The new issue of Hockey Ink. includes an article about Chris Marinucci,
who played for UMD last year and won the Hobey Baker award.  The article
is "Chris Marinucci: Steps Off Campus and Into the Pros."  The article
talks about his career at UMD and quotes him, "I think it's starting to
come, but I've still got a ways to go.  At the professional level,
everyone is so much bigger and stronger.  In college, you can get away
with more - you can knock guys off the puck and stuff like that.  At this
level you can't make any mistakes, it's a little more strategic.  So far,
I've missed a lot of chances but I'll worry once I stop getting
chances...when the opportunities aren't there."
 
The article says Marinucci came close to sticking with teh New York
Islanders, but was sent down to the Denver Grizzlies just before the
lockout to gain ice time and experience.
 
Marinucci also said, "Where I'm from, it just seemed like a natural to
choose college over juniors.  I grew up watching college in Northern
Minnesota, plus it's nice to get an education."
 
The article also noted that the Denver Grizzlies have another Hobey Baker
award winner - Kip Miller, who won the aware in 1989-90, while playing
for Michigan State.
 
Carol