Gophers Men's Hockey Knocks Off No. 2 Michigan on the Road

Minnesota has picked up its first win since Jan. 31.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Right when it looked like Gophers men's hockey would limp into the end of the 2025-26 season, they proceeded to go into Ann Arbor and knock off No. 2 Michigan 4-2 on Thursday night. Minnesota was able to convert its chances, and goaltender Luca Di Pasquo was the team's MVP, making 37 saves.

Why it matters

This win is more evidence that the Gophers can beat just about anyone in college hockey, and they will be a team nobody wants to face in the Big Ten tournament, despite their 11-19-2 record on the season.

The details

Minnesota trailed 1-0 after the first period, but Brodie Ziemer evened the game in the second period. LJ Mooney gave Minnesota the lead in the third period, and Tanner Ludkte and Brody Lamb added goals to make it 4-2. The Gophers were outshot 39-15, but Di Pasquo's 37 saves were the difference.

  • The Gophers were off last week, and it took them a while to get going against the Wolverines.
  • Minnesota will have one more game in Ann Arbor on Friday night at 5 p.m. CT.
  • The Gophers will wrap up the regular season against No. 1 Michigan State at home next weekend.

The players

Beckett Hendrickson

A Gophers forward who played in an earlier season matchup against Michigan at home.

Brodie Ziemer

The 21st Gophers player to score a goal at all seven Big Ten arenas and the second to do it in one season.

LJ Mooney

A Gophers player who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period.

Luke Mittelstadt

A Gophers player who assisted on Ziemer's goal.

Luca Di Pasquo

The Gophers' goaltender who made 37 saves and was the team's MVP.

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What they’re saying

“Brodie Ziemer is the 11th #Gophers player to score a goal at all seven Big Ten arenas and the second to do it in one season.”

— Gopher Game Notes (Twitter)

What’s next

The Gophers will have one more game in Ann Arbor on Friday night at 5 p.m. CT. That game will be broadcast nationally on Big Ten Network (BTN).

The takeaway

This win is more evidence that the Gophers can beat just about anyone in college hockey, and they will be a team nobody wants to face in the Big Ten tournament, despite their 11-19-2 record on the season.