Eric Vegoe
@evegoe
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Freelance Writer since 2008 -- The Athletic MN, GopherPuckLive, MN Hockey Magazine, USCHO, & Cedar Rapids Gazette -- #GPLPodcast -- St. Olaf Alum #iydwtydht
Minneapolis, MN
Joined March 2009
Pretty sure I’ve never quite seen this rink like this. #Gophers fans are in for quite a treat, maybe only other time was when Minnesota hosted an NCAA regional back in 2003 when they beat Mercyhurst 9-2 and Ferris State 7-4 en route to their 2003 NCAA Championship.
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Jaxon Nelson on the season: I'm very proud of the things that we accomplished as a team this year and all my years here. I'm just going to take the ride home and enjoy each other's presence for one last time and go from there.
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Still not sure how Brock Faber wasn't a Hobey Baker Top Ten Finalist last year, although I did get to watch him in person ~40 times during his career and that's when you notice his strengths the most. Such a consistent player that's on the right side of the puck 99% of the time.
Career-high 30:08 ice time for Brock Faber.
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UMD head coach Scott Sandelin said yesterday, 'I want to raise the [national title] banner against Minnesota next year, is what I want to do. that'll be a fun thing.'.
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The fan base for the #Gophers men’s hockey program has taken a lot of flak the last decade, but students have been great this year and they have almost filled out the @IceBoxUMN already for warmies to see their team play the #Badgers.
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Five sections at 3M Arena at Mariucci are now ~$25/ticket, lowest pricing for #Gophers hockey since 1999. The 19-20 schedule is as good as you can get in B10 era with North Dakota and Minnesota Duluth on the docket, and Mariucci Classic with St. Cloud St, Minn St and Bemidji St.
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Feels like this could be a fun night to be at a hockey game.
The fan base for the #Gophers men’s hockey program has taken a lot of flak the last decade, but students have been great this year and they have almost filled out the @IceBoxUMN already for warmies to see their team play the #Badgers.
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LaCombe: They will have a chance at it next year again, and for us, we're always going to be best friends for the rest of our lives.
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#Gophers PJ Fleck isn't the only coach with a new deal this week. DC Joe Rossi is getting a three-year deal with guaranteed salaries of $1.1M, $1.15M and $1.2M, ranks 6th in the B10. OC Kirk Ciarrocca's deal is also three years paying $900k, $950k and $1M, ranks 8th in B10.
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I've been told by sources that Snuggerud is well aware of the complications Cooley's decision had on the people around him and while he understood the decision, Snuggerud learned from watching that happen.
Now don’t pull a Cooley.
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August Falloon making it official on IG today. He’s a big 6’ 2” 200 lbs center playing his third year of junior with Tri-City. Motzko now has three players committed who will be 20-yr-old freshman for 24-25.
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#Gophers Motzko on Assistant Coach Steve Miller scouting for tomorrow: He just said, I'm out of here. And he gets his own room. He doesn't stay with his family. He's a machine. And you let him go. He's a computer. And he's working his tail off. And these guys know it.
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Brock Faber only practiced on Friday this week due to illness and lost 14 pounds, but made an impact tonight. "He really got it bad. That just tells you what a competitor he is," said Motzko.
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After posting men's expenses for DI hockey, I got a few requests for women's expenses as well. Here you go:
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Top 10 Ideas to Revitalize #PrideOnIce.10 Band every game.9 TV every game.8 Fri/Sat, 7:05 puck drop always.7 30 min tv pregame.6 30 min tv postgame.5 Serve Surly Furious@B10 IPA.4 Annual game 4x vs UND/UMD/ SCSU.3 $10 tickets.2 Full Actual Attendance.1 Hire @FakeDonLucia to coach.
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We saw #Gophers Ryan Chesley take part in the pregame skate today, no word if he’ll be available for the weekend. Also here’s Jimmy Snuggerud getting in some shots. He shared this week that he probably shoots about 2500 pucks a week and goes through about 5-6 sticks/month.
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I’m sure Bob Motzko has to be happy knowing he’s got Knies up front and Faber in the back for next season. Can’t wait to see a Knies-Cooley line in action next year.
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Someone woke up a state champ a few days ago and now is ready to join the #PrideOnIce.
I am proud to announce my commitment to continue my education and play hockey at The University Of Minnesota. Thanks to God, my coaches, my teammates, friends and family who have helped me along the way. #Gophers #SkiUMah 〽️
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Matthew Knies shared how Bob Motzko addressed the team before it opened to the media: He just told us he loved us and that it stings, it hurts. There's not a lot of words to be put there… everyone knows how it feels and it's not a good feeling.
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That'll do it for the Gophers season falling 6-3 to Boston University. Minnesota had stretches where they looked like they might find their game, but it never came together. Heck of a two games from Nelson-Brodzinski-Nevers, but not enough from the rest of the lineup.
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Brodzinski on what he’ll take from the year: One of the closest teams I've ever been on. It's guys I'll be in touch with for the rest of my life. I'll never forget this group. This is one of those groups where every person on the team, you're here excited to see them.
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Just feels like the officials have no idea what to do when the goalie and an opponent make contact. I think we’ve seen three different situations for Minnesota in two weeks and all are no goals for the Gophers.
Nevers scores with 2:40 to go, but the refs immediately waive it off. #Gophers challenging.
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Pretty cool new #gophers golf gear over at @UMNGolfCourse — Limited Edition Gophers Throwback Hockey Jersey Inspired Headcovers.
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Motzko: That’s how we want Gopher Hockey to look… all weekend long we played with enthusiasm, we were making plays, we were smart. Is this the start? Maybe next week it changes on us, but right now I think we’re starting to see a glimpse of what this group is going to be.
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#Gophers men's hockey dealing with some injuries and illness, but coach Bob Motzko said Cal Thomas could be back this weekend for Alaska on his radio show. Also shared Brody Lamb didn't have any ligament damage after missing Saturday vs Notre Dame, could maybe play this weekend.
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“The Gophers moved to… 2-3-1 in games officiated by Sean Fernandez this season.”. I’d love for a B10 comment/explanation on the decisions at this point. @AlexMicheletti made a legit comment about what if these were NCAA Tournament games decided on the reviews.
Notes from the #Gophers’ 1-1 tie against Wisconsin:. • Under Bob Motzko, the Gophers are now 10-6-2 on the road against top-five teams, including 2-1-1 this season; in those 18 games, Minnesota has given up more than three goals just once (2.03 team goals against average).
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Oliver Moore on Jaxon Nelson: He is an unbelievable human being. It stands out way more than what he does on the ice. He's one of the better leaders I've ever had. He was just such a good example for me coming in and really took me under his wing.
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#Gophers AD Mark Coyle has reached an agreement extending his contract through 2028. Coyle's compensation will rank near ADs at Iowa, Michigan, Rutgers and Penn State. Base salary starts at $975k, increases 2.5% years 2 to 5 and 3% the rest. Deal also includes longevity bonuses.
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#Gophers Bob Motzko today praised captain Brock Faber. "This is one of the first times he's been an older guy on a team and he's still 20. He's excited because his play is elevated. He's making more plays. He's involved in the offense, he's just not out there defending.".
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Look for the #Gophers men's hockey team to announce they have an agreement to play North Dakota for another five years. Minnesota is taking next year off playing the Bulldogs, but will soon announce another four year scheduling agreement with Minnesota Duluth as well.
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I anticipate two more of these this week. First Jaxon Nelson and now Justen Close are officially back for another year. 👀.
1️⃣ more year for The Cl🚫ser!. Justen Close will return for his 5th year season with the #Gophers! . #PrideOnIce
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Dr. Mike Osterholm said today that Gov. Walz and the state's response to Covid-19 has been as good as any state he's seen. he was thankful not just for himself but his children and grandchildren to be in Minnesota.
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A little financial insight to college hockey -- there were nine schools that spend more than $4M on men's college hockey in FY22. NoDak, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Michigan, BC, UW, PSU, DU and Michigan State. Minnesota State spent $2.8M and ranked 22nd.
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#Gophers D Carl Fish finds a spot for a fifth year. Minnesota had promised incoming guys spots and scholarship money that they wanted to honor, convinced Fish that he should take advantage of an opportunity to get one more year. Friars will be a great spot for him.
Providence College adds D Carl Fish of Minnesota via the transfer portal.
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Clark has been such a surprise this year… seeing a freshman stop at the crease to be there to score that goal is a coach’s dream.
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Biggest takeaway from Wild presser is Kirill and Boldy need a new boss. "We're not there to beat 'em up and point fingers. you're not pushing guys around anymore, you're not bullying them, you can't yell at them or bully them into playing well, we are there to help them."
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#Gophers get a commitment from their top D target — pipeline was getting a little thin at the blue line and key win for Bob Motzko in recruiting.
I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota. I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who have all helped and supported me throughout my life. #GoGophs〽️
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#Gophers 3M Arena at Mariucci will be getting a long awaited update next off-season. The $14M project will replace the ice refrigerant systems at Mariucci and Ridder Arena and reduce the ice sheet size from 200 x 100 and 2 ft radius corners to 200 x 90 with 24 ft radius corners.
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I'm apparently old school, but I totally support athletes who keep playing multiple sports. Great for everyone when a D-I hockey player keeps grinding with his HS baseball or football squad.
#MNBombSquad. Walk Off Style . ‘24 Jackson Nevers @Jackson_Nevers .@EdinaBaseball .@GopherHockey commit
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Little bit of chaos for recent #Gophers commit @BrennanBoynton in the USHL conference final for Fargo against Sioux City--breaks a SC stick after getting run, gets run again and then gets in a scuffle!
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Here’s a good perspective of what #Gophers just pulled out of the portal.
Matthew Wood is 6-foot-4 with "exceptional" hands and an ability to "score from anywhere.". Those things have made him potential top-10 pick in the #2023NHLDraft. And according to those around him, he's not even close to a finished product. My story:
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#Gophers add another defenseman to the pipeline with a verbal commitment from @matthewgrimes_ — he’s a native of Locust Valley, NY, played for Mount St. Charles last year and signed a tender for @sfstampede for this next year.
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Motzko on #Gophers Sam Rinzel who is tied for the NCAA goal scoring lead for defensemen with four goals: He had a terrific off season. He was kind of a tall, skinny freshman. Now he's a tall, big sophomore. It's amazing how that works. He's gonna be a really tall, strong junior.
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Strong chance this will be the captain for the #Gophers next year.
The following statement was released today by Brock Faber in response to questions about his future career plans:. “𝐈’𝐦 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤.”. #Gophers x #PrideOnIce
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There is high demand for tickets to a campus site NCAA playoff game? What a concept.
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There was a similar moment earlier in the year where they had practiced flying someone between the D off a neutral zone face off vs Michigan State… coach said they practiced it, players just said it opened up… coaches teach patterns, players play by instinct.
LaCombe responding to the stretch pass and that it came out of nowhere. Then coach Motzko response to that. 🤣🤣🤣
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#Gophers men’s hockey had a lengthy first practice today to kick off their season — highly rated freshman Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel looked to fit right in with this group.
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In the era of the transfer portal, seems like there are few coaches that keep recruiting their own players more often than this guy.
After our scrimmage on Tuesday, we had an ELITE time with a private movie screening of the new “Fast and the Furious” at @mallofamerica and a steak dinner at Wildfire!! #RTB #HYPRR #SkiUMah
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#Gophers Justen Close gets the shutout in the 4-0 win over the Fighting Hawks, it's the 11th of his career and he is now only two shy of tying the team record of 13 held by Kellen Briggs and Adam Wilcox. Close made 25 saves tonight including a lot of big ones in the first period.
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