Western Collegiate Hockey Association

When the University of Minnesota was founded as a preparatory school in 1851, Minnesota had been a territory for just two years, and statehood was still seven years away. The school was built on the east bank of the Mississippi River with little more than the pioneer's faith in education. The University has since grown into the single greatest center of creativity in the state.

AC: 612
Location: Minneapolis, MN 55455
Founded: 1851
Enrollment: 48,677
Nickname: Golden Gophers
Colors: Maroon & Gold
Arena: Mariucci Arena (200 x 100)
Arena Capacity: 10,000
Press Box Phone: 625-6900

The 2007-08 edition of Minnesota Golden Gopher hockey will, once again, feature an explosive lineup with exceptional depth throughout the roster. Under ninth-year head coach Don Lucia, the defending Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular season and Red Baron WCHA Final Five champions will boast 15 NHL Draft Picks, including four first-rounders.

On April 9, 1999, the University of Minnesota tabbed Don Lucia as the 13th head coach in Golden Gopher Hockey history. Nearly four years to the day later, Lucia led Minnesota to its second straight NCAA Championship in Buffalo, N.Y., with a 5-1 win vs New Hampshire. Entering his 21st season as a head coach, Lucia has established himself as one of the nation's premier collegiate coaches.