On Friday night, the AMSOIL Arena was packed to the brim for the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) men’s hockey team’s series opener with the University of Minnesota Gophers.

The I-35 Rivalry series is the first time the Bulldogs and Gophers have played a full series in one location since 2013. Going into game one, Bob Motzko’s Golden Gophers were ranked 6th in the nation, and the Bulldogs were seeking win number one at AMSOIL Arena.

Just 90 seconds into the game, Brodie Ziemer sniped one home for the Gophers; 3 minutes later, Gophers now on the power play, Brody Lamb poked the puck under Adam Gajan to lead 2-0. Before the end of the first period, Matthew Wood and Sam Rinzel scored to put the Bulldogs in a four goal hole at intermission.

Second period, Bulldogs came back with some bite, Blake Bechen was tripped up, so Aiden Dubinsky took the shot to the back of the net to put UMD on the board.

Despite a late game rebound, the Gophers take away the game one win 7-5 over the Bulldogs. Dubinsky would lead with two goals, while Hermantown native Aaron Pionk posted two assists.

In net, UMD goaltender Adam Gajan posted 42 saves to the Gophers’ Nathan Airey’s 17 saves. For the full box score, Click here.

The Minnesota rivals will return to AMSOIL Arena on Saturday at 6PM for game two.