An unforgettable comeback
20 years ago, an MSU game went from stinker to stunner
The 2003-04 season was almost a forgettable one for the Minnesota State men’s hockey team. The Mavericks followed up their first NCAA Division I tournament season with just 10 wins and a ninth-place finish in the 10-team Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Struggling with a young and injury-depleted defensive corps, they gave up a whopping 4.59 goals per game, a number that reached nearly 5 (4.96) against foes from the mighty WCHA.
There were some positives. Shane Joseph closed out a fantastic career with a solid senior season, and the arrival of NHL prospect David Backes and fellow freshman forward Travis Morin gave the program hope for the future.
The real highlight of the season, though, was the fabled comeback game against Denver, which took place exactly 20 years ago tonight, Dec. 20, 2003 in Mankato.
