Gophers lose to Mavericks 2-1 in overtime

The No. 5 Gophers men’s hockey team was unable to hold onto a first-period lead against No. 15/16 Omaha in the championship game of the 2024 Ice Breaker Tournament, falling 2-1 in overtime from Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

Minnesota (1-1-0 overall) was all over the Mavericks (2-0-0 overall), putting more than 50 shots on the Omaha goal. The opposing netminder turned away all but one and was the difference maker in the contest before the Mavericks scored 54 seconds into the extra session for the non-conference win.

With an early-season championship trophy on the line, the Gophers had the jump on Omaha to begin the action, firing the game’s first eight shots on target until a penalty halted play. The momentum didn’t stop as Minnesota had the best chance on the penalty kill when Jimmy Snuggerud weaved through the defense and had his backhand shot turned aside. It was more than 10 minutes before the Mavericks were able to generate a shot on goal, while the Gophers had 15 at that point, but could not find the back of the net.

Mason Nevers finally broke through for the opening tally with 5:34 remaining in the first period as he jammed home a Sam Rinzel rebound at the top of the goal crease. August Falloon picked up the primary assist as his skate directed the puck to the stick of Nevers. Minnesota took the 1-0 advantage into intermission for the second time this weekend.

Courtesy: Gopher Sports Information