Former Gopher Phil Kessel, now with Toronto, is listed first in an NHL players poll regarding All-Star caliber players “easiest to intimidate,” according to the February 20 issue of Sports Illustrated.
Hopkins High School junior forward Nia Coffey, a top 100 recruit, has verbally committed to Northwestern in the Big Ten Conference, according to the Lakeshore Weekly News website. She is the daughter of former Gophers forward Richard Coffey.
The Gophers basketball team, losers of five consecutive games, plays at Wisconsin(10-6 in the Big Ten) tonight. Minnesota(5-11) lacked energy, focus and confidence in an embarrassing 69-50 home loss toIndiana(9-7) on Sunday.
After the game guard Chip Armelin said the losing streak is a liability to team confidence and it challenges players to support each other. Coach Tubby Smith didn’t like the effort of his players including leading scorer Rodney Williams who had only three points in the game. Smith said Williams wasn’t “engaged” and didn’t earn his shot attempts.
Indiana coach Tom Crean was pleased to see Williams not hurt his team. “He’s gonna be about the best athlete going into a gym anytime,” Crean said.
Crean’s wife Joani, the sister of mega-intense football coaches Jim and John Harbaugh, attended the post-game press conference—unusual for a spouse.
Although game attendance was about 3,000 less than capacity at Williams Arena (14,625), a Gophers season ticket holder sold his two row three tickets near the Indiana bench for $170 each via StubHub last week.
The Gophers basketball banquet will be next Sunday evening in the DQ Club Room at TCF Bank Stadium. The cost is $60 per person and more information is available by calling 612-625-3085.
The Gophers athletic department announced a grassroots fundraising drive for the new on-campus baseball stadium. The Gophers are playing their 2012 home schedule at the Metrodome except for a May 1 Siebert Field finale against St. Thomas. John Anderson is in his 31st season as Minnesota coach.
An estate sale at the late Harmon Killebrew’s home in Scottsdale, Arizona was held last Saturday. Items included sports memorabilia, clothing and furniture.
The Twins were No. 25 among major league teams in Bleacherreport.com’s power rankings heading into spring training. That’s lowest among all Central Division teams including Kansas City.
The NFL Scouting Combine ends today in Indianapolis. Among the headlines coming out of the combine, where over 300 prospects were invited, is the 2012 draft will be deep in athletic offensive linemen. The Vikings, with the third pick in the first round, could certainly improve by drafting USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil but other offensive line prospects that could help Minnesota figure to be available later in the draft.