Gophers Beat Air Force, 4-0
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Erik Haula had a goal and an assist and Adam Wilcox tossed the shutout as Minnesota beat Air Force 4-0 Saturday in the semifinals of the Mariucci Classic men's college hockey tournament.
The win sets up a title showdown Sunday between two top-five teams: the fourth-ranked Gophers (12-3-3) and top-ranked Boston College. It will be a rematch of last season's Frozen Four semifinal, which the Eagles won 6-1.
"It'll be a great test," Wilcox said. "We're ready to go and we want a little revenge for last year."
Haula scored in the first period and assisted on Kyle Rau's goal in the third period. Nick Bjugstad assisted on two goals.
Wilcox turned away all 18 shots by the Falcons (5-8-3). It was his third shutout of the season.
"We played very well tonight," Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. "They came at us for 60 minutes and we had to work."
Jason Torf made 29 stops, but allowed two weak goals in the third period, including one by Nate Condon.
Ryan Reilly scored his first goal early in the second period. He took a pass from behind the net and beat Torf out front.
Rau scored on a rebound. Torf made a stop but the puck dropped between his legs and Rau scooped it in.
Minnesota improved to 7-1-1 at home this season. It has won 12 Mariucci Classic titles, but none since 2009.
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