Sean Little scored the game-winner at 16:22 of the second period for the Badgers (13-10-7, 10-7-7), who spoiled the Gophers' first outdoor game. Wisconsin is 3-0-0 in games played outdoors.
After a scoreless first period, Kevin Schulz and John Ramage scored 1:10 apart for a 2-0 lead. Little slapped in a rebound 2:09 later with the eventual winner.
Wisconsin goalie Joel Rumpel kicked away a shot as time expired to preserve the win. He had 36 saves.
Seth Ambroz and Zach Budish scored in the third period for the Gophers (20-6-4, 12-6-4).
Goalie Adam Wilcox made 16 saves.
