Man, the college hockey season is ONLY one game old and the hockey experts
are already out criticizing the recruiting practices of the University of
Minnesota.  It always amazes me that anyone other than the locals would
even care!
 
I realize that this WON'T end the debate, but let me try and put the proper
perspective to what I think is the MOST LOGICAL recruiting approach in ALL
of college athletics.
 
It kind of a "funnel" philosophy so read/listen closely.
 
First, the state of Minnesota has the MOST hockey players in the United
States under the age of 18 currently registered with USA Hockey.  MY POINT:
This means that the premier college hockey program in the state begins by
drawing its resources from the largest consolidated pool of players in the
COUNTRY.
 
Second, it may not be perfect, but Minnesota has developed the most
competitive high school hockey system in the USA.  Over the past 50 years
this system has proven itself both internally and externally.  MY POINT:
Minnesota has an effective vehicle in place that allows talented players to
be developed and showcased for U of M recruiters.  Also, don't buy into the
MYTH that the "best" players are jumping ship for the Juniors, it is ONLY a
handful of players.
 
Third, piggybacking on point number two, Minnesota is second to only
Ontario, Canada in placing players in Divison One hockey.  Last season ACHA
did a player count and Minnesota has approximately 170 players in D1
programs.  This number was WAY ahead of both Massachusetts and Michigan,
and less than a dozen players behind the Province of Onatrio.  MY POINT:
If Minnesota is "churning out" this many D1 players why would the Gophers
NEED to look any further than its own borders!  Last season the Gopher
recruiting budget was a measly $10,000.
 
I could go on with many other "points" regarding players from Minnesota
playing in Junior A, Olympic competition, National Team programs, as well
as the National Hockey League (mostly former Gophers), but I hope I at
least shed some "new" light on why the U of M recruits only players from
Minnesota.
 
Lastly, I would like to offer my opinion on using NCAA national
championships as a barometer of success.  If you try and criticize the
Gophers because they haven't won the "BIG ONE" since 1979 you need to stop
being a hypocrite and take a look around.  Take a look at our last two
national champions for example.  Boston University, a mix of players from
all over the globe, hadn't won a national championship since 1978.  How
about Michigan.  Red Berenson hasn't been afraid to reach north of the
boarder, they hadn't won an NCAA title since 1964!  Hell, even the Gophers
had WON three titles before Michigan could get their first one in 32 YEARS!
 
The bottom line is if you try and attack the Gopher recruiting strategy
based on winning national titles you have NOTHING!
 
In closing, for those of you that are bothered by the Gophers ALL MINESOTA
recruiting policy get over it!  Us fans of the program really, really,
really like it!  I follow all of the boys through youth and high school
hockey and LOVE to see their dreams come true when they slip on the Maroon
& Gold.
 
Go Gophers!
Steven M. Bernhardt
 
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Armstrong Youth Hockey & Golden Gopher Hockey
"Minnesota's Pride on Ice"
 
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