Snuggerud’s hat trick leads Gophers past Minnesota State 4-1

Freshman Jimmy Snuggerud’s first hat trick led the 2nd-ranked Gophers past No. 5 Minnesota State 4-1 Friday night at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

It was the first meeting between the two teams since the Mavericks beat the Gophers in the Frozen Four semifinals last season.

Snuggerud opened the scoring for the Golden Gophers late in the first period then made it 2-0 Minnesota five and a half minutes into the second period.

Minnesota State had a goal waved off in the second period but Jake Livingstone scored early in the third period to cut the Gophers lead to 2-1.

Snuggerud answered with his third goal of the game which came on the power play. Conner Kurth added an empty-netter late to secure the 4-1 win.

The Gophers travel to Mankato on Saturday to finish the home-and-home series.