The Gophers travelled to Indiana this weekend to battle against the Fighting Irish at the Compton Family Ice Arena. Minnesota walked away with the victory after a 2-2 shootout during Friday’s game. Saturday, the Gophers fell to Notre Dame 3-2 in the final 10 minutes of the third period.

Following the double loss to Ohio State, head coach Bob Motzko said the team needs to continue to build its offensive confidence and get excited to be back on the ice.

“The season has not gone how any of us have planned,” Motzko said. “What are you gonna do? We’re going to keep getting better.”

Standout performances

During game one against the Fighting Irish, junior Luca Di Pasquo turned away an impressive 28 shots from the net. During a Notre Dame power play in the second period, Di Pasquo shut down the advantage with an impressive sliding pad save.

Freshman Javon Moore and sophomore Brodie Ziemer sealed the victory with a shootout in forced overtime during Friday’s game.

After over a year, seniors John Middlestadt and Cal Thomas snapped their goal droughts this weekend. Neither senior had scored since playing Notre Dame last season on Jan. 17, 2025. Middlestadt broke his 43-game streak in game one; Thomas joined him and broke his in game two.

Despite the undesirable outcome of game two, Moore found the back of the net for his sixth goal of the season, his third point of the series. The freshman had one of his best series performances all year.

Looking Forward

As the Gophers approach the end of the season, they need to continue working hard and playing as they did in game one against the Fighting Irish. Motzko said the team needs to bring back the intensity offensively and keep doing the everyday habits right.

“It’s all up to our guys now, at this time of year,” Motzko said.

What’s Next

The Gophers get to rest up and take a bye week before heading to Ann Arbor to battle No. 1 Michigan on Feb. 26 and 27.