All of Minnesota celebrated after Justin Holl’s game-winning, buzzer-beating goal beat the University of North Dakota and sent the Gophers into the NCAA Frozen Four Championship game.
In a just released video, Gopher’s teammates not only celebrated with a mass hug on the ice, they mobbed their unassuming teammate one more time in the locker room.
Holl, known primarily as a stay-at-home defender and as the consummate role-playing teammate, isn’t the most likely of the Gophers to have the big moment.
After all it was his first goal of the season.
But sometimes, the big stage creates big stars from previously unknown players.
Last year, Yale junior Clinton Bourbonais scored his fourth goal of the season late in the second period held up to be the game-winner against Quinnipiac. In 2009, Boston sophomore Colby Cohen’s eighth goal of the season at 11:47 in overtime lifted the Terriers over Miami.
This time the moment belonged to Holl.
A celebration to end all celebrations. Until Saturday, that is. #PrideOnIce #SkateFor6 pic.twitter.com/AcGPKsTtmd
— Minnesota Golden Gophers (@GopherSports) April 11, 2014
The buzz from Holl’s goal really hasn’t worn off, for Gopher fans. So in case you need to see it one more time here it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvtxQW5IfsI
Game winning goal selfie! #SkjeiSelfies pic.twitter.com/cp4ccCT92B
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 11, 2014
The Gophers will meet up with Union on Saturday night in the Frozen Four championship.
