The University of Minnesota's men's hockey team, the Gophers, played a key role in helping the Big Ten conference dominate this year's NCAA hockey regionals.
In the regional semifinals on Saturday, March 27th, the Gophers defeated Omaha 7-2 to advance to the championship game against Minnesota State. In that game on Sunday, March 28th, they secured their spot in the Frozen Four with a hard-fought 4-0 win over their in-state rivals.
This victory for Minnesota was just one part of an impressive showing by Big Ten teams throughout the regionals. All five conference teams competing advanced to at least the second round, with four ultimately making it to the Frozen Four.
Michigan and Wisconsin also won their respective regional tournaments and will join Minnesota at this year's Frozen Four, which takes place April 8th and 10th in Pittsburgh.
The success of these three Big Ten teams is indicative of a larger trend - since forming a men's ice hockey league in 2013-14 season, six out of eight national championships have been won by Big Ten teams.
Gopher head coach Bob Motzko said he was proud not only of his team but also of how well other conference members performed during this year's tournament:
Minnesota will face off against another powerhouse program - Massachusetts - in their opening game at this year’s Frozen Four. It promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented squads looking to bring home some hardware for their respective schools.