Michael Brodzinski and Jake Bischoff have had almost identical journeys in college hockey so far.
The two junior defensemen grew up in hockey families, were late NHL draft picks and quietly developed on the ice during their first two years on campus.
They were paired together for the first time this season on Oct. 24 and have remained together ever since, becoming the team's top scoring defensive pairing.
They have worked to balance out each other's games as well, and staying back on defense will be critical this weekend when the Gophers (8-9, 3-1 Big Ten) travel to take on the Big Ten's top-ranked offense Friday and Saturday at No.