Although the Gophers have recently lost freshman Erik Johnson to St. Louis and also seem likely to lose freshman Kyle Okposo and junior Alex Goligoski to the NHL before next season, the team still could be “special” in 2008, according to Glen Sonmor. The former Gophers and North Stars coach suggests it’s usually beneficial for younger collegians to stay in school. They can benefit from more playing time than rookies often earn in the NHL, plus more college experience and success can provide extra confidence once they reach the pro level.
Sonmor, who follows the Gopher program closely as the team’s color commentator on WCCO Radio, thought all three players might have committed to the pros by now. Goligoski, a defenseman, was a second round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2004. Okposo, a forward, was a first round pick of the New York Islanders last year.
The Gophers were ranked No. 1 in college hockey much of last season, won the WCHA championship and almost made the Frozen Final Four. Most of last season’s roster returns for coach Don Lucia. “The Gophers will be very good anyway, but if both of those young men (Goligoski and Okposo) come back, they would really be ready for a great season,” Sonmor told Sports Headliners.
The team winning the national championship isn’t necessarily the best. The 2007 national champion Michigan State Spartans are an example. A number of factors can come together to determine the champion and Minnesota figures to have a chance almost every year.
“It’s a great program,” Sonmor said. “They’ve got some outstanding young men coming in (to join the returnees). All you can be is really one of the elite teams that has a chance to be in the regionals at the end. Then get a good selection of opponents, avoid injuries and have your goal keeper playing really well, and then you’ve got a good chance. The Gophers will definitely be one of those teams but with Goligoski and Okposo they’d be much more so. …”
Sonmor said the Gophers could have the best goalie in the nation next season in sophomore Jeff Frazee. “He will be one of the real key ingredients in the Gophers becoming an elite team with a good chance at the national championship,” Sonmor said.
Sonmor likes Frazee’s ability to play to the competition and mentions his success not only with the Gophers but also in international games. “I think he’s really coming into his own,” Sonmor said.