Gophers  1996-97
 
The Gophers return a tremendously strong team from last year, with enough
talent to field two division one teams.  There is unbelievable depth and
talent on this team, as I'm sure all the players are aware of.  It is very
difficult to imagine any team getting close to this years Gophers.  That
said what is written below is one persons very unprofessional assessment of
the players on  this years roster.  Let me say beforehand to the gopher
fans waiting to flame, that any critical assessment may have a tinge of
criticism, and as everybody on the listserve knows, over gushing on the
talents of each and every player not only is boring but inconsequential.
 
The Very Good
 
The gophers return two players better than last year's Hobey Baker winner
Brian Bonin.  Mike Crowley the brilliant record setting defenseman from
Bloomington and Erik Rasmussen.
MIke Crowley: Paired with Dan Trebil last year, this combination was the
best pair of defense in college hockey since Cris Chelios and Gary Suter
were at Wisconsin.  Dominating player who has everybody shaking their head
as to why he has returned. Nobody can answer the question of  what he has
yet  to learn at this level of hockey.  Hope Woog doesn't tell him to
"rough it up" a little bit. A real joy to watch with remarkable,
I-can't-believe-I'm-saying-this, "hockey instincts".
Erik Rasmussen- Another player who has little to gain,hockeywise, by
staying at Minnesota.  He was seventh overall in this year's draft turning
down a big pro contract.  He came on very strong at the end of last year,
dominating play in front of the net.  Strong and agile, has all the
characteristics for pro hockey, can't miss kid if he stays healthy.
Dave Spehar- He has never played a game of college hockey, but it is
difficult to believe he won't become the player everybody expects.  The
most  highly anticipated high school hockey player since George Palawa out
of Bemiji. Set unofficial career state scoring records.  He is by now used
to drawing a crowd and working to get the puck where he wants it. Could not
have done more as a prep player.
 
The Good
 
Ryan Kraft- Cannot mention his name without the word "skill" following
shortly behind.  Tremendous control of the puck, speed and team concept. I
wouldn't say he improved a great deal from his Freshman to Sophomore year.
Needs to overcome the Woog curse of having four years that statistically
look equal.  He may need to do what Brian Bonin did,i.e. to become more
selfish with shooting the puck.
 
Casey Hankinson-Fans, and perhaps Woog expectation is that he play like his
brother Ben.  My guess is that his game is best when it is closer to his
brother Peter's intelligent style of play.  Entertaining, very good overall
hockey playing abilities, likes to mess with goaltenders.
 
Regie Berg-  Had an excellent Freshman season.  Second on the team in goals
scored with 23; none of which I can remember.  I doubt if Reggie though
cares about memorable goals.  It will be even more impressive if he is able
to equal his Freshman season  totals.
 
Steve Debus- I believe he is the only 22 year old to ever win the Rookie of
Year Award in the WCHA. Now 23 and  listed  as a....a Junior, he should be
not only able to take on  leadership duty, but be an assistant coach
further on in his college career.
 
The Enigmas
Nick Checco- Former Minnesota Mr. Hockey who seems to hibernate like a bear
until March. Have to hand it to him however, it is better to have a great
March than it is a great October.  Excellent at taking it end to end only
to have the puck poke checked away at the last possible moment.
 
Dan Woog- You have to feel a little sorry for Dan.  As the talent pool for
the gophers has increased every year, Dan abilities seem to pale in
comparison.  This wouldn't be at all noticeable on any other team except
for the fact that Dad likes to put him on power plays.  Dan is also capable
of taking a stupid two every now and again.
 
Brian LeFleur, Dan Hendrickson, Brett Abrahamson- yeah...... enigmas also
Billy Kohn, Wyatt Smith,speedy, and Brent Godbout.
 
Newcomers-Rachel Blount, columnist from the local Minneapolis Star and
Tribune recently brilliantly wrote that the Gophers would have to make up
for the scoring loss of Brian Bonin, Dave Larson and Jay Moser.  David
Spehar, already mentioned above, could make fans forget Bonin, and 7 of the
8 remaining newcomers to the Gophers can make up for the scoring of Larson
and Moser.  Unfairly, Spehar comes out of Duluth East with expectations
exceeding any high schooler to come to the Gophers in recent memory.
 
Mike Lyons- One of the few, Joe Dietzik the other, city players recruited
by Woog, who favors kids from the Southwest suburbs.  From the same
neighborhood as the Strobels formerly  from Wisconsin, Chad Remakel
formerly of Colorado College, and Randy Best and Jay Geisbauer of St. Cloud
State.  Even tempered quality individual on and off the ice who will work
hard and is sure do well.
Ben Clymer- Highly touted.
Rico Pagel- I don't know anything about him, but I like his name.
 
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