Author: David Shama

Former Gopher hockey coach Glen Sonmor, now a radio analyst on Gopher games, was asked if Minnesota misses Tyler Hirsch, the senior forward who left the team in late December after a career of developments that reportedly provoked the coaching staff.  “I am afraid they have missed him, particularly on the power play. . . . He’s an outstanding offensive talent,” Sonmor said.  “He was as great a passer of the puck on the power play that I have seen in a long time.” 

The Gophers were No. 1 in the country and building on a long winning streak when Hirsch was playing.  They are no longer No. 1, although they still lead the WCHA standings and are ranked No. 2 nationally.  Sonmor said the Gophers particularly miss Hirsch’s assists, and the absence of his offense has contributed to the team’s more recent struggles (losing four of six games during a January stretch). Hirsch had 18 assists in 15 games. 

Does not having Hirsch diminish the team’s national championship goal? “It would be an easier task with him there than without him,” Sonmor said.  “No doubt about it.” 

With or without Hirsch, much of the Gophers’ playoff success will be determined by the goal tending.  “When I look at the strengths of this team, I think the goal keeping is a real strength of it,” Sonmor said. 

In contrast to the past, coach Don Lucia has played two goalies this season, Jeff Frazee and Kellen Briggs.  Both have been impressive.  Sonmor said Lucia doesn’t necessarily have to pick one for the playoffs, noting that Denver won consecutive national championships using two goalies. 

Sonmor is hoping both freshmen stars Erik Johnson and Kyle Okposo say no to the NHL and return next season.  Both can potentially benefit from another season of college hockey where they can become even more dominant players and increase their confidence.  Okposo can particularly gain from another year of physical maturity. 

Johnson, the No. 1 pick in last year’s NHL draft, is the most ready of the Gopher freshmen to move on to the pros.  “He’s the real deal,” Sonmor said. “There’s no question about it.” 

Okposo? “I think that would be a real mistake for that young man to go,” Sonmor said.  “And I don’t think he will go.  I think that he is very education oriented.  And his comments seem to be along that line. .  . . I hope in his wisdom he delays it a little bit.”

Minnesota Wild players will participate in a sold out fund raiser for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota on Sunday.  Players will wait on tables at Pazzaluna Urban Italian Restaurant and Bar in St. Paul. 

The much talked about Sun Country TV commercial featuring the Star Tribune’s Sid Hartman is still airing on local TV.  

Have faith Vikings fans: the Indianapolis Colts are now the second team that plays its home games in a dome to win the Super Bowl.  The St. Louis Rams were the first, winning the Super Bowl in 2000. 

Former Gopher football coach Glen Mason is vacationing at his home in Palm Beach, Florida.   

Former Gopher basketball coach Dan Monson has been visiting other college basketball schools to learn about their programs and how they do things.  Monson’s Bearpath home is on the market.  

Mike Wilkinson, who wrote a book on former Gopher football coach Murray Warmath, noted that among Big Ten Conference coaches Warmath and Penn State’s Joe Paterno have the most former players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, three each.  The recent election of Charlie Sanders means he joins Bobby Bell and Carl Eller as former Gophers in the hall who played for Warmath. 

Hamline University sophomore guard Jon DeRock averaged 29  points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 67 percent from the floor as the Pipers won a pair of conference games last week.  He’s been chosen as the MIAC’s men’s basketball player of the week.  Other conference players of the week are Jessica Katch of St. Thomas and Hannah Oken-Berg of Carleton (co-winners women’s basketball);  Kevin Rollwagen of St. Thomas (men’s hockey);  Sarah Windhorst of Gustavus Adolphus (women’s hockey); Scott Hagemeyer of Gustavus Adolphus (men’s swimming and diving); and Lauren Wallerius of Gustavus Adolphus (women’s swimming and diving).

Pro tennis exhibitions were held at Xcel Energy Center in 2002, 2003 and 2004.  General manager Jack Larson told Sports Headliners he remains interested in more exhibitions.  Larson said there’s been discussion about an exhibition between legends Pete Sampras and John McEnroe but an agreement hasn’t been made. 

Roger Federer?  “We would be interested if the financials are attractive enough,” Larson said.

He also said in 2005 Xcel looked at Federer but the “price” was too high.  Larson’s intent now is to see if it’s possible to bring the man who has won seven of the last eight Grand Slam events here for an exhibition. 

The problem is tennis’ biggest stars don’t play many exhibitions and their guaranteed asking prices are often more than promoters are willing to risk.  Federer appeals to both the passionate and casual tennis fans here.

In his championship singles run at the Australian Open earlier this year the phenomenal Federer didn’t even lose a set!  He has now won 10 Grand Slam titles and his triumphs include being the only player ever to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon three consecutive years. 

Count former University of Minnesota player and coach Jerry Noyce among those in awe of the 25- year-old Swiss native.  “The best athlete of our time in any sport,” Noyce said.  “No one has dominated his sport as he has.  He probably has played against as strong a field (of competition) as anyone ever has.” 

Who is the most attractive box office opponent for Federer here?  Make it Sampras, a great player who because he is 10 years older never developed a rivalry with Federer.

Noyce said Sampras has announced he will be playing 35 and over tennis.  Sampras’ skills and ticket selling appeal are vibrant enough to make him Federer’s opponent here.  Sampras won a record 14 Grand Slam singles titles.

Past headliners in exhibitions at Xcel have included Anna Kournikova, Andy Roddick, and McEnroe.