Hockey | 10/9/2024 5:30:00 PM

Crookston, Minn. - The Golden Eagles are gearing up for their first game of the season in a homecoming rivalry matchup with the Jamestown Jimmies. The Golden Eagles have become accustomed to playing Jamestown in their opening games, as this will mark the third straight season that they are doing it. In the 2022-23 season, the Golden Eagles got the better of the Jimmies, with a season opening sweep. Last year, however, the Jimmies were the team on top as they swept the Golden Eagles.

These will be the 13th and 14th meetings between these two clubs, with the Golden Eagles leading the all-time series with a 7-5 record. The Golden Eagles are also 5-1 at home against the Jimmies. This matchup tends to be high scoring, with the Golden Eagles scoring 56 goals in the 12 games, averaging 4.67 goals per game. The Jimmies have scored 46 goals, putting them at an average of 3.83 goals per game. 

The player to watch for this weekend is new Golden Eagles forward Aiden Morelli (Jr., F, Minot, N.D.) who comes to the University of Minnesota Crookston after spending the last two years with Dakota College at Bottineau. Morelli has played in seven games against University of Jamestown, scoring one goal and three assists. Morelli has scored 16 goals and 23 assists in 63 career ACHA games. 

The Golden Eagles will open the season at home this weekend before they head on the road for four straight weekends. When asked about which matchup he was most excited for, Adam Goody (So., G, Airdrie, Alberta) said "I'm most excited for Jamestown. The homecoming atmosphere and the way that the school shows up to support it will really kinda aid us in playing our best hockey there and starting off on the right foot." This weekend's matchup was already slated as one of the biggest games of the season for the Golden Eagles, and homecoming truly puts the spotlight on the Golden Eagles hockey program.

The puck drops to open the season Friday, October 11 at 7 p.m. at the Crookston Sports Center.