Don Lucia’s Gopher hockey roster is made up of all Minnesotans but that is based on need, he said. In the past there have been players from outside the state and will be again.
The Timberwolves rank last in espn.com’s NBA power rankings. The Spurs are No. 1 and Celtics No. 2.
Lou Nanne reports first week book sales of over 2,500 for Minnesota North Stars: History And Memories With Lou Nanne. The former North Stars executive and player said he has 33 future book signings. A portion of proceeds from the book will benefit USA Hockey and also the Glen Sonmor scholarship at the University of Minnesota. The book, with Nanne and local author Bob Showers, is a celebration of the Minnesota North Stars’ 40th anniversary.
Sporting News describes Cleveland’s C.C. Sabathia as a “big game pitcher,” and refers to his 5-1 record this past season against rivals Johan Santana of the Twins and Justin Verlander of the Tigers.
If the Cubs make it to the World Series, stubhub.com is offering tickets at Wrigley Field costing up to $75,000.
Interesting stats: among the storylines of tomorrow’s Minnesota-Indiana football game in Bloomington will be sacks. The Hoosiers lead the country in total sacks with 27. The Gophers have given up only three sacks in 209 passing attempts, ranking first in the Big Ten Conference and fifth nationally. Since 2002 the Gophers have finished either first or second in the conference in fewest sacks allowed.
Adrian Peterson was recognized earlier this week by the NFL as the Offensive Rookie of the Month for September. He leads the NFC with 383 rushing yards. Peterson has averaged 137.2 yards per game from scrimmage with 549 combined rushing and receiving yards. In four games he tied Chuck Foreman’s Viking rookie record for 100 yard rushing games (three).
Two Concordia College seniors have been chosen by the MIAC as its men’s and women’s soccer athletes of the week. Midfielder Matt Klein scored the game-winning goal in Concordia’s historic victory over Saint Mary’s on Saturday. Klein’s goal in the second half against the Cardinals helped the Cobbers end a 35-game conference winless streak – a streak that dated back to October 25, 2003 and totaled 3,200 playing minutes and 1,433 calendar days. Forward Rachel Lewis scored both the game-winning goals in Concordia’s 2-1 win over St. Kate’s and 3-0 victory over Saint Mary’s last week. She has been a major factor in the team’s four-game conference winning streak that has helped the Cobbers to second place in the MIAC standings. Through games of last weekend Lewis had five goals for 10 points and was tied for the MIAC lead in game-winning goals.