2019-2020 Gopher Hockey Season Thread

[Sioux Suck]

Ranta needs to be better in terms of the buildup of offense at 5 on 5. He’s got a great shot and is a PP threat which is a somewhat elusive skill so he has that going for him. But at 5v5 he was kind of a drag on play last year and he needs to pick up his head more and make the right plays. Hopefully he can improve on that because he definitely has some of the tools to be a scorer.

Since the entire first power play has moved on to professional hockey, it's a wide open race for him to earn a spot there this year. Seemed to be his most productive spot in the USHL shooting from his off wing. When he did get chances during practice and games, he was a little indecisive with his decision making and there just isn't time for that at the level the Gophers play. Sometimes the less optimal decision made quickly is better than the right one after giving the defense time to adjust.

Maybe we'll see some looks like these?

Brannon McManus - RF Scott Reedy - RF
Tyler Nanne - RD Sampo Ranta -LF
Jackson LaCombe - LD

Sammy Walker - RF Nathan Burke - LF
Bryce Brodzinski - RF Blake McLaughlin - LF
Ryan Zuhlsdorf - LD

If he can acclimate himself, Nelson would be a great add in front of the net on the power play. Similar to Burke’s role

[Norm]

Ranta needs to be better in terms of the buildup of offense at 5 on 5. He’s got a great shot and is a PP threat which is a somewhat elusive skill so he has that going for him. But at 5v5 he was kind of a drag on play last year and he needs to pick up his head more and make the right plays. Hopefully he can improve on that because he definitely has some of the tools to be a scorer.

Since the entire first power play has moved on to professional hockey, it's a wide open race for him to earn a spot there this year. Seemed to be his most productive spot in the USHL shooting from his off wing. When he did get chances during practice and games, he was a little indecisive with his decision making and there just isn't time for that at the level the Gophers play. Sometimes the less optimal decision made quickly is better than the right one after giving the defense time to adjust.

Maybe we'll see some looks like these?

Brannon McManus - RF Scott Reedy - RF
Tyler Nanne - RD Sampo Ranta -LF
Jackson LaCombe - LD

Sammy Walker - RF Nathan Burke - LF
Bryce Brodzinski - RF Blake McLaughlin - LF
Ryan Zuhlsdorf - LD

Or will a 5th forward will play the point like Novak?

[Cardinal]

LaCombe was cut from the U.S. camp today, Johnson and McLaughlin remain.

https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1037873

Also, Ranta is the highest scoring non-American so far with three points in two games.

[bearpaw28]

LaCombe was cut from the U.S. camp today, Johnson and McLaughlin remain.

https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1037873

Also, Ranta is the highest scoring non-American so far with three points in two games.

Also cut was tUMD incoming freshman F Luke Loheit.

[Greyeagle]

Ranta having a big year would be huge for the Gophers.
He always seemed on the edge of really producing in the box score but was never able to rack up points. He has the size, instincts and skill to make a significant impact and if he continues to play hard - and IIRC he seemed to play harder as the season progressed - the scoring will follow.

[streakygopher]

Ranta having a big year would be huge for the Gophers.
He always seemed on the edge of really producing in the box score but was never able to rack up points. He has the size, instincts and skill to make a significant impact and if he continues to play hard - and IIRC he seemed to play harder as the season progressed - the scoring will follow.

Lots of talent, but I think his instincts or "hockey sense" maybe has held him back a little bit. Hope he has a big year for Gophers, because they'll need him with all the incoming freshmen.

[GopherPete]

Ranta needs to be better in terms of the buildup of offense at 5 on 5. He’s got a great shot and is a PP threat which is a somewhat elusive skill so he has that going for him. But at 5v5 he was kind of a drag on play last year and he needs to pick up his head more and make the right plays. Hopefully he can improve on that because he definitely has some of the tools to be a scorer.

Since the entire first power play has moved on to professional hockey, it's a wide open race for him to earn a spot there this year. Seemed to be his most productive spot in the USHL shooting from his off wing. When he did get chances during practice and games, he was a little indecisive with his decision making and there just isn't time for that at the level the Gophers play. Sometimes the less optimal decision made quickly is better than the right one after giving the defense time to adjust.

Maybe we'll see some looks like these?

Brannon McManus - RF Scott Reedy - RF
Tyler Nanne - RD Sampo Ranta -LF
Jackson LaCombe - LD

Sammy Walker - RF Nathan Burke - LF
Bryce Brodzinski - RF Blake McLaughlin - LF
Ryan Zuhlsdorf - LD

Or will a 5th forward will play the point like Novak?

I would think Meyer will get a chance to prove he belongs on the PP.

[Bonin21]

5 forwards was only because it was necessary with the pathetic D unit Bob inherited. It should never happen again.

[Sioux Suck]

5 forwards was only because it was necessary with the pathetic D unit Bob inherited. It should never happen again.

Only because it was Novak, who was a great distributor and capable defensively to cover if something should happen. Of all the graduated seniors, I will wish we had him for one more year

[Cardinal]

Primary assist for Ranta on his first shift today vs. Canada. On NHL Network right now. U.S. (with McLaughlin and Johnson) play Sweden on 3 PM, also on NHLN.

He also added a PP goal. 5-0 Fins.

[GopherPete]

Who will be this years leading scorer? Also, do we have a 35 point d-man on the roster this season?

Walker is the obvious answer, but maybe one of the upperclassmen makes a big jump and surprises (Reedy, McManus). Otherwise, wouldn't be surprising to see guys like McLaughlin or Ranta put up some points? BB or Meyers?

[Bonin21]

Barring injury it's Walker.

And 35 is too high maybe 30.

[GopherPete]

40+ pts for Walker? If anyone, who else do you think will eclipse 30 pts?

[Bonin21]

Well whoever is on his line to start. So for now, BMW.

[Cardinal]

Yeah, no chance Walker can increase his production from his freshman year to sophomore by more than four points. 30 seems like for SURE a good ceiling.

[Bonin21]

What? The 30 point comment was for the D question.

[BlueBandit24]

I'd imagine it will be Walker. Would be pleasantly surprised if it is someone else as I am highly confident Walker will be extremely productive. Could see McManus or Ranta pacing in goal scoring, though don't see them leading in points.

[gopherfun83]

The leading scorer will be Walker. Most likely there won't be a 35 point d-man, but Nanne will be close.

[glenhogan21]

How many points does Phillips put up in the USHL before everyone second guesses Motzko for moving on from him?

[trixR4kids]

Could see McLaughlin up there if he takes another step in his development, especially if he’s on Walker’s line. But hopefully McManus and Reedy do, them being at full health should help and gives some reason to think they could take a bigger leap.

How many points does Phillips put up in the USHL before everyone second guesses Motzko for moving on from him?

Someone will do it to troll I’m sure but I hope nobody would do that seriously.

[glenhogan21]

Of all the guys that need to take a step, Reedy might be most critical. We need him to be a solid #2 center.

[Bonin21]

I don't think we need that to be okay

[glenhogan21]

Who do you see playing center? I don’t think Brodz has the footspeed to step in right away and play center on 2nd line.

[Greyeagle]

How many points does Phillips put up in the USHL before everyone second guesses Motzko for moving on from him?

1

[Sioux Suck]

How many points does Phillips put up in the USHL before everyone second guesses Motzko for moving on from him?

Nobody who saw him play in maroon and gold would do that

[MNGophers29]

How many points does Phillips put up in the USHL before everyone second guesses Motzko for moving on from him?

Nobody who saw him play in maroon and gold would do that

You've checked out the comments on the FB posts before right? Those idiots say anything idiotic.

[Greyeagle]

How many points does Phillips put up in the USHL before everyone second guesses Motzko for moving on from him?

Nobody who saw him play in maroon and gold would do that

Logic plays no part.

[Cardinal]

[Cardinal]

[maroon_and_gold]

Would be nice if we go 4-0 to start the year vs CC and Niagra seeing as the first half of the season looks very stingy. At the very least 3-1. 2-2 would mean either getting swept by CC or losing a game to Niagra. Can’t have either of those.

[D2D]

What looks to be an improved CC could be a real challenge for a young Gopher team starting their regular season on the road. I don't think getting a split out there would be a bad outcome. That said, anything less than a sweep at home vs. Niagra would be disappointing.

[gopherfun83]

Would be nice if we go 4-0 to start the year vs CC and Niagra seeing as the first half of the season looks very stingy. At the very least 3-1. 2-2 would mean either getting swept by CC or losing a game to Niagra. Can’t have either of those.

They should be 4-0 with solid defense and goalie play to start the season.

[bearpaw28]

Would be nice if we go 4-0 to start the year vs CC and Niagra seeing as the first half of the season looks very stingy. At the very least 3-1. 2-2 would mean either getting swept by CC or losing a game to Niagra. Can’t have either of those.

They should be 4-0 with solid defense and goalie play to start the season.

At least it’s clear Johnson will be a big addition on the blue line

[glenhogan21]

I thought McLaughlin looked pretty good in the world junior showcase. Looks stronger, little quicker, made plays on forecheck. Should have a solid season.

Caufield must have averaged 10 shots a game. He’s gonna be scary for BADgers this year

[Grovetown Scotty]

Would be nice if we go 4-0 to start the year vs CC and Niagra seeing as the first half of the season looks very stingy. At the very least 3-1. 2-2 would mean either getting swept by CC or losing a game to Niagra. Can’t have either of those.

They should be 4-0 with solid defense and goalie play to start the season.

At least it’s clear Johnson will be a big addition on the blue line

Totally agree with your take on Johnson. When is Koster expected to play?

[maroon_and_gold]

To those who’ve seen Sorenson play, can we expect a surprise freshman season similar to Burke’s out of him this year? They put up identical numbers in their rookie seasons in the NAHL (56 points in 60 games) and both seem like they’re similar in playing style (hard-working, not flashy). Fourth line spots are wide open for the taking so it wouldn’t surprise me if he was given a shot.

[maroon_and_gold]

Would be nice if we go 4-0 to start the year vs CC and Niagra seeing as the first half of the season looks very stingy. At the very least 3-1. 2-2 would mean either getting swept by CC or losing a game to Niagra. Can’t have either of those.

They should be 4-0 with solid defense and goalie play to start the season.

At least it’s clear Johnson will be a big addition on the blue line

Totally agree with your take on Johnson. When is Koster expected to play?

Fall 2020

[Goldy77]

To those who’ve seen Sorenson play, can we expect a surprise freshman season similar to Burke’s out of him this year? They put up identical numbers in their rookie seasons in the NAHL (56 points in 60 games) and both seem like they’re similar in playing style (hard-working, not flashy). Fourth line spots are wide open for the taking so it wouldn’t surprise me if he was given a shot.

Hopefully he’ll be a nice addition. Romanko also put up similar points IIRC in his final NAHL season so I wouldn’t put much into that.

[Sioux Suck]

To those who’ve seen Sorenson play, can we expect a surprise freshman season similar to Burke’s out of him this year? They put up identical numbers in their rookie seasons in the NAHL (56 points in 60 games) and both seem like they’re similar in playing style (hard-working, not flashy). Fourth line spots are wide open for the taking so it wouldn’t surprise me if he was given a shot.

I’d say 50-50. Saw him play at the NAHL championship series versus Johnstown. Sorenson was the most skilled player on the ice without question. And, what really caught my eye was his drive and team first attitude. There was a scrum in front of the benches to end the 2nd period, Sorenson was the first Fairbanks player confronting a Johnstown player and protecting his teammates. I really like seeing that combination of skill and intensity. As for potential points...if he’s on a line with two very skilled scorers like Walker and McLaughlin, he’ll reap the rewards and put up decent stat lines. Put him on the fourth line with two other plodders similar to Ramsey and Norman, and he’ll be lucky to break 10 points.

[glenhogan21]

The Competition for Center after walker should be good. Sorenson should be right in the mix, has more speed than some other options.

[Slap Shot]

Pretty cool regardless, but there's not a lot of players (at least in this photo) in attendance from the 90's or older.

[Orion]

Pretty cool regardless, but there's not a lot of players (at least in this photo) in attendance from the 90's or older.

That was likely intentional. They captioned the picture as current or recent alums. I'm guessing they have had enough of an older Edina resident telling them how to run the program.

[Vegoe]

Greg May is the new Director of Hockey Ops for Gopher Hockey. He got Farmington to a state tournament and had helped put Blake in a pretty good situation as they transitioned to AA hockey. That program was set for a pretty good season this year with Gophers commits Tristan Broz and Joe Miller leading the way. Rob McClahanan will take the reigns there.

[Norm]

OK. What does the Director of Hockey Ops do?

[Vegoe]

OK. What does the Director of Hockey Ops do?

The position takes care of team travel (hotel, buses, airplane and team meal reservations) and does the video editing. They also typically work as a liaison fundraising, academics and university business. They can also do some recruiting legwork for video and materials. It's not supposed to be a coaching position.

[Bonin21]

I interviewed Bahr for sport management (easiest elective ever) but I forgot a lot of the stuff. Think he organized the mariucci classic (including opponents), as well as the golf tournament. Maybe all the non conf opponents? Think maybe he ran some of the film stuff too?

[frozen4champs]

Pretty cool regardless, but there's not a lot of players (at least in this photo) in attendance from the 90's or older.

There are 3 players I don't recognize. The guys on each end of row 2 and the guy with the dark hair in the middle front row next to Skjei, Help..

[Jupiter]

The guys in the end are administration guys. Cannot remember their names.

Vinni Lettieri is in the middle. Both @evegoe and I questioned it, but Vegoe got confirmation that it is Vinni.

[MATT]

Alright, can we get a full L-R for everyone else that doesn't typically see them with helmets off ? I have a couple question marks; did I get the rest correct?

Back Row: Admin Guy, Vanek, Martin, Schmidt, ???, Goligoski, Motzko, Haula, Boyd, Leopold, Admin Guy
Front Row: Kloos, Holl, Skjei, Lettieri, Fasching, Bjugstad, ???, Helgeson

[maroon_and_gold]

Alright, can we get a full L-R for everyone else that doesn't typically see them with helmets off ? I have a couple question marks; did I get the rest correct?

Back Row: Admin Guy, Vanek, Martin, Schmidt, ???, Goligoski, Motzko, Haula, Boyd, Leopold, Admin Guy
Front Row: Kloos, Holl, Skjei, Lettieri, Fasching, Bjugstad, ???, Helgeson

Wilcox after Bjugstad that’s all I know. I’m stumped on the other mystery guy too.

[J22]

Alright, can we get a full L-R for everyone else that doesn't typically see them with helmets off ? I have a couple question marks; did I get the rest correct?

Back Row: Admin Guy, Vanek, Martin, Schmidt, ???, Goligoski, Motzko, Haula, Boyd, Leopold, Admin Guy
Front Row: Kloos, Holl, Skjei, Lettieri, Fasching, Bjugstad, ???, Helgeson

Wilcox after Bjugstad that’s all I know. I’m stumped on the other mystery guy too.

Isn't that Ballard?

[frozen4champs]

The guys in the end are administration guys. Cannot remember their names.

Vinni Lettieri is in the middle. Both @evegoe and I questioned it, but Vegoe got confirmation that it is Vinni.

Thanks. Wow, should have got that one, but for some reason it didn't look like him.

[ScoobyDoo]

Alright, can we get a full L-R for everyone else that doesn't typically see them with helmets off ? I have a couple question marks; did I get the rest correct?

Back Row: Admin Guy, Vanek, Martin, Schmidt, ???, Goligoski, Motzko, Haula, Boyd, Leopold, Admin Guy
Front Row: Kloos, Holl, Skjei, Lettieri, Fasching, Bjugstad, ???, Helgeson

Wilcox after Bjugstad that’s all I know. I’m stumped on the other mystery guy too.

Isn't that Ballard?

That's what it looks like to me.

[Jupiter]

[Norm]

Kinda heartwarming, isn't it.

[g-manpuck]

Boyd and Helgeson were the two that stumped me.

[Vegoe]

The guys in the end are administration guys. Cannot remember their names.

Vinni Lettieri is in the middle. Both @evegoe and I questioned it, but Vegoe got confirmation that it is Vinni.

Sr. Associate AD Tom McGinnis is the back left guy--he's the main administrator for men's and women's hockey, oversees event management and athletics IT. He has served on the NCAA D1 Men's Hockey Committee as the chair for a while, has been the tournament chairman as well and works with College Hockey Inc.

Associate AD Randy Handel is in the back right, he's a big fundraising guy for Gophers Athletics in the Golden Gopher Fund.

[JWG]

Hope the missing team makes the list this season.

[frozen4champs]

The worst kept secret is official now. Lafontaine added to roster
https://gophersports.com/news/2019/8/20 ... oster.aspx

[D2D]

The worst kept secret is official now. Lafontaine added to roster
https://gophersports.com/news/2019/8/20 ... oster.aspx

How is it that "he will be immediately eligible to play for the Maroon & Gold while the netminder will have two years of eligibility remaining."

[frozen4champs]

The worst kept secret is official now. Lafontaine added to roster
https://gophersports.com/news/2019/8/20 ... oster.aspx

How is it that "he will be immediately eligible to play for the Maroon & Gold while the netminder will have two years of eligibility remaining."

He played 2 years at Michigan, and sat out last year playing in Canada. So, he has 2 years left.

[Vegasgopher]

I believe he played 2 years for the ugly helmets then went to Canada juniors for a year...

[Bladepuller]

The worst kept secret is official now. Lafontaine added to roster
https://gophersports.com/news/2019/8/20 ... oster.aspx

How is it that "he will be immediately eligible to play for the Maroon & Gold while the netminder will have two years of eligibility remaining."

His BCHL time served as his waiting period

[D2D]

Got it, thanks guys. Sure hope he pans out.

[gopherfun83]

Do you think the Gophers will be over or under 25 wins this year?
I think they will be much improved this year 28 wins with a NCAA tournament appearance. They will be a fun team to watch this year.

[Handyman]

Over. Not sure if will lead anywhere significant other than a Big Ten Title though.

[Sioux Suck]

Do you think the Gophers will be over or under 25 wins this year?
I think they will be much improved this year 28 wins with a NCAA tournament appearance. They will be a fun team to watch this year.

At least one win in the tournament. At least

[Bonin21]

Only 8 teams get that every year. A tourney slot would be a success.

Next year would be the contender year if everyone is back and Koster transitions well.

[streakygopher]

Not sure where all the confidence is coming from, but, after losing a rock of a goal tender and a healthy swath of upperclassmen, I'm a wee bit cautious.

Like so many Gophers teams, there is young talent, but will that translate into wins for the fresh faced lads plying their raw, yet unrefined, skills? Their tournament position may be taking shape late in the second half of the season - or they could be thwarted around Christmastime by a lurking Ferris State type Grinch of a pairwise wrecker.

[Magic]

The goal for me is always the same “Make the Tournament” then roll the dice.

[Cardinal]

Not sure where all the confidence is coming from, but, after losing a rock of a goal tender and a healthy swath of upperclassmen, I'm a wee bit cautious.

Like so many Gophers teams, there is young talent, but will that translate into wins for the fresh faced lads plying their raw, yet unrefined, skills? Their tournament position may be taking shape late in the second half of the season - or they could be thwarted around Christmastime by a lurking Ferris State type Grinch of a pairwise wrecker.

1. Bob's second year
2. More young players since they were among the best on the team last year and don't have the baggage from Lucia
3. Defensemen that can actually break the puck out and can skate

[streakygopher]

Not sure where all the confidence is coming from, but, after losing a rock of a goal tender and a healthy swath of upperclassmen, I'm a wee bit cautious.

Like so many Gophers teams, there is young talent, but will that translate into wins for the fresh faced lads plying their raw, yet unrefined, skills? Their tournament position may be taking shape late in the second half of the season - or they could be thwarted around Christmastime by a lurking Ferris State type Grinch of a pairwise wrecker.

1. Bob's second year
2. More young players since they were among the best on the team last year and don't have the baggage from Lucia
3. Defensemen that can actually break the puck out and can skate

Those are three persuasive reasons for hope...not sure about confidence.

[trixR4kids]

Not sure where all the confidence is coming from, but, after losing a rock of a goal tender and a healthy swath of upperclassmen, I'm a wee bit cautious.

Pretty much the same as how I see it. We lost much of the #1 PP unit and as you mention, Robson, that drove a lot of our success last year and the team wasn’t very good at five on five play. And while Johnson should help I just don’t feel like we’ve turned over enough of that blue line yet.

[Cardinal]

People are underestimating the difference it’ll make, in theory, to have two elite puck-movers on the backend the get things moving up the ice. Due to that, goalies this year shouldn’t have to face anywhere close to the same amount of high-danger chances Robson did last season.

[Vegasgopher]

First "half" schedule up to the break is a meat grinder...at CC is an unknown, long trip and never easy there, home vs Niagara should help then every series after that is vs a quality team...hope they gel quick