A week vacation and it's hard to believe how much has gone on without even counting the end of the Wild Season. Here's a somewhat attempt at catching up.
According to the recent USHL weekly release Joe Miller, the former Wayzata Trojan standout in hockey and football has committed to the University of Minnesota. Miller scored four goals in four playoff games as Sioux City fell to Omaha in the opening round of the USHL playoffs.
Also in the weekly release was a note about Roseau junior goalie Mike Lee who signed to play for Fargo, an expansion team next year in the USHL. From the USHL release
Force Is Building: As a USHL expansion team, the Fargo Force havefour tenders to use to sign players to their team for next season. Last week they signed their fourth and final player, goaltender Mike Lee fromRoseau (Minn.) High School. They have also signed defensemen GarrettClarke from Russell Stover AAA and Cody Campbell from PikesPeak AAA, as well as forward Bryce Ravndalen of Warroad (Minn.) HighSchool
Anthony DeCenzo from Hibbing chose to play college hockey out east for Vermont.
Very good article here
Sticking with the northern theme, this is very old, but Duluth News Tribune named Player of the Year.
Jake Youso Player of the Year
And this has been well reported, but I do wonder where we'll see him pop up again. Mike Guentzel leaves assistant coaching position at U.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Concordia names SJU Alum its new Head Coach
Former St. John's defenseman Chris Howe, who has served as an assistant for the Johnnies the past five seasons, has been named head coach of Concordia College Moorhead. A press conference for 2 PM has been scheduled today to announce the hiring after former coach Steve Baumgartner resigned after 22 seasons.
Fargo Forum Article Here
Fargo Forum Article Here
Wild Game 3 Beyond the Box Score
In true blogging fasion, here's thoughts on last night game while it was happening...
Col Goal 1
Tough to blame anyone for this goal as Wolski did what he’s been so effective doing and that is keeping possession of the puck along the boards and waiting for a passing lane to open or his numbers to improve. On this play Wolski slid it to Sakic for a quick shot and Brunette had an easy put home on the rebound.
Two things happened: 1. The Wild were making a bad line change as the three forwards got caught deep in the offensive zone and then changed on the Avs rush. 2. Burns went for the block shot on Sakic and abandoned Brunette.
MN Goal 1
The third period magic continues as Fedoruk hustles to the puck and throws it blindly to the front and one candidate for MVP of the series Koivu swatted the puck out of midair and beat Theodore on a night where he was perfect to this point.
MN Goal 2
This all started with something that sometimes the Wild lack; anticipation. Pavol Demitra saw that the puck was going to be played up far wall and jumped in and intercepted. Because his anticipation was so sharp, he had his next move mapped out as he skated around the pinching defenseman and turned it into a 2-on-1. Demitra is not always great, but when it comes to handling the puck on an odd-man-rush, nobody does it better for the Wild than Demitra.
Col goal 2
You can put all of the blame for this goal on Sean Hill. Hill skated back to the Wild zone to get the puck and did exactly what kills teams in close games and that’s shoving the puck up the boards on the strong side. The veteran Sakic was waiting for the weak clearing attempt by Hill and got the puck quickly to the net. Hill had a chance to redeem himself in front of the net but couldn’t muster enough effort to clear the puck or win the battle.
Hill was being pressured by Forsberg when he played the puck up the wall, but he could have easily flipped the puck to his defensive partner or at least flip it to the weak side where he could have gotten back-check help.
MN OT winner
Rolston often finds himself in the right place at the right time, but he deserves a ton of credit for putting himself in those spots. On what looked to be an icing Rolston saw that the puck wasn’t going to come out behind the net, so he took a short cut to the near side while Finger went to the far. The Rolston picked his head up and had options on whom to feed and he chose wisely hitting Pierre Marc Bouchard who put the puck over the glove-side shoulder of Theodore.
But what was absolutely critical on this goal was that Demitra was hanging out on the backside. Sauer went down to block the shot and Theodore couldn’t fully commit to the shot because Demitra was also waiting for a pass on the opposite side. That non committal by Theodore allowed Bouchard to pick his corner.
Other thoughts
Col Goal 1
Tough to blame anyone for this goal as Wolski did what he’s been so effective doing and that is keeping possession of the puck along the boards and waiting for a passing lane to open or his numbers to improve. On this play Wolski slid it to Sakic for a quick shot and Brunette had an easy put home on the rebound.
Two things happened: 1. The Wild were making a bad line change as the three forwards got caught deep in the offensive zone and then changed on the Avs rush. 2. Burns went for the block shot on Sakic and abandoned Brunette.
MN Goal 1
The third period magic continues as Fedoruk hustles to the puck and throws it blindly to the front and one candidate for MVP of the series Koivu swatted the puck out of midair and beat Theodore on a night where he was perfect to this point.
MN Goal 2
This all started with something that sometimes the Wild lack; anticipation. Pavol Demitra saw that the puck was going to be played up far wall and jumped in and intercepted. Because his anticipation was so sharp, he had his next move mapped out as he skated around the pinching defenseman and turned it into a 2-on-1. Demitra is not always great, but when it comes to handling the puck on an odd-man-rush, nobody does it better for the Wild than Demitra.
Col goal 2
You can put all of the blame for this goal on Sean Hill. Hill skated back to the Wild zone to get the puck and did exactly what kills teams in close games and that’s shoving the puck up the boards on the strong side. The veteran Sakic was waiting for the weak clearing attempt by Hill and got the puck quickly to the net. Hill had a chance to redeem himself in front of the net but couldn’t muster enough effort to clear the puck or win the battle.
Hill was being pressured by Forsberg when he played the puck up the wall, but he could have easily flipped the puck to his defensive partner or at least flip it to the weak side where he could have gotten back-check help.
MN OT winner
Rolston often finds himself in the right place at the right time, but he deserves a ton of credit for putting himself in those spots. On what looked to be an icing Rolston saw that the puck wasn’t going to come out behind the net, so he took a short cut to the near side while Finger went to the far. The Rolston picked his head up and had options on whom to feed and he chose wisely hitting Pierre Marc Bouchard who put the puck over the glove-side shoulder of Theodore.
But what was absolutely critical on this goal was that Demitra was hanging out on the backside. Sauer went down to block the shot and Theodore couldn’t fully commit to the shot because Demitra was also waiting for a pass on the opposite side. That non committal by Theodore allowed Bouchard to pick his corner.
Other thoughts
- Backstrom was amazing last night and that game was proof that the Wild are capable of making a serious post season run.
- Nummelin has played well, but he could take another step by just being more ready to shoot the puck in the hurry. He's so good at finding an opening so that a passer can find him, now he just neeeds to be prepared to pull the trigger when the puck gets on his tape.
- People shouldn't worry about Gaborik's contribution. He's playing hard, generating chances and most importantly working hard on the defensive side, so the points will come. The Avs are very worried every time he touches the puck an that helps other Wild players around him.
- Lemaire is going to have to be very selective when he plays Sean Hill. Right now he's a liability defensively and in hindsight he shouldn't have been on the ice late in the game with a one goal lead.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Game 2 Beyond the BoxScore
As we get ready for game 3, look back at how game 2 was decided
Col goal 1
Hill plays it up the near side and Fedoruk was quickly met and couldn’t do much with the puck. Forsberg picked it up at center ice and brought the puck in 2-on-2. It’s a great individual play by Forsberg but if you’re the Wild, Sean Hill did something you should never do as a defenseman and that’s go for a wild sweep check, which if you miss takes you off balance. Demitra was back checking and with Forsberg coming back across the middle, he could have poked the puck away or at least pressured Forsberg more than just watching him. It was another example of Demitra not completely working hard on the back check. With a guy as talented as Forsberg, if you’re a forward and you have a chance to double-team him and put extra prussure on him, it’s a must, otherwise the puck ends up in the back of your net.
MN goal 1
With Rolston taking the faceoff the puck squirted to the net and it was pushed out to the point by Colorado’s Kurt Sauer. Pavol Demitra let the slapshot fly and divinely found a couple of spare inches below the crossbar and inside the right post.
Faceoffs inside the offensive zone can be great ways for teams that are struggling to score against good defense create a quick offensive scoring chance before the defense gets the opportunity to react.
MN Goal 2
It was the first time Minnesota led the whole series and Koivu capitalized on a rare Colorado turnover. It wasn’t an amazing shot because of placement but because of how quickly he decided to let it rip.
Colorado Goal 2
It’s difficult to throw a lot of blame out there on the Wild for this goal. It’s tough to defend when a desperate team has a 6-on-4 advantage and can throw that much traffic in front of the net.
Johnsson got called for a penalty that probably should not have been called and it was actually a great play by Johnnson keeping the lead in tact at the time.
MN OT Goal
This was a lucky bounce yes, but also the result of just getting after it. The Wild had the Avs running around in their own end and Carney, who was having an outstanding night before the goal went in, capped it off with a game-winner. It wasn’t just the OT winner that Carney did well in this game. Big improvement from game 1.
Good signs for Gaborik
He didn’t show up in the box score, but there was a difference in game 2 that was nice to see. In game 1 Gaborik too often was looking to pass before he even moved his feet. In tight checking games he prefers to have others carry the puck into the offensive zone, but there were a few times that he decided to let his feet just take off, and force the defense to react. If he can’t get open enough to score in this series, he ought work hard enough to draw penalties.
Lemaire
I believe that it was a smart move in games 1 and 2 to play Boogaard since the crowd gets so much energy every time he hits the ice. I also would think it’s wise to sit him on the road and turn to Simon who might be able to finish on some of the offensive chances Boogaard has had.
Col goal 1
Hill plays it up the near side and Fedoruk was quickly met and couldn’t do much with the puck. Forsberg picked it up at center ice and brought the puck in 2-on-2. It’s a great individual play by Forsberg but if you’re the Wild, Sean Hill did something you should never do as a defenseman and that’s go for a wild sweep check, which if you miss takes you off balance. Demitra was back checking and with Forsberg coming back across the middle, he could have poked the puck away or at least pressured Forsberg more than just watching him. It was another example of Demitra not completely working hard on the back check. With a guy as talented as Forsberg, if you’re a forward and you have a chance to double-team him and put extra prussure on him, it’s a must, otherwise the puck ends up in the back of your net.
MN goal 1
With Rolston taking the faceoff the puck squirted to the net and it was pushed out to the point by Colorado’s Kurt Sauer. Pavol Demitra let the slapshot fly and divinely found a couple of spare inches below the crossbar and inside the right post.
Faceoffs inside the offensive zone can be great ways for teams that are struggling to score against good defense create a quick offensive scoring chance before the defense gets the opportunity to react.
MN Goal 2
It was the first time Minnesota led the whole series and Koivu capitalized on a rare Colorado turnover. It wasn’t an amazing shot because of placement but because of how quickly he decided to let it rip.
Colorado Goal 2
It’s difficult to throw a lot of blame out there on the Wild for this goal. It’s tough to defend when a desperate team has a 6-on-4 advantage and can throw that much traffic in front of the net.
Johnsson got called for a penalty that probably should not have been called and it was actually a great play by Johnnson keeping the lead in tact at the time.
MN OT Goal
This was a lucky bounce yes, but also the result of just getting after it. The Wild had the Avs running around in their own end and Carney, who was having an outstanding night before the goal went in, capped it off with a game-winner. It wasn’t just the OT winner that Carney did well in this game. Big improvement from game 1.
Good signs for Gaborik
He didn’t show up in the box score, but there was a difference in game 2 that was nice to see. In game 1 Gaborik too often was looking to pass before he even moved his feet. In tight checking games he prefers to have others carry the puck into the offensive zone, but there were a few times that he decided to let his feet just take off, and force the defense to react. If he can’t get open enough to score in this series, he ought work hard enough to draw penalties.
Lemaire
I believe that it was a smart move in games 1 and 2 to play Boogaard since the crowd gets so much energy every time he hits the ice. I also would think it’s wise to sit him on the road and turn to Simon who might be able to finish on some of the offensive chances Boogaard has had.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
MN Hockey Scribble
Bloomington native Tom Gilbert was extended a very nice six-year deal by the Edmonton Oilers yesterday. Gilbert is one of a group of talented defensemen from Minnesota proving to be very important to their team's future.
Story Here
Story Here
Friday, April 11, 2008
A look back at Game 1 beyond the Box Score
Colorado 1st goal
Who to blame?
Gaborik….he was somewhat lazy in his approach back-checking on Sakic forcing Kim Johnsson to come over and help. Which would be fine if Gaborik would have switched off and taken Sauer who crept down the slot. Instead Gaborik was a complete spectator having the best view of Sauer's goal.
Colorado 2nd goal
This goal came on the Colorado power play and was a very nice tip in front by Smith. There wasn't enough pressure on the point, but it was a quality goal for the Avs.
MN goal 1
Anytime you can score a goal on a 2-on-3, you've stole one. Koivu did an excellent job on the right side keeping the defender off the puck and had great timing when he decided to throw it to the crease area for a streaking Rolston. Rolston didn't get the goal but he was the reason it happened. If he doesn't drive hard to the net the defenseman isn't forced to drop back in his goalies' lap causing that re-direction into the net.
MN goal 2
Todd Fedoruk shows once again he is much more than a brawler. In front of the net he catches the puck, and shows the patience and touch to hoist the puck over Theodore. Credit Lemaire for having Fridge out there rather than Boogaard. Boogaard fanned on an attempt earlier in the game. The play was amazing because all five members of the power play made nice plays touching the puck. It started with Rolston holding the blue line followed by a pass to the right point to Bouchard who had a cross ice pass to Koivu who then touch-passed it in the slot to Nummelin who one-timed it to Fedorouk. Three touch passes after great play from Rolston. It was as good as it gets.
OT goal Colorado winner
When Colorado rushes the puck up ice, Rolston does not make a strong effort to stop the rush at center ice and allows the Avs to gain the zone with some speed. Even though they didn’t have numbers Wolski was able to come into the zone 1-on-2 and buy enough time to pass it to the point for a slap shot which ultimately led to Sakic finding the puck in the slot and burying the game-winner.
In the defensive zone Nummelin stuck with Wolski while Sheppard and Rolston were mixed up on who was going to get out to the point. Both went half way allowing Salei to tee it up and neither player was able to mark the Sakic in front. It was the second time in the game where the Avs scored and the defenseman in front of the net had two Colorado players to cover and the points still weren’t well tended.
Who played Well?
One player who may not have made the box score but played very sound was James Sheppard. He showed no nerves playing in his first NHL playoff game.
Also, the penalty shot by Backstrom was amazing and could be something that gives him loads of confidence as the series moves on.
Who didn't
One player who stuck out has having a pretty miserable night was Carney. He was on the ice for Colorado's first two goals and got walked when the game was tight early in the third period. He was also the one that gave Colorado the penalty shot and the chance to take the lead late in the third period.
Special Teams
Lucky for the Wild, we didn't get a lot of opportunities to see the Colorado power play. The were a perfect 1-for-1. The Wild got the one power play goal and had a very good power play in its first attempt. It was a solid night on the power play, but still room for improvement.
Who to blame?
Gaborik….he was somewhat lazy in his approach back-checking on Sakic forcing Kim Johnsson to come over and help. Which would be fine if Gaborik would have switched off and taken Sauer who crept down the slot. Instead Gaborik was a complete spectator having the best view of Sauer's goal.
Colorado 2nd goal
This goal came on the Colorado power play and was a very nice tip in front by Smith. There wasn't enough pressure on the point, but it was a quality goal for the Avs.
MN goal 1
Anytime you can score a goal on a 2-on-3, you've stole one. Koivu did an excellent job on the right side keeping the defender off the puck and had great timing when he decided to throw it to the crease area for a streaking Rolston. Rolston didn't get the goal but he was the reason it happened. If he doesn't drive hard to the net the defenseman isn't forced to drop back in his goalies' lap causing that re-direction into the net.
MN goal 2
Todd Fedoruk shows once again he is much more than a brawler. In front of the net he catches the puck, and shows the patience and touch to hoist the puck over Theodore. Credit Lemaire for having Fridge out there rather than Boogaard. Boogaard fanned on an attempt earlier in the game. The play was amazing because all five members of the power play made nice plays touching the puck. It started with Rolston holding the blue line followed by a pass to the right point to Bouchard who had a cross ice pass to Koivu who then touch-passed it in the slot to Nummelin who one-timed it to Fedorouk. Three touch passes after great play from Rolston. It was as good as it gets.
OT goal Colorado winner
When Colorado rushes the puck up ice, Rolston does not make a strong effort to stop the rush at center ice and allows the Avs to gain the zone with some speed. Even though they didn’t have numbers Wolski was able to come into the zone 1-on-2 and buy enough time to pass it to the point for a slap shot which ultimately led to Sakic finding the puck in the slot and burying the game-winner.
In the defensive zone Nummelin stuck with Wolski while Sheppard and Rolston were mixed up on who was going to get out to the point. Both went half way allowing Salei to tee it up and neither player was able to mark the Sakic in front. It was the second time in the game where the Avs scored and the defenseman in front of the net had two Colorado players to cover and the points still weren’t well tended.
Who played Well?
One player who may not have made the box score but played very sound was James Sheppard. He showed no nerves playing in his first NHL playoff game.
Also, the penalty shot by Backstrom was amazing and could be something that gives him loads of confidence as the series moves on.
Who didn't
One player who stuck out has having a pretty miserable night was Carney. He was on the ice for Colorado's first two goals and got walked when the game was tight early in the third period. He was also the one that gave Colorado the penalty shot and the chance to take the lead late in the third period.
Special Teams
Lucky for the Wild, we didn't get a lot of opportunities to see the Colorado power play. The were a perfect 1-for-1. The Wild got the one power play goal and had a very good power play in its first attempt. It was a solid night on the power play, but still room for improvement.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Wild prepare for playoffs
Not that any of these are surprising but here are key factors in this series.
- Scoring First: The Wild plays so much better with a lead and has been great when entering the third period with a lead all season. That being said, it seems they fall out of their game the longer it takes them to score.
- Special Teams: Colorado has a good power play and the Wild can't afford to take any more penalties than necessary. Wild's power play was dismal in playoffs last year.
- Defense: With Nick Schultz gone, Minnesota will have to rely on some old legs in Carney and Hill. They can look very slow at times. Burns, Johnsson and Skoula have to be great.
- Gabby Time: He's an elite player, but in order to become Minnesota hockey legend, it has to happen in the playoffs. He will need a lot of help to make a serious run, but if he plays as well as he can, Minnesota becomes a contender.
- Other Goal Scorers: The Avs defense will key in on Gaborik, Demitra, Koivu and Rolston. Those four still have to contribute, but the Wild need other scorers to emerge.
Around the Net
The daily Wild
Star Tribune article on Brent Burns
More personal look at Burns life via Star Tribune
Patrick Reusse, not exactly a "Puck Guy" lays out what's on the line
Star Tribune's Michael Rand looks at Wild Fans getting ready for playoffs
Colorado's Ian Laperriere says he wants nothing to do with Booogaard
Petteri Nummelin will have to step up for Wild
Pioneer Press looks at keys to victory
Injured Foster came to wish teammates good luck
Pioneer Press looks at how the Wild plan roll the defensemen
Denver Post ponders the future of Joe Sakic
Denver Post looks at keys for Avs to win
Post recaps each meeting between the two teams
Post looks at match ups, which they say favor Wild
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Chicago Showcase rosters set
The Chicago Showcase annually sends Minnesota's best seniors without college commitments south to face the nation's best. This year's roster has been set and there are some notable names from some of the state's top teams included.
The roster has been pasted below from an "must read" website if you are one of the many die hard Gopher fans in the state. The Gopher Hockey Blog does a tremendous job of covering the Gophers even before they ever get a chance to put on a Minnesota jersey. Yesterday the blog also included solid information on future Gopher players.
Forwards
Joe Becker - Moorhead- one of the captains of the Spuds. Fifth on the team in scoring with 12 goals and 17 assists.
Cory Belisle - Anoka-second on the Tornadoes with 23 goals and added 25 assists.
Ryan Bohrer - Cretin Derham Hall-played for the Raiders 2006 state champion team as a sophomore. Bohrer scored 31 goals and 16 assists for CDH, which had a down year.
JT Brown - Rosemount-very good playmaker. Led Irish with 32 goals and 35 assists. Brown had three hat tricks in a row at one point this year including a game where he scored three goals and added 3 assists against Holy Angels.
Rob Johnson - Duluth East-outstanding worker and leader for the Greyhounds.
Justin Jokinen - Cloquet-top forward on section 7AA champs. Great size and led the team in points.
Ryan Kesti - Red Wing-has been one of Red Wing's top players the past several years.
Matt Leer - Edina-going to be an amazing asset to whoever lands Leer. He's a checker and relentless worker. The five goals and nine assists he gathered his senior season don't tell whole story.
Dustin Moser - Roseau-another talented Rams forward. Scored 20 goals this season for Roseau and had four goals and one assist in the past two state tournament trips.
Nick Nagel - Totino Grace-led TG in scoring with 32 goals and was second with 24 assists.
Ben Nelson - Roseau-was slightly overlooked on a talented Rams roster. Led the Rams in scoring with 22 goals and 42 assists.
Steve Zierke - Benilde St. Margaret's-second on Benilde with 24 goals and 44 assists. Had one goal and three assists during state tournament helping BSM to a third place finish.
Defensemen
Brandon Binder - Lakeville South
David Brown - Cloquet-was instrumental leading the Lumberjacks to the state tournament scoring big goals including the game-tying and winning goals in the upset with over Duluth East.
Nate Jensen - Minnetonka
Jeff Lesmeister - Anoka
Tom McCarthy - Benilde-St. Margarets-had 11 goals and 21 assists but isn't an offensive defenseman. Very strong. Played a ton of minutes in the state tournament while getting one assist.
Dan Sova - Hill-Murray-had an amazing season and state tournament leading Pioneers to a state championship. Plays physical and has a great long reach. Will have a good college career.
Goalies
Brandon Jaeger - Champlin Park
Joe Phillippi - Hill-Murray-was the state's best goalie this year which culminated in a state championship. Should land very softly somewhere that needs a goalie.
The roster has been pasted below from an "must read" website if you are one of the many die hard Gopher fans in the state. The Gopher Hockey Blog does a tremendous job of covering the Gophers even before they ever get a chance to put on a Minnesota jersey. Yesterday the blog also included solid information on future Gopher players.
Forwards
Joe Becker - Moorhead- one of the captains of the Spuds. Fifth on the team in scoring with 12 goals and 17 assists.
Cory Belisle - Anoka-second on the Tornadoes with 23 goals and added 25 assists.
Ryan Bohrer - Cretin Derham Hall-played for the Raiders 2006 state champion team as a sophomore. Bohrer scored 31 goals and 16 assists for CDH, which had a down year.
JT Brown - Rosemount-very good playmaker. Led Irish with 32 goals and 35 assists. Brown had three hat tricks in a row at one point this year including a game where he scored three goals and added 3 assists against Holy Angels.
Rob Johnson - Duluth East-outstanding worker and leader for the Greyhounds.
Justin Jokinen - Cloquet-top forward on section 7AA champs. Great size and led the team in points.
Ryan Kesti - Red Wing-has been one of Red Wing's top players the past several years.
Matt Leer - Edina-going to be an amazing asset to whoever lands Leer. He's a checker and relentless worker. The five goals and nine assists he gathered his senior season don't tell whole story.
Dustin Moser - Roseau-another talented Rams forward. Scored 20 goals this season for Roseau and had four goals and one assist in the past two state tournament trips.
Nick Nagel - Totino Grace-led TG in scoring with 32 goals and was second with 24 assists.
Ben Nelson - Roseau-was slightly overlooked on a talented Rams roster. Led the Rams in scoring with 22 goals and 42 assists.
Steve Zierke - Benilde St. Margaret's-second on Benilde with 24 goals and 44 assists. Had one goal and three assists during state tournament helping BSM to a third place finish.
Defensemen
Brandon Binder - Lakeville South
David Brown - Cloquet-was instrumental leading the Lumberjacks to the state tournament scoring big goals including the game-tying and winning goals in the upset with over Duluth East.
Nate Jensen - Minnetonka
Jeff Lesmeister - Anoka
Tom McCarthy - Benilde-St. Margarets-had 11 goals and 21 assists but isn't an offensive defenseman. Very strong. Played a ton of minutes in the state tournament while getting one assist.
Dan Sova - Hill-Murray-had an amazing season and state tournament leading Pioneers to a state championship. Plays physical and has a great long reach. Will have a good college career.
Goalies
Brandon Jaeger - Champlin Park
Joe Phillippi - Hill-Murray-was the state's best goalie this year which culminated in a state championship. Should land very softly somewhere that needs a goalie.
Monday, April 7, 2008
College Hockey Scribbles
Captain brings experience to inexperienced team
The surprise of the Frozen Four teams is Notre Dame, which is making its first Frozen Four appearance in school history. The captain of the Irish is Roseville's Mark Van Guilder. He was an invited walk-on and eventually became a star forward. Despite Notre Dame's inexperience in NCAA play, Van Guilder brings a lot of hockey experience playing in 162 career games for the Irish. Prior to heading to South Bend the 24 year old played for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL following his high school career for Roseville.
Van Guilder is third on the team in scoring with 12 goals and 17 assists.
Inside College Hockey Q and A with Van Guilder
3 WCHA Players named to All-Rookie Team
Minnesota's Cade Fairchild got off to a great start in his freshman season and proved to be one of only Gopher defensemen to jump into the play and make things happen offensively. He was also one of the Gophers to leave the team during the holidays and play for the team USA in the World Juniors and missed four Gophers games.
He didn't play nearly as well in the second half of the season but that didn't stop the 19 year old from Duluth from being named to the Inside College Hockey All-Rookie Team. Fairchild had two goals and 13 assists, but 10 of his 15 points came in Minnesota's first 15 games. Fairchild was also named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. He has spent his amateur hockey days on the fast track playing varsity hockey for Duluth East before playing two years for the US National Development Team.
Joining Fairchild on the All-Rookie Team from the WCHA was forward Garrett Roe from St. Cloud State and goalie Richard Bachman from Colorado College.
Roe was the leading WCHA rookie in scoring with 18 goals and 27 assists and second in the NCAA.
Bachman won the Inside College Hockey Rookie of the Year Award and the WCHA award as well. Bachman had a 25-9-1 record, a 1.85 Goals against Average and a .931 save percentage.
The surprise of the Frozen Four teams is Notre Dame, which is making its first Frozen Four appearance in school history. The captain of the Irish is Roseville's Mark Van Guilder. He was an invited walk-on and eventually became a star forward. Despite Notre Dame's inexperience in NCAA play, Van Guilder brings a lot of hockey experience playing in 162 career games for the Irish. Prior to heading to South Bend the 24 year old played for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL following his high school career for Roseville.
Van Guilder is third on the team in scoring with 12 goals and 17 assists.
Inside College Hockey Q and A with Van Guilder
3 WCHA Players named to All-Rookie Team
Minnesota's Cade Fairchild got off to a great start in his freshman season and proved to be one of only Gopher defensemen to jump into the play and make things happen offensively. He was also one of the Gophers to leave the team during the holidays and play for the team USA in the World Juniors and missed four Gophers games.
He didn't play nearly as well in the second half of the season but that didn't stop the 19 year old from Duluth from being named to the Inside College Hockey All-Rookie Team. Fairchild had two goals and 13 assists, but 10 of his 15 points came in Minnesota's first 15 games. Fairchild was also named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. He has spent his amateur hockey days on the fast track playing varsity hockey for Duluth East before playing two years for the US National Development Team.
Joining Fairchild on the All-Rookie Team from the WCHA was forward Garrett Roe from St. Cloud State and goalie Richard Bachman from Colorado College.
Roe was the leading WCHA rookie in scoring with 18 goals and 27 assists and second in the NCAA.
Bachman won the Inside College Hockey Rookie of the Year Award and the WCHA award as well. Bachman had a 25-9-1 record, a 1.85 Goals against Average and a .931 save percentage.
Wild's regular season ends and playoff picture is clear
It was a best-case scenario for the Wild on Sunday. They didn't get outplayed by the home team Avalanche, but they didn't win in regulation either allowing Colorado to earn a point and move ahead of Calgary in the Western Conference setting the stage for a first round playoff series between Minnesota and the Avs. Numbers don't lie and the match up for Minnesota is much more favorable than one versus the Flames.
For the playoff series MNHockey will feature for the first time Beyond the Box Score which will provide a more detailed account of how the result came to be as well as a break down of individual players performances. And like always there will be links to the various articles on the net about the games.
Minnesota Wild loses to Colorado in shootout, Game Recap
Star Tribune Game Story
Michael Russo's additional story including Mark Parrish
Star Tribune's Michael Russo's series preview
Pioneer Press Sunday Game story
PP's Brian Murphy on Gaborik's fighting major
Pioneer Press digs into history of GM Doug Risebrough
Minnesota Wild Playoff Schedule
For the playoff series MNHockey will feature for the first time Beyond the Box Score which will provide a more detailed account of how the result came to be as well as a break down of individual players performances. And like always there will be links to the various articles on the net about the games.
Minnesota Wild loses to Colorado in shootout, Game Recap
Star Tribune Game Story
Michael Russo's additional story including Mark Parrish
Star Tribune's Michael Russo's series preview
Pioneer Press Sunday Game story
PP's Brian Murphy on Gaborik's fighting major
Pioneer Press digs into history of GM Doug Risebrough
Minnesota Wild Playoff Schedule
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Green Bay Gamblers MN update
The Green Bay Gamblers are tied for the worst record in the USHL and will not qualify for the playoffs. However, they aren't short on individual talent and players with bright futures.
Taylor Johnson left White Bear Lake and skipped his senior season to play with Gamblers. He led the defensemen in scoring with five goals and 20 assists in 55 games. Johnson is going to play college hockey for St. Cloud State. Johnson is expected to return next year with the Gamblers before joining the Huskies in 2009.
Another player who left his high school career behind to accelerate his development was goalie Aaron Crandall from St. Thomas Academy. Crandall had a 5-20-2 record this season with .883 save pct. and a 3.37 GAA and he recorded one shut out. Crandall will return to Green Bay before heading to the University of Wisconsin in 2009.
Bloomington native Baylor Dieter is a good-sized defenseman that will be a nice addition to the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks. With the Gamblers Deiter played in 106 games the past two seasons totaling 20 points improving this season with four goals.
Another Bloomington native Josh Levine played for the Gamblers and will soon be heading east to play for Princeton. The former Jaguar only scored three goals and added five assists in 55 games.
Coming from a northern team that never made it to state Mavericks fans might not have heard of Joe Schiller from Detroit Lakes, but the 19 year old forward has the tools to become a good player in the WCHA. Schiller scored 12 goals and had 10 assists and is currently sixth on the Gamblers in points. Schiller will take his game to Minnesota-State Mankato.
Jake Youso played his senior year for International Falls before joining the Gamblers. He finished 15th in the state in points scoring 34 goals and 35 assists. Since joining the Gamblers Youso has played in 12 games scoring once and assisting on another goal. Youso will play in the USHL again next year and has committed to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota.
Keegan Flaherty left Duluth East early to play in the USHL for the Gamblers. In 45 games the newly turned 18 year old has four goals and no assists. He doesn't have a college commitment yet.
Former Benilde-St. Margaret's star Stephen Carew had a pretty good year with the Gamblers. Career has one of the best plus/minus ratings and has 10 goals and seven assists in 51 games.
Justin Filzen who played high school hockey for Proctor has played 54 games for the Gamblers scoring five goals and 10 assists.
Taylor Johnson left White Bear Lake and skipped his senior season to play with Gamblers. He led the defensemen in scoring with five goals and 20 assists in 55 games. Johnson is going to play college hockey for St. Cloud State. Johnson is expected to return next year with the Gamblers before joining the Huskies in 2009.
Another player who left his high school career behind to accelerate his development was goalie Aaron Crandall from St. Thomas Academy. Crandall had a 5-20-2 record this season with .883 save pct. and a 3.37 GAA and he recorded one shut out. Crandall will return to Green Bay before heading to the University of Wisconsin in 2009.
Bloomington native Baylor Dieter is a good-sized defenseman that will be a nice addition to the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks. With the Gamblers Deiter played in 106 games the past two seasons totaling 20 points improving this season with four goals.
Another Bloomington native Josh Levine played for the Gamblers and will soon be heading east to play for Princeton. The former Jaguar only scored three goals and added five assists in 55 games.
Coming from a northern team that never made it to state Mavericks fans might not have heard of Joe Schiller from Detroit Lakes, but the 19 year old forward has the tools to become a good player in the WCHA. Schiller scored 12 goals and had 10 assists and is currently sixth on the Gamblers in points. Schiller will take his game to Minnesota-State Mankato.
Jake Youso played his senior year for International Falls before joining the Gamblers. He finished 15th in the state in points scoring 34 goals and 35 assists. Since joining the Gamblers Youso has played in 12 games scoring once and assisting on another goal. Youso will play in the USHL again next year and has committed to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota.
Keegan Flaherty left Duluth East early to play in the USHL for the Gamblers. In 45 games the newly turned 18 year old has four goals and no assists. He doesn't have a college commitment yet.
Former Benilde-St. Margaret's star Stephen Carew had a pretty good year with the Gamblers. Career has one of the best plus/minus ratings and has 10 goals and seven assists in 51 games.
Justin Filzen who played high school hockey for Proctor has played 54 games for the Gamblers scoring five goals and 10 assists.
Brian Lee gets called up to the NHL
It's one thing for a rookie to get his first career recall late in the season when the NHL team is not in the playoff hunt. It's a good time to get young players' feet wet with NHL competition and an opportunities for players to let management see if that's where they belong the next year.
For Moorhead native Brian Lee his first recall came on March 25th by the Ottawa Senators, a team fully entrenched in a Stanley Cup chase. With three games remaining on the regular season schedule the Senators are currently in fifth place.
In each of Lee's first three NHL games he played a good chunk of minutes skating at least 20 shifts in each game and playing as part of the regular defensive rotation. Lee played two seasons at the University of North Dakota before turning pro. As a member of the Bighamton Senators he scored three goals and recorded 22 assists in in 55 games. During February and March Lee missed 16 games with an ankle injury returning on March 22nd. Lee played in the AHL All-Star Classic this season.
The Senators remaining games are against Montreal, Toronto and Boston.
For Moorhead native Brian Lee his first recall came on March 25th by the Ottawa Senators, a team fully entrenched in a Stanley Cup chase. With three games remaining on the regular season schedule the Senators are currently in fifth place.
In each of Lee's first three NHL games he played a good chunk of minutes skating at least 20 shifts in each game and playing as part of the regular defensive rotation. Lee played two seasons at the University of North Dakota before turning pro. As a member of the Bighamton Senators he scored three goals and recorded 22 assists in in 55 games. During February and March Lee missed 16 games with an ankle injury returning on March 22nd. Lee played in the AHL All-Star Classic this season.
The Senators remaining games are against Montreal, Toronto and Boston.
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