The Golden Gopher men's hockey team defeated Colorado College 4-2 in the West Regional quarterfinal in Ann Arbor, Mich. With the win, Minnesota advances to the Frozen Four in two weeks at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Colorado College got on the board first as Alex Kim's centering pass was accidently tipped in by Golden Gopher defenseman Keith Ballard at 7:52 of the first period. Just under three minutes later, the Golden Gophers responded as John Pohl found Grant Potulny in front of the net. Potulny's one-timer beat CC goalie Jeff Sanger. The Tigers held a 13-6 edge in shots in the period.
Minnesota took the lead in the second period on the power-play as Nick Angell's one-timer from inside the blue line beat Sanger to his right. Moments later, Jeff Taffe got in the action as he took the pass from Dan Welch along the board. With a 2-on-1 with Potulny, Taffe kept it and crossed in front of Sanger. He slid the puck under his arm and Minnesota led 3-1.
Colorado College pulled to within one with less than seven minutes to play in the period after a turnover in the Minnesota zone. Jesse Hereema took the puck and used his backhand to slide the puck to Peter Sejna who beat Hauser.
Leading 3-2 entering the third period, Pohl gave the Golden Gophers an insurance goal as he scored shorthanded on the breakaway. The 4-2 lead would hold up as Hauser stopped 33 of 35 shots.
Minnesota will face either Denver or Michigan on April 4 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
Postgame Quotes:
Head Coach Don Lucia
"Early in the game, we had great energy in the first few minutes. The rest of the period CC outplayed us. Some of that was nervousness. They came out very confident. Adam (Hauser) was outstanding, especially in the first half of the game. He made some saves that really kept us in there. We got two quick goals and Johnny (Pohl) iced it with the shorthanded goal. Since last spring, knowing that the Frozen Four was in St. Paul, our goal was to get the bye. This was a difficult game. I'm coaching Minnesota, but I recruited a couple classes there (at Colorado College) and I feel bad for them. I'm proud of how far they've come.
"We got better as the game went on. I didn't think we were very good in the first period. They were very good. Keith (Ballard) got hurt in the first period and we didn't know if he'd play. But Adam (Hauser) was huge, he certainly helped us win with how well he played."
"The seniors wanted it so bad, they led the way. I said I didn't think I'd every heard Jordan (Leopold) so vocal in the locker room as before the game today."
(On Ballard's status) "He got a shot just above the knee in the quad. He'll be fine in another 10 days. He gutted it out tonight."
(On Going to the Frozen Four) "I try to stress to them what a great thrill it is. You're only a sophomore or freshman and you think you're going to get another opportunity and you may not. I inherited some great players here; they had been through a lot. We worked so hard all year to get the bye. That was our overriding goal. If we would have played yesterday and CC had been fresh, I think they probably would have won this game."
Hey gents thought I would hop over and drop a line. I am a big time Goph's booster and haven't been this excited for our lads in quite some time. It's good to see them back in the frozen four and no matter what happens it's been a good year and will help with recriuting. Luccia has done a great job ! I liked Wooger to but think Luccia has brought in some new ideas and blood. I am nervous and excited about next week ! I can't wait, I have been trying to get tickets but i think I'll have to take my chances with the scalpers.
I can't wait until it's here. I am trying to think of a good saloon to go and watch it. other than the obvious madhouses down by the Excel, any suggestions ?
That was one of the most, if not the most intense games I have ever watched.
I have been a Goph, hockey fan since I was a little kid and have watched the good bad and ugly over the years and we were due. What makes it even sweeter is to see a great comeback with 58 sec. left and to win it in overtime in front of our home bunch. What a game !!!!!!!!!!!! Wooohooo. I could watch that highlight film 1,000 times. WoW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2002 National Champion Minnesota Golden Gophers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The NHL's Central Scouting Bureau (CSB) today released its Final rankings for all players eligible for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft that takes place in June. Below is the list of Gophers players who are ranked and some other ranking info.
TOMAS VANEK:He ranks 3rd overall among North American prospects (that is those that play here in North America). His mid-term ranking was the same. Some are predicting that he could possibly go first overall...and it's not hard to see why!
GINO GUYER:He ranks 84th, a notch from 85th in the Mid-term rankings. He's projected to go anywhere from the 3rd to 5th round.
TYLER HIRSCH:He's a surprises as far as rankings go. His improved play down the stretch for the Gophers certainly helped his ranking. His Final Ranking is 172nd among all North Americans....not bad considering he didn't even crack the top 200 in the mid-term rankings.
PETER KENNEDY:Like Guyer, he moved down a notch in the Final rankings to #175. He'll likely be a very late round selection.
TRAVIS WEBER:The Gophers Netminder's showing both in the regular season and especially in the Frozen Four Tournament paid off big time in his rankings. Arguably on the bigger surprises in the Final North American Goaltender Rankings. He Final Ranking is #15. What makes this so impressive is that he wasn't even in the Top 30 or so in the Mid-Term CSB rankings.
From what I have been able to gather, Weber was closely watched by many of the NHL scouts in attendance during the Frozen Four Tournament....and he didn't disappoint. His likely draft round (IMHO) will be anywhere between the 3rd and 6th rounds.
Vanek will be gone :( Maybe the Wild could get him !
When you win national championships your program is going to get attention. I think if a player gets a scholarship for playing _____ sport they ought to finish their 4 years as part of the contract.
From what some Gophers fans that I've chatted with on other college hockey boards (not here at PF) are saying, Vanek will be back in a Gophers uni next season.
I would think Vanek will stay another year. He likes the team, I'm sure he'll want to try and do back-to-back-to-back championships. We have a lot of players back, so why not? He could try for a Hobey perhaps. Then make the jump to the pros. Or at least find out how the CBA goes for the pros.
Get ready to eat your words, because here's the word on Vanek.....
Vanek will return to U this season
AUGUST 7, 2003 [from the St. Paul Pioneer Press Website]
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL --- Thomas Vanek, who as a freshman led the national champion University of Minnesota men's hockey team in scoring last season, will spend at least another year with the Gophers, allowing the Buffalo Sabres' top draft pick more time to develop.
"Our view is another year at the University of Minnesota is probably the best thing for him," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said Wednesday. "He's going to be afforded opportunities that we couldn't give him... and from a development standpoint it's pretty tough to argue with right now."
Regier's comments end speculation of the Sabres' considerations to sign Vanek and have him forgo his final three years of college eligibility.
Selected with the No. 5 pick in last month's draft, Vanek is a flashy, Austrian-born offensive forward who is coming off an impressive freshman season in which he helped the Gophers win its second consecutive NCAA championship.
Gophers coach Don Lucia welcomed the news.
"I think he's making a smart decision from the standpoint of what's best long term and short term," Lucia said. "He's only 19 years old and has a very bright future ahead of him, but I think you can make a mistake to want to rush things as opposed to allow him to naturally develop.
"And when he's ready, he'll be there."
Vanek led Minnesota with 31 goals, 17 in the third period or overtime, and 62 points in 45 games last season. He scored game-winners in the Gophers' NCAA semifinal and final victories.
I partied with the guy one night at a house over on Jessamine Street :) Damn, he slammed them down pretty good!! We sat around and talked about Phil Housley and his brother Larry, and the reason he turned down the NYIslander coaching job. It was a great night
This is my brother-in-law with Herbie back in a 1982 hockey camp. He still talks about how special meeting Herb was and how nice he was. I'm sure he'll be missed by many of these hockey kids now all grown up.
Sheesh, I saw the Maverick Stampede today and the Gophers (especially their Defence) looked awful!!!! 4-0 shutout?! First time in since 2001?! What's up with that.
Do you all want the gory details? A few Gophers DID have a good game.
GO GOPHERS!
[March 23, 2002]
The Golden Gopher men's hockey team defeated Colorado College 4-2 in the West Regional quarterfinal in Ann Arbor, Mich. With the win, Minnesota advances to the Frozen Four in two weeks at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
Colorado College got on the board first as Alex Kim's centering pass was accidently tipped in by Golden Gopher defenseman Keith Ballard at 7:52 of the first period. Just under three minutes later, the Golden Gophers responded as John Pohl found Grant Potulny in front of the net. Potulny's one-timer beat CC goalie Jeff Sanger. The Tigers held a 13-6 edge in shots in the period.
Minnesota took the lead in the second period on the power-play as Nick Angell's one-timer from inside the blue line beat Sanger to his right. Moments later, Jeff Taffe got in the action as he took the pass from Dan Welch along the board. With a 2-on-1 with Potulny, Taffe kept it and crossed in front of Sanger. He slid the puck under his arm and Minnesota led 3-1.
Colorado College pulled to within one with less than seven minutes to play in the period after a turnover in the Minnesota zone. Jesse Hereema took the puck and used his backhand to slide the puck to Peter Sejna who beat Hauser.
Leading 3-2 entering the third period, Pohl gave the Golden Gophers an insurance goal as he scored shorthanded on the breakaway. The 4-2 lead would hold up as Hauser stopped 33 of 35 shots.
Minnesota will face either Denver or Michigan on April 4 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
Postgame Quotes:
Head Coach Don Lucia
"Early in the game, we had great energy in the first few minutes. The rest of the period CC outplayed us. Some of that was nervousness. They came out very confident. Adam (Hauser) was outstanding, especially in the first half of the game. He made some saves that really kept us in there. We got two quick goals and Johnny (Pohl) iced it with the shorthanded goal. Since last spring, knowing that the Frozen Four was in St. Paul, our goal was to get the bye. This was a difficult game. I'm coaching Minnesota, but I recruited a couple classes there (at Colorado College) and I feel bad for them. I'm proud of how far they've come.
"We got better as the game went on. I didn't think we were very good in the first period. They were very good. Keith (Ballard) got hurt in the first period and we didn't know if he'd play. But Adam (Hauser) was huge, he certainly helped us win with how well he played."
"The seniors wanted it so bad, they led the way. I said I didn't think I'd every heard Jordan (Leopold) so vocal in the locker room as before the game today."
(On Ballard's status) "He got a shot just above the knee in the quad. He'll be fine in another 10 days. He gutted it out tonight."
(On Going to the Frozen Four) "I try to stress to them what a great thrill it is. You're only a sophomore or freshman and you think you're going to get another opportunity and you may not. I inherited some great players here; they had been through a lot. We worked so hard all year to get the bye. That was our overriding goal. If we would have played yesterday and CC had been fresh, I think they probably would have won this game."
Hey gents thought I would hop over and drop a line. I am a big time Goph's booster and haven't been this excited for our lads in quite some time. It's good to see them back in the frozen four and no matter what happens it's been a good year and will help with recriuting. Luccia has done a great job ! I liked Wooger to but think Luccia has brought in some new ideas and blood. I am nervous and excited about next week ! I can't wait, I have been trying to get tickets but i think I'll have to take my chances with the scalpers.
Any thoughts on what's going to happen ?
GO GOPHERS!!!
WoooooooHooooooo on to the championship !!!!!
Bring on Maine !!!!!!!!!!!!
Good game, I wish they wouldn't have let it get interesting at the end of the game. Can't wait for Saturday. !
no kidding. i've got no fingernails left for saturday.
I can't wait until it's here. I am trying to think of a good saloon to go and watch it. other than the obvious madhouses down by the Excel, any suggestions ?
dunno. i may make my way over to sally's on campus. then again, i may well stay home and watch it there.
Dog posting GO GOPHERS?
good for you SLOOP.
Two NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS would be nice.
(Wrestlin', Hockey)
Saw the GOPHERS bow out to MAINE back in 1992.
REDEMPTIONS SONGS.
What an excellent game!!!!! Way to go Gophers!!!!
NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!!!
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
National Champions!
Congrats to the Gophers!
Good Job!
Wow ! What a game !!!!!
That was one of the most, if not the most intense games I have ever watched.
I have been a Goph, hockey fan since I was a little kid and have watched the good bad and ugly over the years and we were due. What makes it even sweeter is to see a great comeback with 58 sec. left and to win it in overtime in front of our home bunch. What a game !!!!!!!!!!!! Wooohooo. I could watch that highlight film 1,000 times. WoW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2002 National Champion Minnesota Golden Gophers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great Job Gophers!!!! You conquered the big one!
Let the pepper spray begin ;-}
Wasn't sure where to put this, but I figured there's some similarity in the sports, by a stretch of the imagination. Also, they're both champs.
Just wanted to congratulate the Gophers Mens golf team for winning the NCAA championship. Going from the grave to the top like they have takes a lot.
PalinaJOE!
The NHL's Central Scouting Bureau (CSB) today released its Final rankings for all players eligible for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft that takes place in June. Below is the list of Gophers players who are ranked and some other ranking info.
TOMAS VANEK:He ranks 3rd overall among North American prospects (that is those that play here in North America). His mid-term ranking was the same. Some are predicting that he could possibly go first overall...and it's not hard to see why!
GINO GUYER:He ranks 84th, a notch from 85th in the Mid-term rankings. He's projected to go anywhere from the 3rd to 5th round.
TYLER HIRSCH:He's a surprises as far as rankings go. His improved play down the stretch for the Gophers certainly helped his ranking. His Final Ranking is 172nd among all North Americans....not bad considering he didn't even crack the top 200 in the mid-term rankings.
PETER KENNEDY:Like Guyer, he moved down a notch in the Final rankings to #175. He'll likely be a very late round selection.
TRAVIS WEBER:The Gophers Netminder's showing both in the regular season and especially in the Frozen Four Tournament paid off big time in his rankings. Arguably on the bigger surprises in the Final North American Goaltender Rankings. He Final Ranking is #15. What makes this so impressive is that he wasn't even in the Top 30 or so in the Mid-Term CSB rankings.
From what I have been able to gather, Weber was closely watched by many of the NHL scouts in attendance during the Frozen Four Tournament....and he didn't disappoint. His likely draft round (IMHO) will be anywhere between the 3rd and 6th rounds.
Lady Gretzky 5/14/03 4:34pm
Vanek will be gone :( Maybe the Wild could get him !
When you win national championships your program is going to get attention. I think if a player gets a scholarship for playing _____ sport they ought to finish their 4 years as part of the contract.
I'm sure he would but you wave a signing bonus in front of any kid that age usually and its sianara. :(
From what some Gophers fans that I've chatted with on other college hockey boards (not here at PF) are saying, Vanek will be back in a Gophers uni next season.
The year after that.....I couldn't tell ya.
I would think Vanek will stay another year. He likes the team, I'm sure he'll want to try and do back-to-back-to-back championships. We have a lot of players back, so why not? He could try for a Hobey perhaps. Then make the jump to the pros. Or at least find out how the CBA goes for the pros.
sayonara?
5 Gophers.....2 current and 3 incoming freshmen were taken in the NHL Entry Draft this weekend.
Tomas Vanekled the way going to the Buffalo Sabres with the 5th Overall Selection.
Vanek's teammate from last season Gino Guyerwent 165th Overall to the Dallas Stars.
The incoming freshmen making their Gophers debut that were drafted are:
C Danny Irmen, who went 78th Overall to your Minnesota Wild!
C Ryan Potulny, who went 87th Overall to the Philadelphia Flyers
and
D Michael Vannelli, who went 136th Overall to the Atlanta Thrashers
Vanek ain't staying. The 5th pick in te first round? That's big bucks! = )
Stewartfan - (PFID:2fce4d33) - 10:55pm Jun 24, 2003 PST (# 31 of 31)
Vanek ain't staying....
Don't bet on it!
Get ready to eat your words, because here's the word on Vanek.....
Vanek will return to U this season
AUGUST 7, 2003
[from the St. Paul Pioneer Press Website]
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL --- Thomas Vanek, who as a freshman led the national champion University of Minnesota men's hockey team in scoring last season, will spend at least another year with the Gophers, allowing the Buffalo Sabres' top draft pick more time to develop.
"Our view is another year at the University of Minnesota is probably the best thing for him," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said Wednesday. "He's going to be afforded opportunities that we couldn't give him... and from a development standpoint it's pretty tough to argue with right now."
Regier's comments end speculation of the Sabres' considerations to sign Vanek and have him forgo his final three years of college eligibility.
Selected with the No. 5 pick in last month's draft, Vanek is a flashy, Austrian-born offensive forward who is coming off an impressive freshman season in which he helped the Gophers win its second consecutive NCAA championship.
Gophers coach Don Lucia welcomed the news.
"I think he's making a smart decision from the standpoint of what's best long term and short term," Lucia said. "He's only 19 years old and has a very bright future ahead of him, but I think you can make a mistake to want to rush things as opposed to allow him to naturally develop.
"And when he's ready, he'll be there."
Vanek led Minnesota with 31 goals, 17 in the third period or overtime, and 62 points in 45 games last season. He scored game-winners in the Gophers' NCAA semifinal and final victories.
You knew it was just gonna happen.....sooner or later.
Here's the whole story:
http://www.uscho.com/news/2003/08/08_006852.php
Damn. Herb Brooks is dead.
Sad story indeed
I partied with the guy one night at a house over on Jessamine Street :) Damn, he slammed them down pretty good!! We sat around and talked about Phil Housley and his brother Larry, and the reason he turned down the NYIslander coaching job. It was a great night
This is my brother-in-law with Herbie back in a 1982 hockey camp. He still talks about how special meeting Herb was and how nice he was. I'm sure he'll be missed by many of these hockey kids now all grown up.
Joe
Sheesh, I saw the Maverick Stampede today and the Gophers (especially their Defence) looked awful!!!! 4-0 shutout?! First time in since 2001?! What's up with that.
Do you all want the gory details? A few Gophers DID have a good game.
What's one game? :) I say they will be in the NCAA tourney without a doubt
Hard to believe Lucia would have such an abrupt change of tide for his team.
all i can say is as much as i love the gophers, the more they lose the higher up i go on the season ticket waiting list.....