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Jason Gonzalez

Reporter | Sports
Recent content from Jason Gonzalez
High ceilings, big rooms: University shows off Athletes Village

High ceilings, big rooms: University shows off Athletes Village

Construction on the $166 million Athletes Village is 65 to 70 percent completed and about $100 million of the project's cost has been raised so far.
Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Tyler Sheehy (22) takes the puck down the ice during the second period. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE ï anthony.souffle@star

Amateurs set to chase gold

Want to add Gophers recuit Isaiah Washington to NBA 2k17? Here's how

Want to add Gophers recuit Isaiah Washington to NBA 2k17? Here's how

If you can't wait to see future Gophers star Isaiah Washington on your TV screen or monitor, here's how to create him for the NBA 2k17 video game.

NCHC's tournament field ranks as best in college hockey

The NCHC Frozen Faceoff at Target Center this weekend will showcase three teams in position to earn No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament.
The Big Ten hockey tournament gets underway Thursday in Detroit.

Five Big Ten hockey teams battling for NCAA berths

Big Ten hockey has four teams ranked in the national polls after a successful regular season, yet the conference is in danger of earning only one spot in the NCAA tournament.
Wisconsin's Ethan Happ, left, fouls Northwestern's Sanjay Lumpkin (34) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 12, 201

Eight Minnesotans to watch in the NCAA tournament

Over 20 Minnesotans are on the rosters of NCAA tournament teams. Here are eight non-Gophers who could have a big impact on the big stage.
Minnesota coach Richard Pitino, right, gestures to forward Eric Curry during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Marylan

Second season: Pitino puts Gophers through 'preseason type' practice

After a flurry of good feelings and recognition, Gophers coach Richard Pitino is reminding his players of all they accomplished -- while challenging them to be better going into the Big ten tournament.
Jim Petersen

Petersen steps down as Lynx associate head coach

The team's associate head coach was part of three WNBA title teams.

Former Gophers swimmer, Olympic medalist David Plummer pens a farewell to his sport

The former U swimmer went out on top with two Olympic medals.

Here are five things you get with P.J. Fleck as head Gophers football coach

Takeaways from P.J. Fleck's introductory news conference.
Gophers goalie Eric Schierhorn

Gophers look to keep winning ways going in Mariucci Classic

Gophers won four of their past five games before their break.
Kuemper 'looking forward' to start in net for streaking Wild

Kuemper 'looking forward' to start in net for streaking Wild

Darcy Kuemper, who hasn't played since Nov. 29, will give Devan Dubnyk a day of rest while trying to keep the Wild's six-game win streak intact
Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) made a save in the third period. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - October 18, 2016, St. Paul, MN

Kuemper expected to start in goal for Wild on Saturday

Darcy Kuemper, who hasn't played since Nov. 29, will give Devan Dubnyk a day of rest while trying to keep the Wild's win streak intact.
Kyle Rudolph will wear these cleats Thursday vs. Dallas to show his support for Anton, a patient at the Children’s Hospital.

NFL campaign allows Vikings to show support for their charities on their cleats

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett, left, and running back Curtis Samuel play against Michigan in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 26, 20

Big Ten returns to its glory days

Houston Astros' Ken Giles, left, is hugged by Jason Castro after the Astros defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1 in Pittsburgh, Monday, Aug. 22, 2016.

New Twins catcher Jason Castro can prevent runs by getting balls called strikes

Minnesota Kai Forbath (2) had an extra point attempt blocked. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - November 20, 2016, Minneapolis, MN, US Ban

Kickers clearly missing the point

Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau watched gameplay in the final moments of the first period Saturday. ] (AARON LAVINSKY/STAR TRIBUNE) aaron.lav

Blown lead, scoring slump leads to Boudreau shaking up Wild's lines

"I just think maybe some guys are getting stale with some other linemates," Bruce Boudreau said Sunday. The Wild has scored more than two goals once and been held below two goals four times in November.
Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford throws an incomplete pass that was tipped by Arizonaís Calais Campbell in the 1st half. ] Minnesota Vikings -vs-

Vikings O-line needs help; here's who might be available in the draft

The Vikings have drafted only two offensive linemen — tackles Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt — in the first three rounds since 2007.
Atlanta Hawks' Mike Muscala (31) past Philadelphia 76ers' Richaun Holmes (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016

Former Roseville standout Mike Muscala finding range with Hawks

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - November 6, 2016, Minneapolis, MN, US Bank Stadium, NFL, Minne

Which local team will top the polls in 2020?

In-state dominance is something Gophers junior forward Leon Bristedt has never experienced. The Gophers have a dismal 4-13 record against the state's

What to watch for in Gophers men's hockey's home opener vs. St. Cloud State

Gophers hockey plays host to its official home opener Friday at Mariucci Arena. Here are three things you should know:
Twin Cities Marathon champ sets course record

Twin Cities Marathon champ sets course record

Dominic Ondoro blew through the finish line and disappeared into the chute of volunteers at Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon.
Wheelers left the starting line of the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - October 9, 2016, Minneapolis

Jordan Hasay wins TCM women's 10-mile race

Arizonan repeats as TC 10 Mile champ; Olympian Gwen Jorgensen 3rd

Oregonian captures the women's title.
10-milers Josh Dedering, Sam Chelanga, Gwen Jorgensen and Aliphine Tuliamuk at the Twin Cities Marathon press conference. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@star

St. Paul native travels from Afghanistan to run second TC Marathon

Security protocol limited Greg Adams' training within the walls of the embassy. He had to be creative to stay motivated.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey team watched a replay of a Penn State goal that was ultimately called back due to interference in the first period

Gophers hockey aiming high at the start of a new season

Missing last year's NCAA tournament and a new locker room have Gophers hockey players fired up for this season.
Gophers goalie Eric Schierhorn

Alaska trip hits home for Gophers hockey coach, goalie

Don Lucia once coached there and his goaltender, Eric Schierhorn, was born there. The Gophers are opening their season with games in Anchorage on Friday and Sunday.
MARISA WOJCIK marisa.wojcik@startriubune.com Gopher Hockey March 10, 2012. Minnesota vs. Alaska.

Alaska hockey programs in peril

Senior Brie Orr sets the ball. ] (Leila Navidi/Star Tribune) leila.navidi@startribune.com BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Girls volleyball tryouts at Eagan Hi

Eagan volleyball star Orr looking for another state title

Senior setter Brie Orr has helped the Wildcats to the past three state championship matches.
Jake Guentzel f is pursued in the corner by the Wild's Erik Haula during Da Beauty League action last season. Photo courtesy of Da Beauty League

NHLers and other top pros and amateur competing for John Scott Cup at Braemar Arena

Rendering of University of Minnesota Athletes Village, Center for Excellence (Leadership Center Elevator Lobby 2). Provided by University of Minnesota

Progress at Gophers' Athletes Village is turning heads

Nine months after the university broke ground on the project at the Bierman complex, the progress is becoming much more visible.
The Delta 360 Club offers a view of players as they enter and leave the field at US Bank Stadium. ] JIM GEHRZïjames.gehrz@startribune.com (JIM GE

Fans get royal treatment in stadium planning

U.S. Bank Stadium promises one of the best experiences in the NFL and new standard for watching any event at the new state-of-the-art facility.
Luke Kunin, center.

Wild's top pick out to win fans over (despite Badgers roots)

"From the University of Wisconsin …," echoed throughout the X when Luke Kunin was taken in the NHL draft. The crowd didn't exactly go wild.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve argued with an official in June.

Two recent defeats don't concern Lynx too much

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said her team's foundation is solid even though it has lost the past two games by a combined 42 points.
FILE - In this Jan. 26, 1986, file photo, Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan is carried off the field by the team after the Bears beat the

Vikings legends remember Buddy Ryan, a longtime NFL coach

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, center, is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Anderson Varejao during the

Kevin Love just might stay with Cavaliers

Maya Moore tried to steal the ball away from L.A. star Candace Parker in 2013.

A day to 'celebrate the excellence' as 12-0 Lynx meet 11-0 Sparks

The Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks will meet Tuesday afternoon in what is almost certainly the most-hyped regular-season game in WNBA history.
Minnesota Vikings Andrew Sendejo on the field during practice, Tuesday, June 7, 2016 in Eden Prairie, MN. ] (ELIZABETH FLORES/STAR TRIBUNE) ELIZABETH

Sendejo's discipline may help in battle for starting spot

One year after his future with the team seemed uncertain, the Vikings rewarded Andrew Sendejo with a four-year contract extension worth $16 million.

WCHA switches playoff format to all on-campus games

The revised format is expected to draw more.
The NCAA Division II national baseball tournament has been played in Cary, N.C., since 2009.

Minnesota teams barred from national baseball tournaments in NC

The Minnesota State College and Universities system announced that all sports travel is nonessential, meaning future trips to North Carolina would be prohibited.
Minnesota Vikings fans Eric Klitzke of Blaine and Joe Hager of Ormsby reacted to announcement of the Vikings selecting Cordarrelle Patterson during th

Vikings, Minneapolis want to host NFL draft – possibly as soon as 2018

Team suggests new Eagan practice site could hold event.
Arizona State freshman forward Jack Rowe scores in a home game against Southern New Hampshire at Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe, Ariz., Oct. 23, 2015. T

Big Ten will not pursue Arizona State for hockey

A source involved in the conversations between the school and conference confirmed that the Big Ten will not extend an invitation to the nation's newest Division I program.
Davis Love III

Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III wants to put together a balanced team

His approach will be focused on building the best pairings instead of just the best 12 players.
A new screen protected fans behind the White Sox dugout from errant projectiles, even though some spectators objected to the changed view.

'Keep an open mind' Twins ask fans who don't like new safety netting

Cindy Redmond and Bruce Kane sat shoulder to shoulder a few rows behind the first base dugout Monday afternoon. Their perspectives were markedly different.

Sunday Q&A with Runar Arnorsson and Sean Donnelly, Gophers record-holders

One shot a 62 on the golf course, the other threw a hammer more than 74 meters.
Butch Mousseaux

College hockey referee who tripped on ice before tourney game dies

Butch Mousseaux was injured at the WCHA Final Five during warmups before the Ferris State-Michigan Tech game. It was reported that he fell, hitting his head on the ice.
Gophers women’s basketball coach Marlene Stollings

With Banham gone, Gophers women will seek more balanced scoring

Marlene Stollings said the Gophers were 'obviously' trying to hide some defensive weaknesses with the way they used star Rachel Banham. She vowed that will change.
The Gophers' Seth Ambroz was tangled up in blue while trying to get a handle on a loose puck next to the Fighting Irish net during a 2014 game. Now th

Seven teams helps Big Ten hockey, but what about eight?

Will an eighth Big Ten hockey team be added? The question came quickly from fans after Tuesday's news of Notre Dame joining in 2017. There are possibilities spread from coast to coast:
Gopher's goalie Adam Wilcox tried to block the shot of Notre Dame's Mario Lucia in 2014. The teams will be conference rivals beginning in 2017.

Notre Dame to join Big Ten in hockey in 2017-18

The Fighting Irish will be the Big Ten's seventh hockey program.
Minnesota Golden Gophers right wing Hudson Fasching (24) and Michigan State Spartans forward Ryan Keller (12) collided while chasing down the puck in

Fasching leaves Gophers for pros, but others aren't likely to follow

Hudson Fasching's departure is significant, but the better news for Gophers fans is that not many will follow him off campus this spring.
Wisconsin's Bronson Koenig is congratulated by fans as he leaves the court after hitting a three-point basket at the buzzer to defeat Xavier in a seco

On court, on gridiron, Badgers on unmatched run of excellence

The Badgers will play in a third consecutive Sweet 16 this week and are the only remaining team to achieve this feat. They played in the past two Final Fours and finished national runner-up a year ago.
Connor

For 3 Minnesota college hockey teams, it's titles or bust this weekend

Only St. Cloud State is in firm position to make the NCAA tournament. The U, UMD and Mankato have work to do.
Gophers clinch Big Ten regular-season hockey title

Gophers clinch Big Ten regular-season hockey title

The bigger prize would be a conference tournament championship next weekend.
Badgers edge Gophers, deny them Big Ten hockey title for now

Badgers edge Gophers, deny them Big Ten hockey title for now

Minnesota appeared to tie the score with five seconds left, but the goal was waived off.
Wisconsin stands between Gophers and Big Ten men's hockey title

Wisconsin stands between Gophers and Big Ten men's hockey title

The Gophers' yo-yo season is why coach Don Lucia won't assume his program's championship winning streak is safe, even with seven-win Wisconsin the final obstacle this weekend at Mariucci Arena.
Minnesota Golden Gophers goalie Eric Schierhorn (37) looked up in frustration at the replay board after allowing a tying goal in the second period aga

Gophers-Badgers hockey series preview

The Gophers men's hockey team hosts the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend with a Big Ten title on the line.
Ex-Totino-Grace player begins 'long recovery' after paralyzing injury

Ex-Totino-Grace player begins 'long recovery' after paralyzing injury

Matt Olson, a onetime standout defenseman at Totino-Grace, remains unable to move his arms or legs after he stumbled and fell headfirst into the boards while chasing down the puck during a junior hockey game.

'They need more discipline' Fans weigh in on Gophers basketball program

Some fans are growing weary with the program and coach Richard Pitino, and some are showing grace.
Things to do outdoors today: Play golf, watch baseball

Things to do outdoors today: Play golf, watch baseball

Several golf courses across the Twin Cities and beyond have decided to open, and college baseball teams are shaking up their schedules for the chance to play outside.
Wild left winger Erik Haula

Wild win comes with big assists from former Gophers

U alums Vanek, Haula and Reilly come up strong in big game back where they started.
Wild employees, coaches and players were invited to skate with their families Friday night at TCF Bank Stadium. About 100 people were on the ice, whic

Outdoor family night a reminder about having fun for Wild

Everyone from grandparents to former teammates took to the TCF Bank Stadium ice.
From football field to hockey rink: Makeover at TCF Bank Stadium

From football field to hockey rink: Makeover at TCF Bank Stadium

Last week's frigid temperatures actually meant it was too cold to make ice for the first outdoor NHL game to be played in Minnesota.
Amanda Kessel

Gophers star Amanda Kessel returns to women's hockey team

Kessel missed the last two seasons with the Gophers. She suffered a concussion while playing for the USA in Sochi.

Gophers falling behind in Minnesota college hockey

Minnesota is 2-11 of late vs UMD, St. Cloud State and MSU Mankato.
Ben Morgan, Jan. 24, 2016. Ben Morgan picked up a pin at 133 pounds in his career debut that ultimately helped the Gophers down Purdue 23-18. Universi

After a big comeback against Purdue, Gophers wrestle No. 2 Iowa next

Junior Ben Morgan had a memorable duals debut.
Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper finds the puck behind him after a shot by the San Jose Sharks in the first period at SAP Arena in San Jose, Calif.

Wild seeks to go into All-Star break feeling good about itself

After Saturday's 4-3 loss at San Jose, Wild coach Mike Yeo recalled that the final game before last year's NHL All-Star break turned into a "real rallying point" for his team.
Jacques Perra (18) started his college football career at the University of Minnesota before transferring to St. Thomas.

Tommies, Johnnies take rivalry to new level with Big Ten transfers

St. Thomas added a quarterback who was No. 3 on the Gophers depth chart at quarterback; St. John's added one who was a walk-on at Penn State.

An impressive weekend of sports is upon us

It's a marathon of sorts this weekend for sports near and far. Here's what you need to know.
Minnesota Gophers head hockey coach Don Lucia.

Lucia tells criticized hockey players he's proud of them

Despite negativity flaring up after three months of playing losing hockey, Don Lucia has been impressed with how his young group works.

Twins announce new season-ticket flex plan

The plan consists of 20 tickets that can be redeemed in any increment for any games with the exception of four "elite games" and the home opener.

Daily fantasy sports: Here to stay in Minnesota?

The Legislature is expected to take up the growing conundrum surrounding daily fantasy sports when Minnesota lawmakers convene for the year on March 8.

Too much sports watching for a Wednesday night? (Answer: No!)

Both Gophers hoops teams, the Wolves and the late, late Wild show: plenty of action tonight. Here's a quick guide to Wednesday night:
Don Lucia, despite the Gophers’ struggles this season and alumni criticism, wants to remain the coach.

Lucia feels the heat but wants to keep his seat as Gophers coach

Don Lucia has experienced both championship celebrations and the fury of Gophers hockey fans over the years. He said that some people have wanted him gone for years because he's not a Minnesota graduate.
Wild coach Mike Yeo.

Yeo builds some play time into Wild's practice

The Wild spent 60 minutes Sunday afternoon with the team's part-time skating and skills instructor, Aaron Ness, trying to work out the kinks that have led to four straight losses and back-to-back shutouts.