MINNEAPOLIS — Nico Sacchetti’s first goal of the season early in the second period Saturday was the game-winner as Minnesota avenged Friday’s loss to Colorado College with a 2-1 Western Collegiate Hockey Association win over the Tigers.
CC beat the Gophers 2-1 on Friday on Tim Hall’s goal in the last minute, sending the fourth-ranked Gophers to their fifth loss in their last six Friday games.
Saturday, Minnesota goalie Kent Patterson was up to the task despite being banged up from a second-period collision in the net. Patterson made 19 saves for the Gophers (17-9-1, 13-5-0), including a point-blank stop of Jeff Collett with six seconds remaining.
The Gophers moved into sole possession of first place in the WCHA. Minnesota has 26 points, two ahead of top-ranked Minnesota Duluth, which is playing out of conference this weekend, and four ahead of Colorado College. The Tigers could have moved into a first-place tie with a win. Goalie Josh Thorimbert had 35 saves for the Tigers (14-9-1, 11-7-0).
Air Force 4, Army 2 •WEST POINT, n.y. — Jason Fabian scored two goals as the Falcons (11-7-5, 9-4-4 Atlantic Hockey Association) never trailed in a victory over the Black Knights (2-14-7, 1-12-5).
