That Gopher Hockey Puckcast Episode 15 (with Amy Moritz)

On episode 15 of That Gopher Hockey Puckcast we do talk Gopher hockey...eventually.

With Nate calling in from New York City, Drew, producer Tom Schreier and him spend the first 10-15 minutes on traveling, the Vikings and Minneapolis Miracle (which Nate covered in person).

They then turn attention to Minnesota being swept by Michigan and the resulting fallout. The players-only meeting, the lack of offense, lack of Big Ten success this season and lack of direction, among other topics. Where does the team go from here? They also preview the weekend's unique series against Michigan State and Minnesota's NCAA Tournament chances.

In between (33:00 mark) Amy Moritz of The Buffalo News comes on to give her perspective on the World Juniors, covering an outdoor game, Buffalo's fascination with Casey Mittelstadt and what it's like to write a book.

Casey Mittelstadt and Ryan Lindgren named to US 2018 WJC Preliminary roster

Minnesota freshman forward Casey Mittelstadt and sophomore defenseman Ryan Lindgren are among the 28 players named Monday (December 5, 2017) to the United States' 2018 World Juniors preliminary roster.

Featuring the best players in the world under 20, the 2018 World Juniors take place December 26, 2017-January 5th, 2018 in Buffalo, New York.

2018 WJC: Nate Knoepke, Ryan Lindgren and Casey Mittelstadt participating in US World Junior Summer Showcase

Minnesota incoming freshmen Casey Mittelstadt and Nate Knoepke will try to match sophomore defenseman Ryan Lindgren's accomplishment: Making an American U-20 World Juniors team.

All three will take their first step next month. The Gopher trio join 39 other players named Tuesday to the United States' 2017 World Junior Summer Showcase. Among the under-20 group are 25 forwards, 13 defensemen and 4 goalies.

The event, formerly known as the National Junior Evaluation Camp, takes July 29-August 5th in Plymouth, Michigan and brings in three other top countries in Canada (2017 silver medalist), Finland (2016 gold medalist) and Sweden (fourth place each of the past three tournaments). Each of the countries will scrimmage against one another. Besides getting experience, coaches have an opportunity to decide who to take for December camps and eventually the 2018 WJC.

In the case of Team USA, players initially will be split into two teams before cuts are made in camp.

Ryan Lindgren on WJC Gold + More (SBN College Hockey)

Minnesota's Ryan Lindgren wins a WJC gold medal, loses ten pounds to illness

By: Nate Wells

(A longer version of this post originally appeared at SB Nation College Hockey)

The cost of Team USA basking in gold medal victory for Ryan Lindgren was more than the 137 texts his assistant coach received.

Lindgren celebrated the victory in the locker room with his teammates, however, he was unable to play in the gold medal game against Canada due to an illness that eventually caused him to lose ten pounds and eventually spend a couple days in the hospital. The University of Minnesota freshman defenseman said he first felt the effects the night prior to Team USA’s semifinal win over Russia.