September 7, 2007
St. Cloud State
by Tim Rosenthal/Staff Writer
Head Coach: Bob Motzko
2006-07 record: 22-11-7 (14-7-7 WCHA)
Key Returnees: Nate Dey F SR., Dan Kronick F SR., Matt Stephenson D SR., Aaron Brockelhurst F/D SR., John Swanson F JR., Andreas Nodl F SO., Ryan Lasch F SO., Garrett Raboin F SO., Jase Weslosky G SO.
Key Losses: Andrew Gordon (underclassman), Casey Borer, Justin Fletcher, Bobby Goepfert
SCSU coach Bob Motzko didn't even try to hide the sting that's still felt from last season's first-round NCAA loss.
"It was a bitter ending to the season," said Motzko, who runs a program that still has never won an NCAA game. "We had high expectations going into the season, had a great start, but ran out of gas in the end. But overall I was pleased with our performance."
After a 12-3-3 start, the Huskies went 10-8-4 after that, losing their last three games of the year (two games in the WCHA Final Five, and then to eventual regional champion Maine). Part of the success last year was credited to goaltender Bobby Goepfert, and forward Andrew Gordon. Goepfert graduated in May and Gordon left for the Washington Capitals.
"The team will be young," said Motzko about 2007-08. "We will have about 15 or 16 freshmen and sophomores on the roster."
About this year's recruiting class, Motzko said, "It is a large class. On paper it's good, but there are a lot of unknowns."
The class will be led by forward Aaron Marvin, who is one of three draft picks on the roster.
"(Goaltending) is our biggest question mark," Motzko said. "We are turning it over to two sophomores and a freshman. We will start with the unknown guy in net."
Sophomore Jase Weslosky, a fourth-round pick of the New York Islanders, should be the favorite to take over for Hobey finalist Bobby Goepfert. B.J. O'Brien (another sophomore) and freshman Dan Dunn will also be competing for the spot.
"I like all three guys," said Motzko. "Our goal is to get them out on the rink as much as we can before the season begins.
"Matt Stephenson is a prime candidate (for captain). He is an excellent young man off the ice and he has good hands with leadership control."
If 2006-07 was a good goal-scoring team, then the same can be said about 2007-08. Three of the top five scorers return. Andreas Nodl (18 g, 28 a, 46 p), the team's leading scorer, and one of the top freshman scorers from last year, decided to stay at least one more year rather than signing a pro contract. Sophomore Ryan Lasch (16, 23, 39) and senior Dan Kronick (14, 12, 26) are the second and third leading scorers that are returning.
"We have made great strides in two years," said Motzko, entering his third season as head coach. "This year we will continue to score goals. We have a good offense and we can make plays happen."
On the defensive side Motzko said, "We have defensive competitiveness that can lead to being a defensive team."
No matter what the side is, offense or defense, expect this young team to be on the rise as the season progresses. However, a similar result of last year might be unlikely.
hope to see bj o brian more he is the best what is it with you guys can you not see he is like the greatest ... go huskies
Oct 16 2007, 12:08 am by
That post must have been from dan anderson...
Nov 13 2007, 11:51 am by Woody- St. Cloud, MN
i am sad to say that i have seen bj on the ice for years and he is being down played so i can not understand y he is not in the net more we have seen his work and the goals on him are all ways low so what is up don't loose the best man on the team still hope n to see him in the net.. big sc fan
Dec 20 2007, 12:11 am by
still lookin for the big b j obrian from our home town of lakeville and we know he is great too. so come on what don't you see .. go get um huskies.. ps a tram player like bj is the best man in the net.
Dec 20 2007, 12:14 am by
WE LOVE YA GUYS ..AND U GO GET UM WHERE IS THE BIB WHY DID YOU PULL HIM THIS IS WHERE HE NEED TO BE LET HIM MAKE YOU SHINE HE IS THE MAN GO ST.CLOUD
Dec 20 2007, 12:16 am by
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