University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
USA Hockey (U.S. Under-18 Team)
Players Mentioned
‘U’ Drops Exhibition Contest to U.S.
1/17/2020 9:39:00 PM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – A late goal by the U.S. Under-18 Team sunk the Gopher Hockey program as the Maroon & Gold fell in their final exhibition game of the season on Friday night, losing 2-1 at 3M Arena at Mariucci.
After a scoreless first period, the U.S. grabbed a one-goal lead when Luke Tuch sent Thomas Bordeleau in for a breakaway goal at 6:45 of the second period.
Minnesota battled back with a goal from Scott Reedy at 12:20 of the third period after the Gophers' leading goal scorer was set up by Sampo Ranta and Ryan Zuhlsdorf.
Unfortunately, the U.S. answered back minutes later when Landon Slaggert found the net at 17:17 after being fed by Bordeleau.
Justen Close made 14 saves on 16 shots in goal for the Maroon & Gold while Drew Commesso made 21 saves on 22 shots.
Minnesota outshot the U.S. squad 22-16 on the night without giving up a power-play opportunity. The Gophers were 0-for-2 on the power play.
Up Next: Ohio State at 3M Arena at Mariucci
Minnesota returns to regular-season Big Ten play next weekend with a two-game series against Ohio State at 3M Arena at Mariucci. The Friday/Saturday series will be highlighted by Doug Woog Night on Saturday, Jan. 25.