Brent Gates Jr. scores a hat trick in Gophers' 5-1 win

Published Dec. 31, 2016 10:31 a.m. ET

The Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey team beat up Mercyhurst 5-1 in the 26th annual Mariucci Classic.

Minnesota got off to a quick start with two power play goals in the first period from Brent Gates Jr., including a highlight-worthy backhander to open up the night's scoring.

But the sophomore from Grand Rapids, Michigan wasn't finished. He added another goal in the third to complete his first career hat trick in maroon and gold.

Minnesota outshot Mercyhurst 30-28 in the victory.

The Gophers improve to 10-5-2 overall. They go on to face the University of Massachusetts tomorrow night in the Mariucci Classic final, after UMass beat Alabama-Huntsville 2-1 in overtime.

Check out all the best highlights from the Gophers' big win below:

Brent Gates gets @GopherHockey on the board first with a power play goal. Catch the game on #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/PRvGGKH8HQ pic.twitter.com/joswHkXZ6V

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) December 31, 2016

Make it 2! Brent Gates find the net again on another @GopherHockey power play. Watch now on #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/PRvGGKH8HQ pic.twitter.com/WxLkfY7eFv

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) December 31, 2016

Derek Barach gets @HurstMensHockey on the scoreboard sneaking one by Schierhorn. Watch live on #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/PRvGGKH8HQ pic.twitter.com/tIL6QeDp0M

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) December 31, 2016

Leon Bristedt and Wildung collide at the net, but not before @GopherHockey makes it 3-1. Watch now on #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/PRvGGKH8HQ pic.twitter.com/kZAWGlIqGL

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) December 31, 2016

As the clock ticks down, emotions heat up between @GopherHockey and @HurstMensHockey. Watch live on #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/PRvGGKH8HQ pic.twitter.com/pDcEE9BE05

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) December 31, 2016

It’s a hat trick for Brent Gates! After review, @GopherHockey takes the 4-1 lead. Watch now on #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/PRvGGKH8HQ pic.twitter.com/nOM26D0evW

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) December 31, 2016

Kloos comes away with a short-handed goal after @HurstMensHockey’s goalie gamble. Watch live on #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/PRvGGKH8HQ pic.twitter.com/NUONorALka

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) December 31, 2016