This is a re-post from before the season began.  Not one word has been
changed.  If I could change things, the good players played much better
than I expected, expecially Trebil who has improved dramatically. I'd like
to change the category from "Bad" to underachievers, or players not playing
to potential. Casey Hankinson hasn't nearly lived up to his potential as an
ugly player-I'm afraid he won't make this category next year.
 
 
 
Gopher Roster- the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
 
The Good:
Mike Crowley- What he is doing back in this league is anybody's guess.  One
of, if not the best freshman defensemen to come into the league in quite
some time.  Great playmaker, proficient scorer, always around the puck,
quick hands and keen hockey sense.  Miles and years ahead of current NHLer
and former Gopher fourth overall draft pick Doug Zmolek.
 
Dan Trebil-  Has size,6-3, reach, good skating abilities and passing skill.
Only weakness is giving up the puck occasionally in his own zone.
Unselfish player who makes power play much better by spotting open players,
and delivering swift passes.
 
Brian Bonin- One more year before he takes up residence in the IHL.  No
doubt he has good hands when it counts the most around the net.  Very
elusive, always avoiding checks even as a marked player.  Everyone around
the league would like to have him on their team.
 
The Bad:
Dan Woog- This 24 year old Jr. son of the coach could be placed in the ugly
category as well.  He may belong in a Gopher uniform, but what is he doing
out on the ice?  There is no other player in Division I that logged so much
time on the power play with such little results.  This is not an easy task
considering the talent with which he is surrounded.  He brings to mind
former Gopher players like, like Brandon Steege.  If opposing teams are
faced with a one-on-0, this is the guy you want with the puck.
 
Nick Checco- Some players have invisible shifts, some invisible games,
Checco can give you invisible months.  Called Mr. March for his scoring
come playoff time the past two seasons, this former  Mr. Hockey winner has
obvious talents.  But where is he the rest of the season?   Being checked
up against the boards, giving an errant pass, passing up an obvious
opportunity are all handled with ease.
 
Andy Brink-  Some people laud his versatility being able to play both
forward and defense.  The only problem is he plays forward like a
defenseman, and defense like a forward.  Capable of taking the puck from
one end of the ice to the other, losing the puck and getting beat on the
other end.  Good quarterback on the power play, but paired with better
offensive defenseman, see above, he becomes a liability.
 
The Ugly:
Scarda, Pitlick, Fabian, McAlpine,Fiebelkorn are as common to Gopher hockey
as small, speedy  forwards.
Casey Hankinson- Follows two brothers to the Gophers. Pete, one of the most
brilliant skaters ever, and current NHLer Ben, a big hitter with a menacing
presence.  Casey leans more toward Ben than Pete. Last year eight points
went with about nine times that in penalty minutes.  None of his checks
memorable, few clean.  He'll take some stupid ones this year.  Gopher most
likely to run an opposing goaltender.
 
Jesse Bertogliat-  Easily mistaken for South St. Paul player.  Has had
three seemingly red shirt seasons for the Gophers.  Gets out on the ice and
immitates a chicken with its head cut off.  No concern for where the puck
might be at any moment.  Out of high school looked as if he may follow
other diminutive Cloquet, MN grads Corey Millen and Derek Plante to the
NHL.  If he improves a great deal this year, might have a couple good
seasons with Buck's Unpainted Furniture.
 
Dave Larson- This guy is from South St. Paul.
 
Bobby Dustin, Brian LaFleur, Dan Hendrickson - Punks.
 
The Freshman class all have opportunities to be good, or bad, with a few
potential ugly players. Eric Rasmussen has a mean streak which might
increase with limited playing time.  Wyatt Smith recently took a uncalled
for cheap shot at Chad Remackel (AC) of Colorado College, at the Olympic
Festival.
 
Insider's note:  Doug Woog will continue his very successful game plan of
using interference up and down the ice this year.
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.