The game won’t count, but Gophers fans will get their first look at this year’s men’s hockey squad Saturday night.

Minnesota will entertain Lethbridge, a Canadian university, at Mariucci Arena in an exhibition game.

Minnesota is one of three exhibition stops for Lethbridge, which will also play at Minnesota State-Mankato and Nebraska-Omaha.

While the game and its statistics don’t count, the lineups do. If a player suits up for the exhibition game, he uses a year of eligibility, meaning head coach Don Lucia must determine if he wants to redshirt any one his incoming freshman before Saturday.

The game will offer an opportunity for many players lower on the roster to gain some game experience, showcase their talents and possibly rise up the line chart.

Saturday is one of two exhibition games the Gophers will play this season. They will play the U.S. under-18 team later this month.

Minnesota opens its official regular season Oct. 12-13 at home against Michigan State.