Headline: Former U stars boost the Moose Publish Date: 04/05/1995 Scott Bradley <W0I>For The Daily The success of the Gophers hockey program has helped jump-start the state's newest professional hockey team. The Minnesota Moose is an expansion team in the International Hockey League and the first pro hockey franchise in the state since the North Stars of the NHL moved to Dallas in 1993. Former Gophers have helped the Moose emerge as a respectable club as players and as administrators in the front office. ``This is a good brand of hockey,'' said Larry Olimb, the Gophers scoring leader in 1991 and 1992. Olimb now plays center and defense for the Moose. ``I think the IHL can succeed in Minnesota. This is a good league and people who watch are entertained.'' After a slow start, the Moose have compiled the IHL's fourth-best record since December and improved their overall record above .500. Moose center and former Gopher Dave Snuggerud is a big reason for the team's recent improvement. Snuggerud is the team's third-leading scorer with 23 goals this season. Snuggerud, who led the Gophers in scoring in 1989, played four seasons in the NHL with Buffalo, San Jose and Philadelphia before coming to the Moose. ``This is the minor leagues,'' he said. ``What I'm here for is not to get back into the majors. I just want to help some of the other players get to the NHL level.'' While the IHL does not have the NHL's glamour, it does give players the opportunity to play the sport they love and still make a living. The average salary for a Moose player is around $35,000. What's more important for the former Gophers is the chance to play before the home fans. ``It's always nice being able to play in your home state,'' Snuggerud said. ``The fans are great up here. They have a real knowledge of the game. They respect you in a good game and aren't afraid to boo at a bad game.'' Moose winger John Brill said, ``Outside of the NHL, this is where I want to play.'' Brill, a recent acquisition by the Moose, played for the Gophers from 1989 to 1993. Returning to Minnesota to play pro hockey has been a good experience for most of the former Gophers, except Moose goalie Frank Pietrangelo. Pietrangelo, who played with the Gophers from 1982 to 1986, injured a finger early in the season and later tore cartilage in his knee. ``It's been a disappointing season,'' he said after his first practice since the knee injury. ``As you get older, you want to play as much as you can.'' Pietrangelo played in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Hartford Whalers and is currently under contract with the New York Islanders. Many of the IHL teams have NHL affiliates, a system similar to baseball's minor leagues. However, the Moose are one of the few independent teams in the league. During the season, players with NHL contracts, like Pietrangelo, may be called up to play in the NHL. Although not all of the former Gophers played together at Minnesota, Snuggerud said it's nice to see all of these Gophers make it to this level. ``Brill, myself and Snuggerud were a line (during a recent game),'' said Olimb. ``It's nice to have all these Minnesotans playing on a team. This is a great bunch of guys.'' Glen Sonmor, who coached the Gophers from 1966 to 1971, adds to the Moose's inaugural-season success as director of player development. ``(Sonmor) is a key man in our organization,'' Moose head coach Frank Serratore said. ``I learn something from him every day. He's been a mentor for me and has helped me on day-to-day decisions.'' Olimb credits Sonmor and Gophers assistant coach Bill Butters for giving him a shot with the Moose. ``(Butters and Sonmor) knew I was in town and told me I should try out with the Moose,'' Olimb said. ``Sonmor gave me a chance to play when everyone thought I was done.'' The IHL regular season ends this week, but the Moose are in position to make the playoffs. ``It's nice (that the playoffs are coming),'' Snuggerud said. ``The weather is starting to get nice now. That's what it's all about -- warm weather and hockey in the springtime.'' Moose notes: Because of event conflicts at the St. Paul Civic Center, Moose home playoff games will be played at Target Center in Minneapolis. Carol S. White BITNET: c-whit@uminn1 University of Minnesota internet:[log in to unmask] Office of the Registrar (612) 625-8517 GO Gophers!!!