Buzzmaster

  (4:29 PM)

Hellooooooo! The Golden Gophers are just finishing up practice so Kellen will be joining us just as soon as possible.

Kellen Briggs

  (4:36 PM)

I am here and ready to go!

Tom (Minnetonka, MN)

Kellen: What did you learn about North Dakota and how they will try to score on you from your match-up at the WCHA Final Five weeks ago

Kellen Briggs

  (4:37 PM)

We didn't learn much we didn't already know. We know they are big and strong and very defensive with a good pentalty kill.

Admiral Pyro (Bloomington, MN)

The fans I've been talking to are thoroughly pleased with your return, good sir, and I have been amazed as well. What was going through your mind your first game back against NoDak?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:38 PM)

I was just getting my feet we again after the knee injury. You want to win every game but it didn't have a huge impact on our season. I just wanted to get used to the feel of the puck again.

Patrick (SWChicagoland)

What do your parents think about all the airtime they got on ESPN U during the Regionals?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:39 PM)

I think they thought it was a little much also. Alot of other guys parents were there who deserved some airtime. They thought it was a bit overdone.

sean (wisconsin)

Is Hirsch ready to play in the frozen four? If not, how do you plan on making up for that offensive loss.

Kellen Briggs

  (4:39 PM)

I think he is ready. He's a great addition and helps on the power play. To have him back will only help us. We are very happy and welcome him back.

Jason (Minneapolis)

Don once said you get up for playing CC more than other teams, because of the hometown. Would you agree?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:41 PM)

I wouldn't say so. You want to play well when in Colorado and in front of family but I try to take every game as serious as the next. I don't go to any game with the mentality I have to play better than any other time.

Ross (MN)

This has definately been a season of ups and downs. Did you ever lose your confidence after your incredibly hot start?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:41 PM)

I wouldn't say I lost confidence. When you have hot starts you just want to keep it going as long as possible. We never got down ourselves though. We all had faith it would turn around and it did in the Regionals.

Ian (Minneapolis)

Hey Kellen, How come you never stay in the goal. Would you rather be a skater out on the ice?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:42 PM)

No! I like to go out and handle the puck though. It helps me stay in the flow of the game. It makes it a bit easier on our defense as well. It may look haphazard but it's not. I just try not to get in their way.

Greg (Reno, NV)

Were you happy to see the game vs. No Dak in the evening time slot?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:43 PM)

Yes. That suits me better than playing in the afternoon. Some guy don't care but I like to get a good meal and a nap in before the game.

Andy, Minneapolis, MN

With the last 2 games going into overtime and both being 1-0, and UND easily winning both of their playoff games, do you think the Gophers offense will need to be more aggressive in order to win?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:44 PM)

Not necessarily. Cornell and Maine are both tremendous on defense. So it was two low scoring games. Once we get clicking offensively we will be fine.

Clif (Minneapolis, MN)

From the Colby Genoway chat earlier today Colby said that it was a lock that Matt Greene was going to score 2 or 3 goals in the Frozen Four. What is your take on this bold prediction since this is the Sioux's last game of the season?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:45 PM)

I'm sure he is just trying to be funny. Obviously he is a really talented player. I don't see him scoring 3 goals though.

Eric (Grand Forks, ND)

Do you ever give Coach Lucia a hard time for those car commercials he does?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:46 PM)

Sometimes, yeah. As soon as we see a new one we give him a hard time by re-enacting his scenes.

Will (Minny via VA)

Some say that you're the best since Hauser in the nets, what do you think about that? Can you continue to have a great tourny for two more games?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:47 PM)

I take that as a big compliment. He set a lot of records here and won a lot of games. I hope I'm getting the right things accomplished while I'm here.

Doug (Marion, IA)

Kellen, big Gopher fan here. What do you think is wrong with the Gophs poor power play lately? Good luck and send the Sioux home!!

Kellen Briggs

  (4:48 PM)

I'm not on the power play so I"m not sure! Maybe we just aren't clicking. Teams are scouting us out on power play. Every team will have challenges though on the PP. You will see that throughout the tournament.

Will (Sioux Sux) (Minny via VA)

But do you think that the layoff will hurt you and you concentration, not only you but the team too...

Kellen Briggs

  (4:49 PM)

I think it should be played the next weekend. Just because you are ready to play and want to get back out there. But this year the extra week is helping us get healthy. Other teams have the same thing, being banged and bruised.

Erik (Chicago)

Who do you like tonight in the championship??

Kellen Briggs

  (4:49 PM)

Illinois!

Erick (work (hell))

Anybody ever suggest to Lucia that he should cut the mini-mullet and go for something more contemporary??

Kellen Briggs

  (4:50 PM)

Maybe not the mini-mullet. But he's got the spikey porcupine thing going.

Rob (Minneapolis)

Hey Kellen, What is the status of Alex Goligoski, do you agree with me that Alex is a key for the Gophs advancing to the title game?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:51 PM)

Definately. He is part of our PP unit and we need him out there. I don't think I can comment on his status. I'm not totally sure on his status. He can only bring good things to the table.

Tim(Mpls)

I remember goalies always having rituals that they consistantly go through(meals, socks, pre-game rituals, etc.) do you have any?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:52 PM)

Basically on gamedays I get up and eat, go to pregame skate, sleep, another pregame meal and sleep again. I do a lot of sleeping and eating. I'm pretty low key.

Chad (Edina)

What's the plan for Friday in Columbus after you send the "SUE" packing for the prairie?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:52 PM)

Get ready for Saturday!

Larry: Queensbury,NY

You have a pretty cool facemask,what gave you the idea about the ears on the sides?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:53 PM)

I got it from Steve Shields. It's really hard to find something new because everything has been done. I was looking for something nobody had done here before.

Tyler(Sioux dont suck) (ND)

Who would you expect to see win CC vs. Denver game? Who would you least like to meet up with if you make the championship?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:53 PM)

I hope they beat each other up a lot so they struggle on Saturday. I expect it to be CC.

Chad (Crookston, MN)

How exciting is it for you and the rest of the team to have an all WCHA Frozen Four and how does it effect your excitement level for the tournament?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:54 PM)

It's really exciting. It shows how strong our league was this year. There is always a debate but this proves it this year.

Sarah (St. Paul)

Are the younger guys on the team ready for a big game like this?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:55 PM)

I think they are. We play in the Xcel Energy Center and it's as loud as you can imagine. I don't think the fan thing will be a problem. These are all big time players.

Lisa (love the name Kellen!)

Who did you look up to as a goalie when you were growing up?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:56 PM)

I looked up to Ed Belfour and Patrick Roy. That's pretty standard for my age.

Mark (Chicago)

Who is the last player you would want coming at you on a penalty shot?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:57 PM)

That's tough. I'd say Luke Fulghum. He is really skilled and has quick hands.

Karl, Minneapolis

Any difference to the way a goalie might play on a big ice sheet vs. the smaller one you'll see in Columbus?

Kellen Briggs

  (4:58 PM)

I think the game is a little faster because the puck is always closer to the center of the ice. The corners aren't as big. It's just faster. You don't have as long to read a play. You really have to be on your toes.

Jim- Ann Arbor

is this prove that Western college's are stronger than Eastern schools

Kellen Briggs

  (4:59 PM)

I think it does. You can't really prove otherwise right now based on what has happened. We have always been strong but we're particularly strong this year. It's a little different game too I think. It's more hard nosed.

Adam (Champlin, MN)

Kellen, I know that the fans have voiced their support for you, but has this been reinforced by the coaching staff? In other words, do you feel like your job as starter is in jeapordy when you are on the ice, or have they told you that the job remains yours?

Kellen Briggs

  (5:00 PM)

I don't feel it is in jeapordy. I know it's mine. I don't talk to the coaches a lot. I talk to our goaltending coach the most. I play every game like it is in jeapordy though. There is always somebody who wants your spot.

Mike (Burnsville, MN)

A lot of people would say that to play goalie, you cannot be "all there". Do the guys treat you any differently because of your position? Do you have any typical goalie quirks? Do guys dare talk to you if a game is going well?

Kellen Briggs

  (5:01 PM)

Not really. I've been told numerous times by guys on the opposing team that I'm the most normal goalie they have met. I've met weird goalies but I've also met weird players as well.

Will (On Campus, MN)

Three championships in four years? This year's riot is gonna be the biggest of all. How do you think we should celebrate?

Kellen Briggs

  (5:02 PM)

Don't riot like a couple years ago. Not that I think that would happen. But enjoy it. Minnesota expects it but you never know when it is going to happen again. So celebrate like it's the last one.

Mark (Grand Forks)

What is your greatest hockey memory?

Kellen Briggs

  (5:02 PM)

Personally probably the Final Five last year. We had to go through some tough teams. As a fan, probaby the Avs winning their first Cup. I had season tickets.

Don (St.Paul, MN)

Kellen... Were you recruited by either of the Colorado schools? If so, what made you choose MN?

Kellen Briggs

  (5:03 PM)

I talked to CC but they were pretty set in what they had. Things didn't work out. Minnesota is such a great hockey state and it's such a great tradition here it was impossible to turn them down.

Travis (Hudson )

Who do you think deserves to win the Hobey Baker award this year

Kellen Briggs

  (5:04 PM)

Marty Surtich. I played with him before and I can see what he can do. He's such a good guy off the ice as well. Never puts himself above the team.

Claire (Minnetonka, MN)

Kellen, How in your mind has the team changed over the years you have been there?

Kellen Briggs

  (5:05 PM)

Last year we came in with so much pressure. We had a lot of veterans who had done it before. This year, it was different because our veterans weren't guys who put up huge numbers, they just knew how to win. They took pride in being role players. Sometimes you have to realize you don't have to be a star, you can be a leader.

Aaron (Seattle, WA)

Who do you expect a big game out of on the Sioux?

Kellen Briggs

  (5:07 PM)

Apparently Matt Green is going to score a hat trick ; ) So I'll say him. Thanks for the questions! I appreciate all the support! Be sure and catch the game on ESPN on Thursday at 7 ET!