MSU Hockey: better scoring needed

Moving forward

By Shane Frederick
Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — Some members of the Minnesota State men's hockey team took off on spring break MondayNo doubt, they would have rather spent the time not on some sunny beach but in the cold confines of All Seasons Arena, preparing for this week's WCHA Final Five.

Saturday's loss at Minnesota ended the Mavericks' season with a record of 13-19-6. It was an improvement over a disastrous 2003-04, although not enough to propel the program back into the conference's upper division.

"It came down to not getting timely goals," coach Troy Jutting said Monday afternoon.

The Mavericks improved in every area but goal scoring. They allowed 39 fewer goals - more than one per game - this season but scored six fewer. They played in 16 WCHA games that were decided by one goal or less, and went 5-7-4 in those contests, leaving several points on the table.

"Next year, we need to score more goals," Jutting said, "timely, consistent goals. ...

"We don't need to create more opportunities. We need to cash in. Look at this weekend (against Minnesota), Travis Morin could have had five goals and he didn't have any."

The Mavericks had memorable wins over Wisconsin, North Dakota and Denver but forgettable losses to St. Cloud State and Michigan Tech. They also went 0-6-0 against Minnesota and 0-3-1 against Colorado College.

Next year, Minnesota State will return their top three scorers - sophomores David Backes (40 points), Morin (31) and Kyle Peto (27), as well as their fifth-leading scorer, freshman Ryan Carter (23).

All four are young stars in the WCHA, with Backes and Peto in line for all-conference honors and Carter up for all-rookie awards this week.

Junior Brock Becker had 14 points but missed all but two of the final 15 games with injuries.

Senior forwards Brad Thompson, Adam Gerlach and Jake Brenk, the fourth-, sixth- and seventh-leading scorers, respectively, are leaving the program.

"I like where we're at heading into next year," Jutting said. "I don't think we're losing a ton. We're losing some great kids who really contribute a lot off the ice and to the character of the group. ... Every team loses something."

The Mavericks lose just one defenseman, Steven Johns, to graduation. Peto, Jon Dubel, Chad Brownlee and freshmen Steven Wagner and R.J. Linder each played in at least 30 of 38 games this season. Freshman Mark Hinz played n just seven games but is poised to take Johns' place in the lineup.

Goalie Jon Volp is also graduating after an 85-game career, leaving Chris Clark and Kyle Nixon.

Clark likely will enter next season as the No. 1 goaltender. Mike Zacharias, a recruit from the United States Hockey League, will also be in the mix, and Jutting hasn't ruled out recruiting another goalie for next season.

MSU's goaltenders combined for a .886 save percentage and a 3.63 goals-against average.

"Our goaltending didn't kill us this year," Jutting said. "But it didn't win us any hockey games."

One thing Jutting is insisting on this year is in keeping as many of his players in Mankato as possible for summer workouts.

"It's important that we have a great offseason," he said.

Spring break just might end up being the last break for next year's Mavericks.