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The Rouser
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Allaina Robaidek
February 22, 2026
Happy Sunday Rouser readers,
USA Men’s hockey has struck gold! The first gold since the infamous ‘Miracle on Ice’ game, what a way to end the Olympics. Gophers alumni Brock Faber and Jackson LaCombe will get to bring back their shiny new medals, similar to the 1980 team, which had nine Gophers on it!
In current Gophers news though, basketball and hockey seasons are coming to close, which means the playoffs are imminent. If you aren’t caught up with how these teams are ending their regular season keep reading.
Megan Davis | Sports Editor | [email protected]
In the Spotlight
Gophers women’s hockey lose the first game against the University of Minnesota-Duluth. | Photo by Hannah Reynolds, MN Daily
Gophers women’s hockey drop series to the Bulldogs with conference tournament looming
by Samantha Roering | Published February 21, 2026
The last week of the regular season is usually the best time for a team to build momentum. That’s what the Gophers looked to do against the No. 10 University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs in their regular season finale.
The Gophers even got two of their Olympians back, freshman forward Tereza Plosová who represented Czechia and senior defender Nelli Laitinen who represented Finland.
However, the Gophers came up short taking both games to overtime but unable to win either. Since they were home games, it is especially consequential to their NPI rankings which helps determine the seeding for the national tournament. Their losses saw them drop from No. 3 to 4.
From the Bullpen
 | By Gabby Hanson | Junior Sports ReporterFollowing the Gopher’s road win against the University of Oregon last Tuesday, they handed the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights their 16th loss of the season, an 80-61 win. |
 | Gophers women’s basketball takes down No. 10 Ohio StateBy Samantha Roering | Sports ReporterThis week, the Gopher women’s basketball team earned their first AP Top 25 ranking of the season, checking in at No. 23. It was a long overdue recognition of the run the team has been on in recent weeks. |
 | Gophers men’s hockey can’t keep up their intensity and split Notre Dame series
Following the double loss to Ohio State, head coach Bob Motzko said the team needs to continue to build its offensive confidence and get excited to be back on the ice. |
Other news from the Big 10
The Michigan Daily - No. 3 Duke overcomes No. 1 Michigan, 68-63, in defensive showdown
Game-Winning Shots
Forward Tanner Ludtke trying to score against Ohio State University, Feb. 6. | Photo by Dilan Parekh, MN Daily
 Gophers men's basketball take down Rutgers University, Feb. 21. | Photo by Leslie Bleess, MN Daily |  Gophers women’s basketball increase their playoff seeding with a win against No. 10 Ohio State. | Photo by Leslie Bleess, MN Daily |
Upcoming Events
February 24 | M Basketball vs. Michigan
February 26 | M Hockey vs. Michigan
February 26 | W Track & Field Big Ten Indoor Championships
February 28 | W Hockey WCHA playoffs