What's wrong with the Gopher's appears to be the most commonly asked
question regarding this years team.  Some people have said the team is very
young and inexperienced.  True.  Others have mentioned that depth is a
problem.  Possibly true.  Even others have said the club doesn't possess
any on-ice leadership.  Very true.
 
Here's my opinion.  Coaching.
 
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not lobbying for Doug Woogs head.  I think the
problem is the assistant coaches, Guentzel and Ward.  Being a former player
and now a coach, I believe that day-in-and-day-out team preparation is the
responsibility of the assistants.  Video analysis, speciality teams,
scouting, and individual skill development fall on the shoulders of the
assistants.
 
In the recent past Woog's assistants were Mark Mazzoleni and Bill Butters.
Mark is now the head coach at Miami of Ohio, currently a top 10 team, and
Butters is currently at Bethel College as a co-coach.  Bottom line, the
Gophers were more consistant and successful when these guys ran the show.
Why?  RESPECT!
 
ALL of the assistants mentioned above are knowledgable coaches.  The
difference is the players listened to Mazz and Butters.  The players would
go through a brick wall for Butters!  Positional play was better under
these coaches.  Each player improved their game over the course of the
season under these coaches.  The team played for each other under these
coaches.
 
I don't believe that the current roster listens and acts on what Guentzel
or Ward have to say.  If they did would they continue to play with such as
lack of discipline?  If they listened would their defensive zone coverage
be so pathetic?  If they believed in these guys would they lack the heart
to play for three solid periods?
 
Yes, players want to play well for friends, family, and the fans.  But in
the end you want to play well for the people you respect the most, your
teammates and coaches.  Sometimes out of love, other times out of fear.
This team doesn't have the passion for either.
 
 
Steven M. Bernhardt
 
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Armstrong Youth Hockey & Golden Gopher Hockey
"Minnesota's Pride on Ice"
 
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