Ryan Stoa, Jim O’Brien and Mike Carman scored in a 3:36 span in the third period and Minnesota overcome a two-goal deficit for a 4-3 victory over Air Force on Saturday in Denver in the first round of the NCAA hockey tournament.
Carman scored the go-ahead goal with 4:34 left to help the top-seeded Gophers (31-9-3) advance to the West Regional final Sunday against the North Dakota-Michigan winner. Air Force (19-16-5) was making its first NCAA tournament appearance.
Kellen Briggs made 28 saves to break Adam Hauser’s Minnesota and WCHA record for career victories with 84.
Jay Barriball also scored for the Gophers. Brett Nylander, Andrew Ramsey and Jeff Hajner scored for the Falcons.
Midwest Regional: Miami, Ohio 2, New Hampshire 1
Manchester, N.H. – Jeff Zatkoff made 43 saves, and Ryan Jones had a goal and an assist in Miami of Ohio’s first victory in NCAA tournament play.
Nate Davis also scored for Miami (24-13-4). The Red Hawks will face the Boston College-St. Lawrence winner in the regional final Sunday.
Mike Radja scored for New Hampshire (26-11-2).
