Gophers Hockey Opens 2011-2012 Season Against Sacred Heart

The University of Minnesota begins its 91st season of college hockey this weekend against a new opponent in Sacred Heart. The Pioneers come to Mariucci after finishing last season 6-25-6 while the Gophers look to make their first NCAA Tournament in three seasons. Six freshman make their regular season debut tonight while redshirt sophomore Zach Budish returns from a season-ending ACL injury last year.

Tonight's game is on Fox Sports North while tomorrow's is not televised. Both games will be heard on ESPN 1500 for radio; the first time Gophers hockey has been off of WCCO in decades.

Friday Night Lines:

Minnesota

Forwards

Kyle Rau - Nick Bjugstad - Zach Budish (A)

Sam Warning - Erik Haula - Jake Hansen (A)

Nate Condon - Taylor Matson (C) - Seth Ambroz

Tom Serratore - Travis Boyd - Nico Sacchetti

Defense

Seth Helgeson - Justin Holl

Ben Marshall - Mark Alt

Nate Schmidt - Blake Thompson

Goalie

Kent Patterson

Sacred Heart

Forwards:

Anthony Yelovich - Drew George - Ben Ketuchum

Matt Gingera (A) - Eric Delong (C) - Torin Snydeman

Biran Sheehan - Chad Filteau - Ryan Stanimir

Tye Lewis - Ben Lake - Kyle Verbeek

Defense:

Bryan Felice - Jordan Ciccarello

Will Rayner - Alex Stuart

Ryan Miniaci - Neil Fachini

Goalies:

Steven Legatto

Andrew Bodnarchuk

Chris Paliafito