One benefit of Minnesota wrapping up the Big Ten title Friday night is senior Mitch Rogge will get to make his Gopher debut on Senior Night.
Head coach Don Lucia made the announcement following Friday's win against Michigan State.
"Now you can put this behind and get ready for Senior Night, which to me is a really important night," he said. "We'll make sure Mitch Rogge plays (Saturday) because he's been such a great program guy. We want to make sure, he's played some exhibition games, that he gets to put the uniform on in a real game. I think he's earned that right. "
Rogge has yet to suit up in a game for Minnesota since transferring from Sacred Heart in 2014, where he made two appearances.
"I know the guys are excited to see that," said Lucia. "It's not easy to be a guy who comes in and practices every day for a few years and be in the weight room. You don't get the reward. Tomorrow he gets his reward."
The Gophers will honor Rogge and five other seniors - Jake Bischoff, Taylor Cammarata, Justin Kloos, Vinni Lettieri and Connor Reilly - prior to the 7pm puck drop against the Spartans.
As far as other personnel changes go, Lucia doesn't plan on straying too far away from the normal lineup despite clinching the title and first round bye.
"We're playing to win. We're playing for NCAA seeding," Lucia said. "It's all about the seniors for me tomorrow. History tells me our seniors will play with heart tomorrow."
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