Gophers sweep Mercyhurst with 5-3 win

The fourth-ranked Gopher men’s hockey program opened the season with a sweep over Mercyhurst with a 5-3 win at 3M Arena at Mariucci on Saturday night.

Bryce Brodzinski scored a pair of goals for Minnesota while Jack Perbix and Blake McLaughlin each tallied a pair of assists for Minnesota.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first period, Mason Nevers opened the scoring for Minnesota and Jaxon Nelson tied it at 2-2. The Lakers reclaimed the lead shortly after Nelson’s first of the year, but Minnesota found the net three times in the third period.

A pair of goals from Brodzinski bookended the eventual game winner from Ben Meyers in the third period.

Jack LaFontaine improved to 2-0-0 on the year with a 16-save performance.