Minnesota Falls to UMass in Overtime Thriller at NCAA Fargo Regional

FARGO, N.D. – The No. 5-ranked University of Minnesota men’s hockey team saw its season come to a heartbreaking end Thursday night, falling 5-4 in overtime to No. 13/11 Massachusetts in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Fargo Regional at Scheels Arena.

The second-seeded Golden Gophers (25-11-4) built a 3-1 lead but saw it slip away in just 95 seconds during the third period as third-seeded UMass (20-13-5) stormed back to briefly take the lead. Jimmy Snuggerud’s second goal of the night forced overtime, but the Minutemen delivered the final blow, scoring 4:49 into the extra frame to advance.

After an 18-day layoff, Minnesota had to withstand early UMass pressure, especially after consecutive icing calls in the opening minutes. The Gophers settled in and nearly struck first when Leo Gruba set up Snuggerud on a breakaway, but his shot was stopped. At the other end, goaltender Liam Souliere kept the game scoreless, making key saves on a pair of deflections.

Minnesota broke through on a power play late in the first period. With a 5-on-3 advantage, Sam Rinzel set up Snuggerud for a one-timer, giving the Gophers a 1-0 lead at 14:14. UMass responded just 20 seconds later to tie it, but Minnesota regained the lead in the final minute of the period. Brody Lamb won a faceoff, collected the puck, and snapped a shot over the goalie’s glove, knocking the water bottle off the net for a 2-1 advantage.

The Gophers nearly extended their lead early in the second when a shot rang off the crossbar. They eventually made it 3-1 at 14:07, with Connor Kurth showcasing quick hands in front of the net to beat the goalie. Minnesota’s defense held strong, killing off a late penalty to maintain the two-goal cushion heading into the final period.

UMass turned the tide in the third. A quick give-and-go play behind the net led to a goal at 12:46, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 3-2. Moments later, following an icing call, the Gophers were forced to switch goalies due to an equipment issue, and UMass capitalized immediately off the faceoff to tie the game at 3-3.

Souliere returned to action but couldn’t stop UMass from grabbing its first lead of the night at 4:53. With their season on the line, the Gophers turned to their captain. Snuggerud answered once more, firing a shot from the high slot to tie it 4-4 with 3:37 left, forcing overtime.

Minnesota had chances early in OT, including a near-miss from Kurth that hit the crossbar. However, after a controversial non-call on a trip at center ice, UMass capitalized with a backdoor goal, sealing a 5-4 victory and ending the Gophers’ season in crushing fashion.