Press Release:
Goaltender Alex Kangas was rewarded for his record-setting season as just the third freshman in University of Minnesota men’s hockey history to earn the team’s Most Valuable Player award at Saturday’s team awards banquet at Mariucci Arena.
Kangas joins forward Thomas Vanek in 2002-03 and goaltender Murray McLachlan in 1967-68 as the only first-year team MVP’s in Gopher history. The team has awarded an MVP, named after former player and coach John Mariucci, since 1955-56.
Kangas was also named the team’s Frank Pond Rookie of the Year and Tom Mohr Playoff MVP after setting single-season school records with a 1.98 goals against average and .930 save percentage. Vanek also captured all three of the awards during his freshman year, while McLachlan went on to be the team’s only three-time MVP.
Kangas, a Rochester native, was the MVP of the WCHA Final Five and started the last 21 games of the season. Kangas ranked sixth nationally in goals against and seventh in save percentage, including second among all freshman goalies in the country.
The other team awards were dominated by the team’s senior class with five seniors receiving individual honors. Senior goaltender Brent Solei received the team’s Mike Crupi Most Determined Player award for the second consecutive year, while senior forward Tom Pohl was a repeat selection for the Donald Clark Community Service Award.
Senior forward Mike Howe was named the Dr. V. George Nagobads Unsung Hero and senior captain and defenseman Derek Peltier earned the Elwin Romnes Leadership and Sportsmanship Award. Senior forward Evan Kaufmann received the John Mayasich Outstanding Student-Athlete Award.
Solei, a Coon Rapids native, has been traditionally the team's hardest working player over his four seasons and made the most of his only career start against Wayne State on Jan. 4 with 28 saves. Including exhibitions, he was 4-0 for his career for a 1.20 goals against average.
Pohl, a Red Wing native, had the best season of his four-year career with the Gophers, playing in 34 games. He scored the game-tying goal this year against Air Force and totaled 15 points in 73 career games. He was a WCHA scholar athlete and all-academic team selection.
Howe ranked third on the team in scoring with 21 points and scored one of the team's most dramatic goals of the year with 12.7 seconds left to beat his hometown St. Cloud State squad in the WCHA Final Five. He also had a goal and an assist in the NCAA tournament game against Boston College and finished his career with 67 points in 157 career games.
Kaufmann, a Plymouth native, totaled 19 points while playing in every game this season to finish his career with 62 points in 147 games played. An accounting major, he was a WCHA all-academic team selection for the third straight year and a WCHA scholar athlete.
Peltier, a Plymouth native, played in 172 consecutive games to end his career, missing only the second game of his freshman year. He was the team's highest-scoring defenseman this year with four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. In his career, he totaled 72 points.
Former Gopher standouts Justin Johnson, Mike Vannelli, Judd Stevens and Grant Potulny presented the individual awards.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Stoa to wear the "C" in 2008-09
With all the departures and bad news there is some good news. The Gopher team has announced that Ryan Stoa, a junior, has been selected by his teamates to be the captin of the 2008-09 hockey season. Stoa suffered a knee injury in the first weekend of the 07-08 season against michigan. Stoa will likely recieve a redshirt and be considered a junior next year.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE U OF M:
Minnesota junior forward Ryan Stoa, who missed nearly the entire 2007-08 men’s hockey season with a knee injury, has been selected by his teammates as the Gophers’ team captain for the 2008-09 campaign.
Stoa scored the team’s first goal of last season to spark a comeback from a three-goal deficit against Rensselaer, but then suffered a knee injury in the first period of a win over Michigan the following night. He underwent surgery on Nov. 13 and rehabilitated the knee the rest of the season. Stoa returned to the ice for individual workouts late in the season, but never returned to game action and will likely be granted a medical redshirt.
The Bloomington, Minn. native was selected as an assistant captain in 2007-08 after ranking seventh on the team with 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points during 2006-07.
Stoa played in all 41 games as a freshman and appeared in 41 of 44 games as a sophomore. He has 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 career points. Stoa was a second-round draft choice of the Colorado Avalanche and the 34th player taken overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He played with the U.S. National Development team before joining the Gophers.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE U OF M:
Minnesota junior forward Ryan Stoa, who missed nearly the entire 2007-08 men’s hockey season with a knee injury, has been selected by his teammates as the Gophers’ team captain for the 2008-09 campaign.
Stoa scored the team’s first goal of last season to spark a comeback from a three-goal deficit against Rensselaer, but then suffered a knee injury in the first period of a win over Michigan the following night. He underwent surgery on Nov. 13 and rehabilitated the knee the rest of the season. Stoa returned to the ice for individual workouts late in the season, but never returned to game action and will likely be granted a medical redshirt.
The Bloomington, Minn. native was selected as an assistant captain in 2007-08 after ranking seventh on the team with 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points during 2006-07.
Stoa played in all 41 games as a freshman and appeared in 41 of 44 games as a sophomore. He has 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 career points. Stoa was a second-round draft choice of the Colorado Avalanche and the 34th player taken overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He played with the U.S. National Development team before joining the Gophers.
Wheeler leaves school, expected to sign soon
It really shouldn't come to a shock that we are talking about another early departure. I guess the best thing that can be said about Blake Wheeler is that he has graduated. Wheeler is an outstanding hockey player who the University of Minnesota is grateful to have had for three years. Wheeler was a first round draft of the Phoenix coyotes. Wheeler has not signed with the coyotes yet but is expected to soon. Blake was a class act both on and off the ice whom Gopher fans are glad to have had the opportunity to watch. I wish Blake the best of luck in his NHL career.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA:
Minnesota junior forward Blake Wheeler has withdrawn from the university to pursue a career in professional hockey. Wheeler, who was a 2004 first-round draft pick by the Phoenix Coyotes, has 30 days to sign with the team. Following the 30 days, if the two parties do not reach an agreement, Wheeler will become a free agent.
He is the 10th Minnesota player to leave college early for the professional ranks since the end of the 2005-06 season. Wheeler is also the third Gopher this season to leave the program after Kyle Okposo signed with the New York Islanders in December and Jeff Frazee signed with New Jersey following the 2007-08 season.
“Blake is an outstanding student, person and hockey player,” Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. “He was a leader on our team both on and off the ice and we will certainly miss Blake’s contribution to the program. We are excited for the future in front of him and there is no question that he will have a long career in the NHL.”
A native of Plymouth, Minn., Wheeler led the Gophers’ scoring charge with 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points this past season. He spread his 35 points over 29 different games and his 15 goals over 14 different games. In 28 conference games, Wheeler tallied 23 points and was named a third-team All-WCHA selection. He tied for ninth in WCHA scoring and 12th in both goal and assist scoring.
One of the team’s assistant captains, Wheeler had six multiple-point games this season, including a season-high three-point performance in a 4-1 win over Minnesota Duluth. The Gophers finished seventh in the WCHA standings and were the WCHA Final Five runner-up team. Wheeler and the Gophers then made their eighth-straight NCAA appearance, only to fall to eventual champions, Boston College.
In his career, Wheeler posted 42 goals and 54 assists for 96 points. In his sophomore campaign, Wheeler ranked fifth on the team in scoring with 38 points, while posting 23 points as a rookie in 2005-06. He was named the WCHA Final Five Most Valuable Player in 2006-07 after scoring a sensational overtime, game-winning goal in the 3-2 win over North Dakota in the title game.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA:
Minnesota junior forward Blake Wheeler has withdrawn from the university to pursue a career in professional hockey. Wheeler, who was a 2004 first-round draft pick by the Phoenix Coyotes, has 30 days to sign with the team. Following the 30 days, if the two parties do not reach an agreement, Wheeler will become a free agent.
He is the 10th Minnesota player to leave college early for the professional ranks since the end of the 2005-06 season. Wheeler is also the third Gopher this season to leave the program after Kyle Okposo signed with the New York Islanders in December and Jeff Frazee signed with New Jersey following the 2007-08 season.
“Blake is an outstanding student, person and hockey player,” Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. “He was a leader on our team both on and off the ice and we will certainly miss Blake’s contribution to the program. We are excited for the future in front of him and there is no question that he will have a long career in the NHL.”
A native of Plymouth, Minn., Wheeler led the Gophers’ scoring charge with 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points this past season. He spread his 35 points over 29 different games and his 15 goals over 14 different games. In 28 conference games, Wheeler tallied 23 points and was named a third-team All-WCHA selection. He tied for ninth in WCHA scoring and 12th in both goal and assist scoring.
One of the team’s assistant captains, Wheeler had six multiple-point games this season, including a season-high three-point performance in a 4-1 win over Minnesota Duluth. The Gophers finished seventh in the WCHA standings and were the WCHA Final Five runner-up team. Wheeler and the Gophers then made their eighth-straight NCAA appearance, only to fall to eventual champions, Boston College.
In his career, Wheeler posted 42 goals and 54 assists for 96 points. In his sophomore campaign, Wheeler ranked fifth on the team in scoring with 38 points, while posting 23 points as a rookie in 2005-06. He was named the WCHA Final Five Most Valuable Player in 2006-07 after scoring a sensational overtime, game-winning goal in the 3-2 win over North Dakota in the title game.
Mike Guentzel resigns
Mike Guentzel resigned after 14 years as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota. Guentzel primarily worked with the Defense. He made a younge group of kids into great hockey players this year. guentzal will be missed at the University and I wish him all the best in his life and coaching career if he chooses to coach again.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PRESS RELEASE:
Mike Guentzel, who spent the past 14 years as assistant coach of the University of Minnesota men’s hockey program, has announced his resignation to pursue other coaching opportunities.
Guentzel, 48, played for the Gophers from 1982-85 and coached the team’s defensemen for the past nine years under head coach Don Lucia. He previously was associate head coach under Doug Woog and was a key part of Minnesota’s national championship teams in 2002 and 2003.
“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to play here four years and coach here for 14 years,” Guentzel said. “The Gopher program has been and always will be number one in my heart. I’ve had wonderful hard-working guys to work with and made a lot of friends here. That’s just something you can’t replace.”
His resignation will allow him to spend more time with his family, which includes three hockey-playing sons. His oldest, Ryan, was a freshman forward for national runner-up Notre Dame, while his 19-year old son, Gabe, played for Sioux Falls in the United States Hockey League and his 13-year old son, Jake, plays in Woodbury Youth Hockey.
“Personally, this decision gives me an opportunity to be more of a parent,” Guentzel said. “I’ve missed out on a lot of that, but I’m sure that I’ll find a way to stay in the game somehow and someway.”
“Mike Guentzel has played a major role in the success of Gopher hockey over the years,” Lucia said. “He is an outstanding coach who helped in every phase of the program. He had great respect from the players and always brought passion to the job.
“Although I respect his decision to leave, the Gopher hockey program will miss him. I want to personally thank Mike for all he did for me and the program and wish Mike and his family all the best in the future.”
Guentzel coached five All-American defensemen with the Gophers, including 2002 Hobey Baker Award winner Jordan Leopold. He also has coached five current National Hockey League defensemen.
Prior to his career at Minnesota, Guentzel was a head coach for two different USHL teams in St. Paul and Omaha. He led St. Paul to the 1990-91 junior “A” national championship and was named the USHL Coach of the Year the following year. Guentzel has also been active in USA Hockey, serving as an assistant coach with three U.S. Junior National teams.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PRESS RELEASE:
Mike Guentzel, who spent the past 14 years as assistant coach of the University of Minnesota men’s hockey program, has announced his resignation to pursue other coaching opportunities.
Guentzel, 48, played for the Gophers from 1982-85 and coached the team’s defensemen for the past nine years under head coach Don Lucia. He previously was associate head coach under Doug Woog and was a key part of Minnesota’s national championship teams in 2002 and 2003.
“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to play here four years and coach here for 14 years,” Guentzel said. “The Gopher program has been and always will be number one in my heart. I’ve had wonderful hard-working guys to work with and made a lot of friends here. That’s just something you can’t replace.”
His resignation will allow him to spend more time with his family, which includes three hockey-playing sons. His oldest, Ryan, was a freshman forward for national runner-up Notre Dame, while his 19-year old son, Gabe, played for Sioux Falls in the United States Hockey League and his 13-year old son, Jake, plays in Woodbury Youth Hockey.
“Personally, this decision gives me an opportunity to be more of a parent,” Guentzel said. “I’ve missed out on a lot of that, but I’m sure that I’ll find a way to stay in the game somehow and someway.”
“Mike Guentzel has played a major role in the success of Gopher hockey over the years,” Lucia said. “He is an outstanding coach who helped in every phase of the program. He had great respect from the players and always brought passion to the job.
“Although I respect his decision to leave, the Gopher hockey program will miss him. I want to personally thank Mike for all he did for me and the program and wish Mike and his family all the best in the future.”
Guentzel coached five All-American defensemen with the Gophers, including 2002 Hobey Baker Award winner Jordan Leopold. He also has coached five current National Hockey League defensemen.
Prior to his career at Minnesota, Guentzel was a head coach for two different USHL teams in St. Paul and Omaha. He led St. Paul to the 1990-91 junior “A” national championship and was named the USHL Coach of the Year the following year. Guentzel has also been active in USA Hockey, serving as an assistant coach with three U.S. Junior National teams.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Frazee signs with Devils
It should come to a surprise to any of us gopher fans. Jeff had an up and down time here at the U. he let in the Bina goal from the other end of the ice... he was part of the undeaged drinking "scandal" and then his 2 fluke goals he let in causing him to be done for the remainder of the season. Now to be a little fair to Frazee, Alex Kangas did deserve to have the starting spot. He earned it and he out played Frazee. I though Jeff did a great job of handling it. He did it in a very classy way by thanking Don Lucia and his teamates. I wish Jeff all the best in his future as a NHL player. Your a class act Jeff.
There's always next year..
It seems as though we have heard that too many times over the past couple years... there's always next year... yeah but what do we do until then. But hey the Gophers shouldn't feel too down seeing as how BC ended up winning the NC this year. I guess it was about time and it makes us look good. It was also great to watch BC beat North Dakota for the third conceutive year in a row. haha. and we scored more goals than North Dakota. The gophers will have a great team next year with the likes of aaron ness and jordan schroeder. Until october... go gophers!
first period scoring
BC Ben Smith Nathan Gerbe
first period penalties
MINN Stu Bickel hooking
Ryan Flynn hooking
Evan Kaufmann roughing
Ben Gordon slashing
Ryan Flynn tripping
BC Nick Petrecki Roughing
Nick Petrecki Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Mike Brennan Hooking
Second Period Scoring
Benn Ferriero Joe Whitney/Tim Flangien
Second Period Penalties
BC Andrew Orpik Hooking
Third Period Scoring
MINN Ben Gordon Blake Wheeler
BC Pat Gannon Matt Greene/Matt Price
Joe Whitney -
Nathan Gerbe Brian Gibbons
Third Period Penalties
MINN Cade Fairchild Hooking
Ben Smith Hooking
Nick Petrecki Boarding
SAVES
Alex Kangas 27 saves
John Muse 31 saves
first period scoring
BC Ben Smith Nathan Gerbe
first period penalties
MINN Stu Bickel hooking
Ryan Flynn hooking
Evan Kaufmann roughing
Ben Gordon slashing
Ryan Flynn tripping
BC Nick Petrecki Roughing
Nick Petrecki Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Mike Brennan Hooking
Second Period Scoring
Benn Ferriero Joe Whitney/Tim Flangien
Second Period Penalties
BC Andrew Orpik Hooking
Third Period Scoring
MINN Ben Gordon Blake Wheeler
BC Pat Gannon Matt Greene/Matt Price
Joe Whitney -
Nathan Gerbe Brian Gibbons
Third Period Penalties
MINN Cade Fairchild Hooking
Ben Smith Hooking
Nick Petrecki Boarding
SAVES
Alex Kangas 27 saves
John Muse 31 saves
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