The University of Minnesota has locked up Gophers hockey coach Don Lucia for another three years, extending his contract through the 2014-15 season. Lucia has led the Gophers to two national titles, and has his team off to a 4-0 start this year.

The Minnesota Twins announced their minor league players of the year on Thursday. Infielder Brian Dozier was named player of the year while right-hander Liam Hendriks was named pitcher of the year.

Inside the Target Center's Life Time Fitness facility, some of the best racquetball players on the planet held court this weekend.

The Minneapolis-based retailer's new website -- which struggled on its first day during the Missoni madness last month -- was down for several hours today. Target has had problems with its website since it started handling its own e-commerce support in-house.

The new National Collegiate Hockey Conference will play its annual postseason tournament at Target Center starting in 2014. The new eight-team league -- featuring UMD, St. Cloud State and North Dakota -- begins play in 2013.

Ricky Rubio arrived at Target Center Wednesday to officially begin his Timberwolves career. According to the Star Tribune, Rubio was his usual charming self, quipping merrily for reporters.

Minnesota native Tom Lehman was named 2011 Senior Player of the Year by the Golf Writers Association of America on Thursday. Lehman had 12 top-ten finishes -- including three wins -- to lead the Champions Tour money list.

Three Gophers are among 77 candidates for the Hobey Baker Award, which goes to the nations top college hockey player. Goalie Kent Patterson, forward Nick Bjugstad, and forward Kyle Rau made the list. The candidates will eventually be trimmed to three, with the winner being named April 6.