For the first time since 2013, the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs will face the University of Minnesota Gophers on their home ice for not just one game, but both will be hosted at the AMSOIL Arena in the Interstate I-35 Rivalry series.

The Bulldogs, coming off their series split against UMass Lowell, are looking forward to another challenge against the #6 nationally ranked Gophers.

“A lot of talent back there, experience. I mean, obviously there are four lines. They one through four pick your poison, right? Especially their top line, you know, a Snuggerud back and Moore,” said UMD head coach Scott Sandelin. “Very gifted team that plays pretty well defensively too. So, yeah, that’d be a great challenge. And for us again, we aren’t better with the puck. Make better decisions. We’re gonna feed their transition and that’s not gonna be good.”

Under Sandelin’s reign, UMD currently holds a 29-5-8 record against the UofM.

With many Minnesota natives on UMD’s squad, the University of Minnesota matchup brings an extra fire to the ice.

“I grew up a Gopher fan, but I think once I kind of went through the recruiting process, then all I wanted to be was a Bulldog,” said freshman Adam Kleber.

“For me, I think I was kind of just a Minnesota hockey fan in general. So regardless if it was the Gophers, Duluth, St. Cloud, Bemidji, Mankato, I was just like always cheering for the Minnesota team. For me, there wasn’t really a preference. I just found myself kind of ending up in every building,” said graduate student transfer Joe Molenaar.

The Bulldog’s look to return to a winning record for the 2024-25 season and solidify their reign over the Gophers in the rivalry matchup.

Game one of the I-35 rivalry series begins at 7:07PM on October 18th at the AMSOIL Arena. Game two will take place on Saturday, October 19th at 6:07PM.

For more information, go to 2024-25 Men’s Hockey Schedule – UMD Athletics (umdbulldogs.com)