966–1971Glen Sonmor5.577–80–5
1971–1972Ken Yackel * (interim)0.57–17–0
1972–1979Herb Brooks *7167–97–18
1979–1985Brad Buetow *6171–75–8
1985–1999Doug Woog *14388–187–40
1996Mike Guentzel * (interim)2–1–0
1999–2018Don Lucia19457–248–73
2018–PresentBob Motzko7161–82–21
  • former Gophers player

Source:

Arenas

  • Minnesota State Fairgrounds Hippodrome (1923–1934)
  • Minneapolis Arena (1925–1950) (primary arena)
  • St. Paul Auditorium (1932–1950) (occasionally)
  • Williams Arena/Old Mariucci Arena (1950–1993)
  • Mariucci Arena (1993–present)

Program records

Career

  • Most goals in a career: John Mayasich, 144 (1951–55)
  • Most assists in a career: Larry Olimb, 159 (1988–92)
  • Most points in a career: John Mayasich, 298 (1951–55)
  • Most penalty minutes in a career: Matt DeMarchi, 473 (1999–2003)
  • Most points in a career, defenseman: Todd Richards, 158 (1985–89)
  • Most wins in a career, Kellen Briggs, 84 (2003–07)
  • Most shutouts in a career, Kellen Briggs, 13 (2003–07); Adam Wilcox, 13 (2012–15)

Season

Players

  • Most goals in a season: Tim Harrer, 53 (1979–80)
  • Most assists in a season: Aaron Broten, 59 (1980–81)
  • Most points in a season: Aaron Broten, 106 (1980–81)
  • Most penalty minutes in a season: Pat Micheletti, 154 (1984–85)
  • Most points in a season, defenseman: Mike Crowley, 63 (1995–96)
  • Most points in a season, rookie: Aaron Broten, 72 (1979–80)
  • Most shutouts in a season: Kent Patterson, 7 (2011–12)
  • Most power play goals in a season (since 1975): Tim Harrer, 27 (1979–80) Team (since 1950)
  • Most wins in a season: 35 (1985–86)
  • Most WCHA wins in a season: 28 (1987–88)
  • Most overtime games in a season: 16 (2007–08)
  • Longest overall unbeaten streak: 22 (10/13/2006–1/12/2007)

Game

Player

  • Most goals in a game: John Mayasich, 6 (vs Winnipeg, 12/10/1954)
  • Most assists in a game: 11 players, 5 (last time: Gino Guyer vs Mercyhurst, 3/27/2003)
  • Most points in a game: John Mayasich, 8 (at Michigan, 1/14/1955)
  • Most penalty minutes in a game: Mike Crupi, 27 (at Michigan, 1/13/1967) Team
  • Most goals in a game: 16 (vs Brown, 12/21/1979 & vs Maine, 1/4/1986)
  • Most goals in a period: 8 (at Michigan, 1/5/1979 & at CC, 3/1/1947)
  • Most assists in a period: 14 (vs Maine, 1/4/1986)
  • Most penalty minutes in a game: 109 (at UMD, 3/14/1998)
  • Most penalty minutes in a period: 81 (at UMD, 3/14/1998)

Golden Gophers in the NHL

As of July 1, 2025.

= NHL All-Star teamNHL All-Star]]NHL All-Star]] and NHL All-Star teamHall of Famers]]
Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"PlayerMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"PositionMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"Team(s)Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"YearsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"GamesMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"[](stanley-cup)
Mark AltDefensemanPHI, COL, LAK2014–2021200
Russ AndersonDefensemanPIT, HFD, LAK1976–19855190
Mike AntonovichCenterMNS, HFD, NJD1975–1984870
Les AugeDefensemanCOR1980–198160
Bill BakerDefensemanMTL, COR, STL, NYR1980–19831430
Keith BallardDefensemanPHO, FLA, VAN, MIN2005–20156040
Tim BerglandRight WingWSH, TBL1989–19941820
Bob BergloffDefensemanMNS1982–198320
Stu BickelDefensemanNYR, MIN2011–2015760
Jake BischoffDefensemanVGK2019–202040
Nick BjugstadCenterFLA, PIT, MIN, ARI, EDM, UTA2012–Present7600
Scott BjugstadForwardMNS, PIT, LAK1983–19923170
John BlueGoaltenderBOS, BUF1992–1996460
Brian BoninCenterPIT, MIN1998–2001120
Jim BooDefensemanMNS1977–197860
Travis BoydCenterWSH, TOR, VAN, ARI, MIN2017–Present2990
Aaron BrotenForwardCOR, NJD, MNS, QUE, TOR, WPG1980–19927480
Neal BrotenCenterMNS, DAL, ****, LAK1980–19971,0991
Paul BrotenRight WingNYR, DAL, STL1989–19963220
Bill ButtersDefensemanMNS1977–1979720
Tom ChorskeLeft WingMTL, ****, OTT, NYI, WSH, CGY, PIT1989–20005961
Steve ChristoffCenterMNS, CGY, LAK1979–19842480
Kris ChuckoRight WingCGY2008–200920
Ben ClymerDefensemanTBL, WSH1999–20074380
Logan CooleyCenterARI, UTA2023–Present1570
Mike CrowleyDefensemanANA1997–2001670
Joe DziedzicLeft WingPIT, PHO1995–19991300
Bryan EricksonCenterWSH, LAK, PIT, WPG1975–19843510
Brock FaberDefensemanMIN2022–Present1620
Cade FairchildDefensemanSTL2011–201250
Hudson FaschingRight WingBUF, ARI, NYI2015–Present1750
Jeff FrazeeGoaltenderNJD2012–201310
Gary GambucciCenterMNS1971–1974510
Ken GernanderRight WingNYR1995–2004120
Alex GoligoskiDefenseman[](pittsburgh-penguins)display=inlinewidth=2pxcolor=#c5b358}}''', DAL, ARI, MIN2007–Present1,0781
Tom GorenceRight WingPHI, EDM1978–19843030
Ben HankinsonRight WingNJD, TBL1992–1995430
Casey HankinsonRight WingCHI, ANA2000–2004180
Tim HarrerRight WingCGY1982–198330
Erik HaulaLeft WingMIN, VGK, CAR, FLA, NSH, BOS, NJD2013–Present7590
Adam HauserGoaltenderLAK2005–200610
Peter HayekDefensemanMNS1981–198210
Seth HelgesonDefensemanNJD2014–2017500
Darby HendricksonCenterTOR, NYI, VAN, MIN, COL1993–20045180
Tom HirschDefensemanMNS1983–1988310
Justin HollDefensemanTOR, DET2017–Present3960
Paul HolmgrenForwardPHI, MNS1975–19855270
Danny IrmenRight WingMIN2009–201020
Steve JanaszakGoaltenderMNS, COR1979–198230
David JensenDefensemanMNS1983–1986180
Bob JohnsonCenter1†
Craig JohnsonLeft WingSTL, LAK, ANA, TOR, WSH1994–20045570
Erik JohnsonDefensemanSTL, ****, BUF, PHI2007–Present1,0231
Ryan JohnsonDefensemanBUF2023–Present440
Phil KesselLeft WingBOS, TOR, **, ARI, **2006–20231,2863
Trent KlattRight WingMNS, DAL, PHI, VAN, LAK1991–20047820
Justin KloosCenterMIN, ANA2017–201920
Matthew KniesLeft WingTOR2022–Present1610
Ryan KraftLeft WingSJS2002–200370
Jackson LaCombeLeft WingANA2022–Present1480
Jack LaFontaineGoaltenderCAR2021–202220
Reed LarsonDefensemanDET, BOS, EDM, NYI, MNS, BUF1976–19909040
Nick LeddyDefenseman[](chicago-blackhawks)display=inlinewidth=2pxcolor=#000000}}''', NYI, DET, STL2010–Present1,0421
Jordan LeopoldDefensemanCGY, COL, FLA, PIT, BUF, STL, CBJ, MIN2002–20156950
Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"PlayerMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"PositionMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"Team(s)Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"YearsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"GamesMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=#FFFFFF}};"[](stanley-cup)
Vinni LettieriCenterNYR, ANA, BOS2017–Present1550
Ryan LindgrenDefensemanNYR, COL2018–Present4050
John MariucciDefensemanCHI1940–19482230
Paul MartinDefensemanNJD, PIT, SJS2003–20188700
Chris McAlpineDefensemanNJD, STL, TBL, ATL, CHI, LAK1994–20032890
Jack McCartanGoaltenderNYR1959–1961120
Rob McClanahanForwardBUF, HFD, NYR1989–19962240
Bruce McIntoshDefensemanMNS1972–197320
Murray McLachlanGoaltenderTOR1970–197120
Ben MeyersCenterCOL, ANA, SEA2021–Present750
Joe MichelettiDefensemanSTL, COR1979–19821580
Pat MichelettiCenterMNS1987–1988120
Corey MillenCenterNYR, LAK, NJD, DAL, CGY1989–19973350
Warren MillerForwardNYR, HFD1979–19832620
Casey MittelstadtLeft WingBUF, COL, BOS2017–Present4380
Oliver MooreCenterCHI2024–Present90
Lou NanneDefensemanMNS1967–19786350
Aaron NessDefensemanNYI, WSH, ARI2011–2021720
Jeff NielsenRight WingNYR, ANA, MIN1996–20012520
Tommy NovakCenterNSH, PIT2021–Present2030
Jim O'BrienCenterOTT, NJD2010–2018770
Todd OkerlundRight WingNYI1987–198840
Kyle OkposoRight WingNYI, BUF, ****2007–20241,0511
Tom PedersonDefensemanSJS, TOR1992–19972400
Derek PeltierDefensemanCOL2008–2010140
Frank PietrangeloGoaltender[](pittsburgh-penguins)display=inlinewidth=2pxcolor=#FCB514 }}''', HFD1987–19941411
Lance PitlickDefensemanOTT, FLA1994–20023930
Rem PitlickCenterNSH, MIN, MTL, CHI2018–20241320
Johnny PohlCenterSTL, TOR2003–20081150
Mike PolichLeft Wing[](montreal-canadiens)display=inlinewidth=2pxcolor=#192168 }}''', MNS1976–19812261
Ryan PotulnyCenterPHI, EDM, CHI, OTT2005–20111260
Mike RamseyDefensemanBUF, PIT, DET1979–19971,0700
Sampo RantaLeft WingCOL2020–2023160
Erik RasmussenCenterBUF, LAK, NJD1997–20075450
Kyle RauCenterFLA, MIN2015–2022610
Scott ReedyCenterSJS2021–2022350
Mike ReillyDefensemanMIN, MTL, OTT, BOS, FLA, NYI2015–Present4180
Todd RichardsDefensemanHFD1990–199280
Travis RichardsDefensemanDAL1994–199630
Sam RinzelDefensemanCHI2024–Present90
Craig SarnerRight WingBOS1974–197570
Nate SchmidtDefensemanWSH, VGK, VAN, WPG, ****2013–Present7411
Jordan SchroederCenterVAN, MIN, CBJ2012–20181650
Nick SeelerDefensemanCHI, MIN, PHI2017–Present3730
Randy SkardaDefensemanSTL1989–1992260
Brady SkjeiDefensemanNYR, CAR, NSH2015–Present6910
Wyatt SmithCenterPHO, NSH, NYI, MIN, COL1999–20082110
Dave SnuggerudRight WingBUF, SJS, PHI1989–19932650
Jimmy SnuggerudRight WingSTL2024–Present70
Robb StauberGoaltenderLAK, BUF1989–1995620
Ryan StoaCenterCOL, WSH2009–2014400
Jeff TaffeCenterPHO, NYR, PIT, FLA, CHI, MIN2002–20121800
Barry TallacksonRight WingNJD2005–2009200
Jeff TealForwardMTL1984–198560
Dan TrebilDefensemanANA, PIT, STL1996–2001850
Thomas VanekLeft WingBUF, NYI, MTL, MIN, DET, FLA, VAN, CBJ2005–20191,0290
Sammy WalkerCenterMIN2022–2024130
Erik WestrumCenterPHO, MIN, TOR2003–2007270
Blake WheelerRight WingBOS, ATL, WPG, NYR2008–Present1,1720
Adam WilcoxGoaltenderBUF2017–201810
Matthew WoodRight WingNSH2024–Present60
Ken YackelRight WingBOS1958–195960
Tom YounghansCenterMNS, NYR1976–19824290
Doug ZmolekDefensemanSJS, DAL, LAK, CHI1992–20004670

† Bob Johnson won a Stanley Cup as the head coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

File:Nick Bjugstad playing with the Coyotes in 2022 (Quintin Soloviev).jpg|Nick Bjugstad File:Hudson Fasching - Buffalo Sabres.jpg|Hudson Fasching File:Alex Goligoski 2019-11-11.jpg|Alex Goligoski File:Erik Haula 2018-02-04 1.jpg|Erik Haula File:Justin Holl (28177386639).jpg|Justin Holl File:Erik Johnson - Colorado Avalanche.jpg|Erik Johnson File:Ryan Johnson Sabres 12-14-2024.png|Ryan Johnson File:Phil Kessel 2017-06-11 1.jpg|Phil Kessel File:Nick Leddy - New York Islanders.jpg|Nick Leddy File:Jordan_Leopold_2014-12-13.JPG|Jordan Leopold File:RLindy.jpg|Ryan Lindgren File:Ben Meyers September 20, 2024 (cropped).jpg|Ben Meyers File:Kyle Okposo - New York Islanders.jpg|Kyle Okposo File:OilersAvs020612010 (4339012982).jpg|Ryan Potulny File:Mike Reilly Iowa (cropped).jpg|Mike Reilly File:Nate Schmidt 2016-04-07 1.JPG|Nate Schmidt File:Nick Seeler closeup.png|Nick Seeler File:Brady Skjei (51915859707) (cropped).jpg|Brady Skjei File:Thomas Vanek-2011.jpg|Thomas Vanek File:Blake Wheeler - Winnipeg Jets 2014.jpg|Blake Wheeler

WHA

Several players also were members of WHA teams.

Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"PlayerMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"PositionMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"Team(s)Minnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"YearsMinnesota Golden Gopherscolor=white}};"[](avco-world-trophy)
Mike AntonovichCenterMFS, EDM, NEW1972–19790
Brad BuetowLeft WingCLC1973–19740
Bill ButtersDefenseMFS, HOU, EDM, NEW1974–19780
Gary GambucciCenterMFS1974–19760
Paul HolmgrenForwardMFS1975–19760
Jack McCartanGoaltenderMFS1972–19750
Joe MichelettiDefensemanCAC, EDM1976–19790
Warren MillerForwardCAC, EDM, QUE, NEW1975–19790
Wally OldsDefensemanNYD, CAC1972–19760
Dick ParadiseDefensemanMFS1972–19740
Frank SandersDefensemanMFS1972–19730
Craig SarnerRight wingMFS1975–19760
Buzz SchneiderLeft WingBIR1976–19770
John SheridanCenterIND1974–19760
Pat WestrumCenterMFS, CAC, BIR1974–19780

References

Notes

Citations

References

  1. (November 24, 2013). "The History of Big Ten Hockey (1922 - Present)".
  2. "NCAA Champions".
  3. McLaughlin, Don. (1929-03-16). "Minnesota Sweeps Marquette Series; Justify Title Rights". Minnesota Daily.
  4. Quale, Otto. (1940-03-05). "National AAU Title Tops Unbeaten Year". Minnesota Daily.
  5. MacDonald, Gordon. (1998). "A Colossal Embroglio: Control of Amateur Ice Hockey in the United States and the 1948 Olympic Winter Games". International Centre for Olympic Studies.
  6. "Bob Motzko takes over Gophers hockey, says he'll 'work tirelessly to make those people proud'".
  7. "Timeline (1883-Present)".
  8. "Legends of Hockey – The Legends – Honoured Builder – Mariucci, John – Biography".
  9. Hewitt, Josh. (2009-04-09). "The State of Hockey: Minnesotans Proud to Take the Ice". Bleacherreport.com.
  10. "Minnesota Gophers".
  11. "Football at Minnesota: The Story of Thirty Years' Contests on the Gridiron".
  12. According to the ''Minnesota Gopher'' Yearbook of 1922, p.344ff
  13. "University of Minnesota Official Athletic Site – Ice Hockey". gophersports.com.
  14. "Dr. V. George Nagobads".
  15. "Sexual misconduct allegations haunt former assistant coach's tenure with Gophers hockey program".
  16. [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31871644/ex-pens-goalie-frank-pietrangelo-2-others-join-sexual-abuse-suit-vs-former-hockey-coach Ex-Pens goalie Frank Pietrangelo, 2 others join sexual-abuse suit vs. former hockey coach]
  17. (June 24, 2021). "Faced With Multiple Accusations Of Sex Abuse, Former Hockey Coach Tom Adrahtas Says, 'It's Not True'".
  18. "Minnesota Men's Hockey 2018-19 Media Guide". Minnesota Golden Gophers.
  19. "2017-2018 Hockey Media Guide". University of Minnesota.
  20. "Brawls, interlocks and blowouts: The history of all-time series between NCAA first-round opponents". USCHO.com.
  21. (January 22, 2014). "Gophers hockey: North Star College Cup a state championship of sorts". St. Paul Pioneer Press.
  22. "2025–26 Men's Ice Hockey Roster". Minnesota Golden Gophers.
  23. Findling & Pelle (2004), p. 316
  24. link. (February 5, 2016 . ''The Buffalo News''. Retrieved March 30, 2018.)
  25. Gordon, Dick. (1956-02-05). "Mariucci by Phone: ‘We Rose to Heights; Russia Too Good’". Star Tribune.
  26. McGourty, John. (2006-11-02). "Sonmor found a way to win at life". NHL.
  27. Brown, Scott. (November 12, 1996). "Gopher Hockey Under Scrutiny". USCHO.
  28. Mazzocco, Frank. (October 21, 1996). "Minnesota Head Coach Suspended". USCHO.
  29. (November 9, 2006). "Gopher Hockey History – The Arenas".
  30. "Alumni report for U. of Minnesota". Hockey DB.
  31. Players are identified as an All-Star if they were selected for the All-Star game at any time in their career.
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