Minnesota played the U.S. Under-18 Team Friday with an explosive offensive showing in the 9-0 exhibition victory.

Even though the game won’t count for the Gophers, it wasn’t grounds for easy-going on the group of teenagers. Minnesota was very competitive throughout the entire contest and used it as an experimental game.

“We got out of the game what we hoped to, mainly with the goaltenders,” said head coach Don Lucia. “I was happy for both [goaltenders] Nick [Lehr] and Brock [Kautz] for how they played, and they each made a couple of good saves.”

During the game, Minnesota used its three goaltenders for each of the three periods.

Sophomore starting goaltender Eric Schierhorn played during the first period while the two backups, Lehr and Kautz,, played the second and third period, respectively.

While these three players kept the net on the back end closed to the U.S. U-18 team, the Minnesota offense kept the goal light on almost all night.

Minnesota scored nine goals Friday with a mix of six goal scorers. It was the first time the Gophers had scored nine goals in a game at Mariucci Arena since they played Sacred Heart in October 2011.

The Gophers hada pair of sophomores score their first collegiate goals, though unofficial, Friday. Forwards Jack Ramsey and Darian Romanko each scored for the first time. Though the points won’t count on the official scoresheet, they were still big for the team.

“It only took a year and in an exhibition game,” Ramsey said. “Glad to get it under the belt, but [I] still have got to get one in a real game.”

Sophomore forward Brent Gates Jr. continued on his scoring tear after he tallied three goals in the team’s first two games in Alaska. Gates scored twice more in Friday’s game and had one assist.

“[I’m] keeping the game simple,” Gates said. “The puck’s been bouncing my way, and fortunately, it’s been going in the net.”

Gates currently leads the Gophers in goals and has scored at least once in each game.

Freshman forward Rem Pitlick continued to showcase his scoring prowess in the team’s exhibition game. He scored a hat trick and tallied one assist.

“[Pitlick’s] a dynamic offensive player,” Lucia said. “He’s conscious on the defensive side of pucks, and he’s one of those guys who can beat goalie from 30 or 40 feet out.”

Minnesota’s offense was firing on all cylinders, but the defense was also strong in the game.

The Gophers staved off 30 U-18 shots and went 6-6 on the penalty kill.

Eight different Minnesota players had a multi-point night, and the game was an opportunity for widespread scoring production.

“It was good from the standpoint that everyone got to play,” Lucia said. “Now the real work begins next week.”