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Minnesota Golden Gophers Hockey: Gabe Bartlett's Natural Hat Trick Leads Gophers to Victory

Freshman arrives on campus, immediately makes an impact.

gophersports.com

This morning, the Minnesota Golden Gophers landed a new hockey prospect with the promise to make an immediate on-ice impact.  He didn't disappoint.

Head Coach Don Lucia and the players on the team were thrilled to find out that freshman Gabe Bartlett would join the team, and they flew into action to make him feel welcome.

Gabe also got a hero's welcome from the Minnesota band, cheerleaders, and of course, Goldy Gopher. Expectations were running high in the building.

Just minutes after arriving on campus, the freshman was on the ice and preparing for his first action wearing maroon and gold. By this time, the news of Gabe's arrival was spreading like wildfire, and fans couldn't contain their excitement.

Bartlett didn't disappoint. He potted a natural hat trick, including a breakaway goal. On the play, goaltender Christian Isackson was helpless against Bartlett's puck-handling skill. All that remained was a stick-salute to the Mariucci faithful.

After being with the team for less than 45 minutes, Gabe had so impressed his teammates and coaches that they awarded him the Golden Hard Hat for his fantastic effort in the game.  Gabe obviously understands the Minnesota Way to play hockey.

Gabe's effort also has a created some buzz with the scouts from the Minnesota Wild.  Next door, the Wild were practicing and they brought Gabe over to try and woo the un-drafted free agent.  Gopher Justin Kloos did not merit the same invitation on this day.

HATS OFF to Gabe on his big day!  We're all lucky to have him on the team for stretch run, because he's obviously a difference-maker.  SKI-U-MAH!