NCAA Tournament: Three stars from Minnesota’s regional final win against Western Michigan

By Owen Gund

The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers advanced to the Frozen Four with a 3-0 victory over the Western Michigan University Broncos on Sunday.

Freshman forward Matthew Knies and senior forward Blake McLaughlin each scored, and senior co-captain Ben Meyers had two assists for N0. 5/6 Minnesota (26-12-0). Junior goaltender Justen Close made 25 saves for the shutout.

No. 4/5 Western Michigan’s (26-12-1) season comes to a close with the loss.

Here are my three stars of the game. All opinions are my own.

Third Star: Brandon Bussi, Western Michigan – 23 saves

The junior netminder was outstanding for WMU all weekend, and he turned aside 23 Minnesota shots in Sunday’s win. He made several high-skill saves, and in a game where his team got outplayed, he kept them in it. The Broncos are losing some key senior players, but they should have Bussi back next season, which will be huge for them. 

Second Star: Justen Close, Minnesota – 25 saves

Midway through the season, Close earned the opportunity to be the Gophers’ starting netminder, and he has seized control of the crease ever since. Close has worked his whole life for this opportunity, and he has proven that he is more than capable of leading the Gophers to their sixth national title.

First Star: Matthew Knies, Minnesota  – one goal, one block, one shot, plus-one rating

The head coach of the defending national champion UMass Minuteman compared this guy to Auston Mathews after his last game, and with the way this guy is lighting the lamp right now, it’s not hard to see why.

Knies potted the eventual game-winner in today’s game. He collected a pass in the slot and roofed a wrister on Bussi. His quick release shot and his ability to bury goals in the dirty areas make him one of the most dangerous college hockey players. And after today’s game, his head coach said that he is only going to get better.

Minnesota will face the No. 1/1 Minnesota State Mavericks (35-5-0) in the national semifinal at TD Garden in Boston on Thursday, April 7. Puck-drop will be at either 5 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.