2008-09 Minnesota Gophers Hockey Schedule
Coach Don Lucia Leads Young Team into WCHA Play
Oct 11, 2008
After a 3-1 exhibition victory over the University of British Columbia on October 9th, the 2008-2009 Minnesota Gophers Men's hockey team will jump right into WCHA conference play in a home & home series versus St. Cloud State October 17 & 18.
Tough Schedule Starts Early
The Gophers' first four games are against ranked opponents (the 2nd series coming vs. Wisconsin) and 11 of their games this season will be versus five of the top eight ranked teams in the nation. It's a tough schedule, especially for such a young team, but one Coach Don Lucia feels is appropriate for a program of Minnesota's caliber. For the seventh straight year, Minnesota's preseason rank is among the top 10 teams in the NCAA. The 2008-2009 preseason ranking is #9. The Gophers are ranked #4 in their WCHA conference, behind Colorado College, North Dakota, and Denver.
Here's the entire 2008 Minnesota Gophers Mens Hockey Schedule:
(** denotes home & home weekends / 1 game at each home arena)
- Oct 17-18 St. Cloud State**
- Oct 24-25 @Wisconsin
- Oct 31-Nov 1 MN STATE / UMD /St.CLOUD (MN Hockey Showcase)
- Nov 7-8 NEW HAMPSHIRE
- Nov 15-16 MICHIGAN TECH
- Nov 21-22 @Denver
- Nov 28-29 MICHIGAN
- Dec 13-14 COLORADO COLLEGE
- Jan 2-3 NE / W. MICH / BROWN (Dodge Holiday Classic)
- Jan 9-10 @ North Dakota
- Jan 16-17 St. Cloud State**
- Jan 30-31 MN State Mankato**
- Feb 6-7 WISCONSIN
- Feb 13-14 ALASKA ANCHORAGE
- Feb 20-21 @ Colorado College
- Feb 27-28 UMD (DULUTH)
- Mar 6-7 @Michigan Tech
- Mar 13-15 WCHA Playoff 1st Round
- Mar 19-21 WCHA Final Five
- Mar 27-28 NCAA Regional (Mariucci Arena)
- Apr 9-11 NCAA Frozen Four (Wash D.C.)
Young Gophers Must Establish Chemistry Quickly
With a dozen incoming freshmen, to call the Gophers a young team is an understatement. In fact, 18 of the 27 man roster are either freshmen or sophomores. Coach Lucia feels he has a good freshman crop, "but they are freshmen," he stressed. "...it's about the returning players making a step up" from last season. Regarding lines, Lucia continued, "basically, half our team is new and it's going to take some time to figure out the chemistry and who should be playing with whom." The lack of early non-conference games means that chemistry needs to be established quickly.
Much Depends On Play of Returning Juniors & Seniors
The return of Junior forward Ryan Stoa, who sat out the majority of the 2007-2008 season after a knee injury and consequent surgery, is a bright spot. Stoa was named Gophers team Captain for the 2008-2009 season, along with Assistant Captains Senior forward Justin Bostrom and Junior Forward Ryan Flynn.
Among the other returnees expected to make major contributions are Tony Lucia (Jr./Fwd), Jay Bariball (Jr. Fwd) and R.J. Anderson (Sr./D). Sophomore goalie Alex Kangas returns as starting goalie, after very strong late season and playoff contests.
Although the Gophers will play a home-heavy schedule, with only five full series at out-of-town arenas, Gophers fans will miss a home matchup against neighboring rivals North Dakota. Their only scheduled series this season is at the Sioux's home ice. With any luck, however, the two may well meet in the WCHA playoffs.
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