Justin Holl couldn’t have picked a better time to score his first goal of the season.
With just 0.6 seconds remaining, Holl ripped a shot that beat Zane Gothberg glove slide and just inside the right post to give Minnesota a thrilling 2-1 victory over North Dakota in the NCAA hockey semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night.
"For me, it was more relief than joy," Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. "But I'm happy for our kids that they found a way to win."
The Gophers were in the midst of killing off a power play when an offensive chance developed with just about nine seconds remaining. Holl jumped up on the rush and buried his shot, which helped Minnesota reach its first final since 2003.
Minnesota will move on to face Union College for the national championship on Saturday. Union dispatched powerhouse Boston College, 5-4, earlier in the night.
Daniel Ciampini had a hat trick and Flyers prospect Shayne Gostisbehere recorded two assists to help the Dutchmen advance to the final for the first time in their history. The last time Union, as a college, played for a national title in any sport was in 1929 (men’s lacrosse).
Union appeared in its first Frozen Four two years ago, but suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to Ferris State in the semifinals. Things are much different this time around, though.
"When I came in here as a freshman, there were goals set, but our ultimate goal was not to win the national championship that year," Ciampini said. "It's just been growing each year."
Philadelphia is currently hosting its first-ever Frozen Four tournament. Over 17,300 people packed the Wells Fargo Center for the semifinal round.
Here now are some highlights from Thursday's action:
Johnny Hockey
The outcome wasn’t what he had hoped for, but Boston College junior Johnny Gaudreau can leave the Wells Fargo Center with his head held high. The South Jersey native scored the Eagles’ first goal and picked up two assists in the third period of BC’s semifinal loss to Union.
Gaudreau also showed why he’s the favorite to win the Hobey Baker Award, which will be presented to the top men’s college hockey player in the United States on Friday at the Loews Hotel in Center City. The 20-year-old was all over the ice, dazzling fans with his fancy stick work and blistering speed.
When it came time to address the media after the game, Gaudreau looked visibly upset and deflated by the defeat. He fought back tears when asked what it was like playing in front of family and friends near his hometown.
"Yeah, it was emotional," he said. "Anytime family and friends are here. And I got to play with my brother here, too. So it's going to be a pretty good memory I'm going to have."
With his three-point night against Union, Gaudreau will finish the season first in the nation with 80 points in 40 games. That’s 15 more points than teammate Kevin Hayes, who ranked second in Division I scoring.
Gaudreau hasn’t made a decision on whether or not he’ll return to Boston College for his senior year or join the Calgary Flames, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. He expects to make the decision in the next “day or two.”
A bitter end
There’s only one way to describe North Dakota’s last-second loss to Minnesota: Heartbreaking.
Head coach Dave Hakstol was proud of his club’s effort and thought it played an “excellent 60 minutes.” Still, the numbing loss was hard for Hakstol to swallow.
"It was good playoff hockey," Hakstol said. "I think both teams played extremely hard. Both teams played disciplined. Both teams played -- I know our team played within the way we want to play. So I'm sure there's some teachable moments in there for the youngsters and a different time and a different place, I'll be able to answer that a little bit better.
"I'm happy with the way our team played. But that doesn't bypass the fact that our season ends tonight."
Battle of the bands
Here’s something you don’t see every day: Live college bands at the Wells Fargo Center.
Minnesota’s group was the most lively and energetic. Union was a close second for jamming out to “Surfin’ Bird” and the theme to “Rocky.” North Dakota was good but didn’t play anything I recognized until I heard “Seven Nation Army” late in the third period. I guess I have to expand my musical taste.
Boston College gets major props for playing “Shippin’ Up to Boston” but I disqualified the band for busting it out when the Eagles were trailing by two goals in the third period. They could have used the motivation earlier in the game.
Best dressed
One of my favorite things about hockey is the uniforms, and there were some pretty sweet threads on display Thursday.
North Dakota got points for its green sweaters with black trim on the shoulders. Minnesota’s iconic “M” and Boston College’s classic look were also considered.
But Union College is the clear-cut winner in this category. The garnet and black jersey with the “U” on the chest isn’t overly flashy, but actually looks better than a handful of NHL sweaters.
Mascot watch
Two mascots made the trip with their respective teams for the festivities in Philadelphia. Goldy Gopher, representing the University of Minnesota, and Baldwin the Eagle, from Boston College, roamed around the concourse and were even on the ice for pregame introductions.
It’s hard to pick which school boasts the better mascot. In my opinion, I think they are both pretty awesome. They’re no Phillie Phanatic, but they seemed to keep the fans entertained throughout the evening. We’ll call it a draw.
Up next
The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday at 6 p.m. The Comcast Network will televise the ceremony. Then it’s the main event: Union College vs. the University of Minnesota for the national title at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.