St. Cloud State University Men's Hockey Preview for 2008-09
Sept. 30, 2008
ST. CLOUD, Minn. - In three seasons under the leadership of head coach Bob Motzko, St. Cloud State University has been a force to reckon with in the world of NCAA Division I hockey. The Huskies have consistently been ranked among the the nation's top 15 squads and they are fresh from three consecutive trips to the WCHA Final Five and two consecutive invitations to the NCAA tournament.
Veteran leadership and skills were the trademark of those three SCSU squads, which helped Motzko earn 63 career wins in his first three seasons. As the Huskies look ahead, fans can expect a new look at St. Cloud State in 2008-09.
"We are changing the dynamics of our team," Coach Bob Motzko said. "That always happens in college athletics because of player graduations and departures, and we just have a completely brand new feel about our team right now.
"This situation brings two things, one is some inexperience in areas, but it also brings a tremendous amount of excitement. We think we have a roster with a lot of talent, and the ability to make plays, but our inexperience right now is the unknown factor and how it all comes together will be our challenge for 2008-09."
Hobey Finalist Returns
SCSU may sport a new look this winter, but a few familiar faces will help make the transition for the Huskies - including Hobey Baker Award finalist Ryan Lasch, who will return for his junior season after leading the WCHA in scoring during 2007-08. SCSU will also welcome back forward Garrrett Roe, who earned All-WCHA honors and was the league's top scoring rookie in 2007-08.
"Things are going to point to two players for us on offense, and those players are Ryan Lasch and Garrett Roe," Motzko said. "Lasch took a major step last year, and he has had a tremendous off-season in terms of his conditioning and training. One thing that we have always talked about (Lasch) is that he was born to score, and he is going to find his offense. I also think we are going to see him take another step in terms of being a team leader this season.
"Roe had a tremendous freshman season, and we all saw his offensive ability. Garrett is a tough and tenacious player, and he also had an outstanding off-season...he should be ready to make that next step as a sophomore."
Lasch notched 25 goals and 28 assists in 2007-08, while Roe ranked second on the team with 18 goals and 27 assists. SCSU's other top point producer was sophomore Andeas Nodl, who had 18 goals and 26 assists. Nodl departed early after signing a professional contract with Philadelphia, thus giving an opportunity for several players to make the move in 2008-09.
Experienced Veterans
Senior forward John Swanson (8g/14 in 2007-08) is one player that Motzko believes can help pad his team's offensive output in 2008-09.
"John has been utilized in every situation for us during his career...penalty kill, power play, defense, top line." Motzko said. "He has tremendous speed and skill, and we think he has the ability to be a top offensive threat in 2008-09."
Another offensive leader that Motzko believe will emerge in 2008-08 is sophomore forward Aaron Marvin, who posted three goals and 10 assists during his rookie campaign. His play was impressive during the Huskies' playoff run, and it bodes well for his return in 2008-09.
"His points didn't show, but we felt that Aaron was an outstanding player for us," Motkzo said. "He was one of top penalty killers and top centers, and we really felt he was one of our best players in the playoffs."
The Huskies will also bring back several veterans on offense, who will help boost the attack. Those players include seniors Michael Olson and Brent Borgen. Olson (3g/2a) served as a team alternate captain last year while Borgen (3g/7a)was in his first year with the program after transferring from Minnesota. Junior Ryan Peckskamp (1g/4a) is also back along with sophomores Tony Mosey (5g/11a), Nick Oslund (4g/1a) and Brian Volpei (1g/3a).
The Husky offense will be completed by the addition of a stellar group of recruits brought in this winter, which includes freshmen Jordy Christian, Jared Festler (who hails from nearby Little Falls), Drew LeBlanc and Travis Novak; and sophomore Mitch Ryan a transfer from Minnesota Duluth).
"Two years ago, we didn't know that Ryan Lasch would come in and do what he has done, and the same thing with Garrett Roe last year," Motzko said. "We knew they were capable and they would get there, and I think the same thing can be said about this year's group of new players. This group of recruits brings in a lot of talent and offensive ability, and they certainly have the potential for success."
Defensive Leaders
Defense will also pose a few questions for the Huskies, as Motzko looks to replace departed seniors Chris Anderson, Aaron Brocklehurst and Matt Stephenson at the blueline. SCSU will face the challenge with the return of team captain and defensive cornerstone Garrett Raboin (3g/16a).
"What an unbelievable surprise Garrett Raboin has been since he has stepped on our campus," Motzko said. "He's as tough as nails on defense, and last year he took another step offensively for us. We use him in every situation on the ice, and things on defense are going to revolve around him."
SCSU other defensive veterans include senior David Carlisle, who saw increased playing time in the second half of the 2007-08 season, and junior blueliners Jon Ammerman and Craig Gaudet. Sophomore Brett Barta will also add experience to the SCSU d-corps.
The Huskies will be called upon to rely on several new faces at the blueline this winter. A key face to look for will be sophomore Chris Hepp, who played junior hockey last year at Omaha after his transfer from the Air Force Academy. Quebec native Nick Rioux was a redshirt at SCSU last year, and will begin his collegiate career in 2008-09, after a stellar junior career in the rugged BCHL.
To complete the new look, SCSU will add in speedy freshmen Sam Zabkowicz (Sioux Falls/USHL) and Denmark resident Oliver Lauridsen, a 6-6 blueliner, who played juniors in Sweden last winter.
"There are certainly some questions to be answered on defense, but as a whole we are very excited about this group," Motzko said. "I think they bring a lot of talent to the table, and they have a lot of promise."
Great Goaltenders
Last year at this time, the biggest question facing the Huskies was between the pipes. Two-year All-America award winner Bobby Goepfert had just finished a sterling career in the Granite City and a crew of candidates were waiting in the wings.
Much to the delight of SCSU fans, the questions were quickly answered in the form of netminder Jase Weslosky. A draft pick of the New York Islanders in 2006, Weslosky broke team records last year with a .931 save percentage and a 2.11 goals against average while posting a 16-13-2 record and three shutouts.
"Jase proved last year that he is the type of goaltender that can play in the WCHA and get the job done," Motzko said. "Jase is a calm and cool goaltender, and now he is a year stronger."
Sophomore Dan Dunn will also return after a strong rookie season in 2007-08. He carded a .910 save rate and a 2.63 GAA, and saw action in 10 games last winter. Rookie Nate Hardy will complete the SCSU goalie group.
"Dan (Dunn) had a great off-season, and the year of experience at the college level has really helped him," Motzko said. "Overall, between Jase and Dan, I think we will be in very capable hands in goal this season."
Once again, the Huskies will face a very competitive schedule in 2008-09. The non-conference portion of the schedule will be capped by a trip to the Florida College Hockey Classic on Dec. 27-28, which will include Colgate, Cornell and Maine.
The WCHA will once again provide some of the best competition in college hockey. Predictions may be tough to make for the Huskies this season, but rest assured they will be ready for the challenge.
"We will have 18 first- or second-year players on our roster this season who are going to play major roles on our team this year," Motzko said. "We will be a very young team, but very talented. The dynamics of how it all comes together will be our challenge for this season."
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