The Lindenwood men's ice hockey team (0-0-0) will begin its inaugural Division I campaign this weekend, taking on No. 2 University of Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-0-0, 0-0-0 B10) in a two-game set. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
 
Lindenwood will compete as an independent member in 2022-23 after officially becoming the 63rd NCAA Division I men's hockey program in the nation. The Lions will play 32 games this season, including matchups against four teams currently ranked inside the top six in the country. The schedule features three of the Frozen Four teams from last season in Minnesota, Michigan, and the defending national champion, Denver.
 
The 2022-23 roster features a mix of newcomers and transfers. Among those transfers is junior forward Hunter Johannes. The Eden Prairie, Minn. native comes to Lindenwood from American International College. Last season, Johannes compiled five points on three goals and two assists in 14 games for a Yellow Jackets team that made an NCAA Tournament appearance last season.
 
Another transfer who will look to make an impact is Adam Conquest who played at Bowling Green last season. The Brighton, Mich. native skated in 10 games for the Falcons a year ago, netting two goals.
 
Lindenwood is led by former NHL defenseman Rick Zombo. Zombo brings many different levels of success and experience to the Lindenwood hockey program.  Prior to becoming head coach, he was instrumental in directing defensive play and the recruiting process for the Lions. During his two seasons as assistant coach, Lindenwood won the CSCHL regular season and post season title once and also captured two ACHA national championships.
 
The Golden Gophers were picked to finish atop the Big Ten conference after concluding the 2021-22 season with a 26-13-0 record, including an 18-6 mark inside conference play. Minnesota had four players receive preseason all-conference honors after making a Frozen Four appearance a year ago.