Golden Gophers Look For Continued Success
Although it may not have been a championship season, the 1999-2000 version of Golden Gopher hockey served notice that without a doubt it won't be long before the program's return to national prominence is complete.
Head Coach Don Lucia, who in his rookie season behind the Golden Gopher bench led the Maroon and Gold to an overall record of 20-19-2, has already placed his stamp of expectations on the program. The team returns six of its top seven scorers, the top six defensemen, and their top goaltender from a team that arguably was one win shy of the NCAA Tournament a year ago. The 2000-01 recruiting class also comes with some high accolades. According to online scouting sources, the Golden Gophers claim four of the top seven incoming recruits in the WCHA. Troy Riddle is rated as the top incoming forward and the second-best recruit in the WCHA while Paul Martin is rated as the second-best incoming defenseman and fourth-best recruit in the league.
The Golden Gophers boasted one of the nation's best power-play units a year ago, but at times would struggle in five-on-five situations. One of the things the team must improve on is its offensive production in even-strength situations.
Lucia says "I am really looking forward to getting things going this season and getting back on the ice. We made some strides last year, but we still have some significant steps to take to get this program back to where it should be. Our focus on the ice each year will be to win and be in position to contend for WCHA and NCAA championships. I personally am looking forward to this year after having a season to become accustomed to new surroundings. Last year was a bit of a whirlwind experience - both for me professionally and for my family. Naturally I feel a little more familiar with everything surrounding the program heading into this season, which can only be a positive for everyone involved."
Forwards
For the first time in 15 years the Golden Gophers will return two 50-point scoring forwards from the previous season. Junior John Pohl (18-41--59) and senior Erik Westrum (27-26--53) were among the top two scorers in the league last season (Pohl second in league games only, Westrum ninth in all games), and the return of two 50-plus point performers should spark optimism that the Golden Gophers can improve their offensive production. Minnesota's power play led the WCHA most of the 1999-2000 campaign, but trouble scoring in even-strength situations is something that the Maroon and Gold hopes to improve on this season.
Pohl may have been the most pleasant surprise last season, demonstrating the potential he displayed while becoming the all-time leading scorer in Minnesota prep history. After 17 points in his rookie season, the Red Wing, Minn., native exploded for 59 points as a sophomore, earning All-WCHA Second Team honors in the process. Great things were expected of Westrum, and the Apple Valley, Minn., native responded with a 27-goal season which ranked third among league players. Westrum is a dangerous player in all facets of the game, as displayed by his even goal-scoring production of 14 even-strength, 10 power play, and three short-handed goals.
Senior Aaron Miskovich (16-16--32) has improved his point totals each season, and was one short-handed goal shy of the single-season school record with four shorthanded markers last season. Miskovich, who tied for the team lead last season with three game-winning goals, ended the season strong with points in six of his final 10 games. Sophomore Jeff Taffe (10-10--20), who was one of only three WCHA players taken in the first round of June's NHL Entry Draft, also finished the season strong (8-5--13 in last 18 games) after the adjustment to college hockey in his rookie season.
Senior Stuart Senden (7-5--12) has improved his point production in each of his last two seasons and looks to end his career with an even more productive senior season. Senden, who finally enjoyed an injury-free season as a junior, is a spirited, hard-working player willing to go into the corners to help the team win. Sophomore Nick Anthony (4-4--8) earned more ice time late in the season as he adapted to the college game, playing in the team's final 29 contests. Senior Matt Leimbek (1-4--5) adds the experience of 90 career games played, while junior Pat O' Leary (6-1--7) scored six goals in 25 games played last season. Junior Erik Wendell (4-2--6) is a team player with an outstanding work ethic. Outgoing seniors contributed only nine goals in 56 total games played last season, a sign that the underclassmen of a year ago are ready for the challenge of leading the 2000-01 Golden Gopher team.
The Golden Gophers are looking forward to the contributions of talented freshmen Dax Leepart of Forest Lake, Minn., Matt Koalska of St. Paul, Minn., Grant Potulny of Grand Forks, N.D., Troy Riddle of Minneapolis, Minn., and Jon Waibel of Baudette, Minn.
Defensemen
Another pleasant development in Lucia's first year at Minnesota was the newfound offensive production of senior Dylan Mills (8-21--29). The Duluth, Minn., native, who had scored only three career goals before last season, netted eight goals (seven on the power play) and totaled 29 total points, more than double his previous single-season high. Mills, who was named to both the WCHA All-Academic team and all-WCHA second team, and junior Jordan Leopold (6-18--24) should lead a group of defensemen with a good mix of experience and youth.
Leopold statistically was not much different between his freshman and sophomore seasons, but his decision-making skills developed to the point that he earned all-WCHA second team honors. Sophomore Matt DeMarchi (1-6--7) brings a physical, intense game to the blue line that resulted in his name in the lineup for 39 of the team's 41 games last season. Junior Nick Angell has played in 37 games in each of his first two seasons, and brings veteran experience and depth to the defensive corps. Sophomore Ben Tharp (0-12--12) of Hastings, Minn., showed great promise as the season developed into becoming a solid two-way player. Although he didn't score a goal, Tharp assisted on 12 markers, third among Golden Gopher defensemen last season. Tharp played in the team's last 11 games after missing time due to injury about midway through his rookie campaign. Junior Mark Nenovich (2-2--4) returns after playing in 21 of the season's final 24 games.
Freshmen Paul Martin of Elk River, Minn., and Joey Martin of Rogers, Minn., are both good, young talents with a real chance to contribute immediately.
Goaltending
The man between the pipes is often a big key to any team's success. With that said, the Golden Gophers should be in good shape this season, as Adam Hauser returns for his third season. Hauser's overall play and statistics improved from his freshman to his sophomore season, and the Golden Gophers will look for even more improvement as Hauser develops into one of the team's leaders. Sophomores Pete Samargia and Erik Young proved to be capable backups when Hauser was lost for four games at the end of the regular season due to mononucleuosis, and both should provide Coach Lucia with more options for playing time and rest for Hauser.
Schedule
The Golden Gophers open the 2000-2001 season versus Notre Dame in the Hall of Fame game at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Later, Minnesota hosts the College Hockey Showcase and the Mariucci Classic. In addition to the 28-game WCHA regular season schedule and the Mariucci Classic, Minnesota will also host Quinnipiac (Dec. 9), Brown (Jan. 23), and Bemidji State (Jan. 27) and travel to Bemidji State (Oct. 14) for nonconference games. Michigan and Michigan State come to town for this season's College Hockey Showcase, with Union, Lake Superior State, and Bemidji State visiting Mariucci Arena for the Mariucci Classic. Minnesota will not visit Colorado College or Michigan Tech or host league foes Denver or Minnesota State, Mankato during the 2000-2001 regular season. St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center, the new home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild, will host the WCHA Final Five from March 15-17, 2001.
|
|
 |
