The rivalry is between two of the most successful programs in the sport, as the teams have combined for 13 national titles and 45 Frozen Four appearances in the NCAA tournament.

[9] After the 2012–13 season, Minnesota moved to the newly created Big Ten Conference, which began to sponsor ice hockey for the first time.

[14][15] The series dates back to 1948, though Minnesota counts 1930s games against North Dakota before it became a varsity program in the official standings.

[12] Eight Gophers played the following year for Brooks as part of the Miracle on Ice team representing the United States in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Tied at 1 goal apiece, Justin Holl scored with 0.6 seconds left in the final period to secure a miracle win for the Gophers, as they advanced to the NCAA title game.