Linder draws mixed response in return to St. Cloud

By Shane Frederick
Free Press Staff Writer

ST. CLOUD — There was a rather boisterous combination of cheers and boos when Minnesota State freshman defenseman R.J. Linder's name was announced in the starting lineups Saturday night at the National Hockey Center.

Linder, a St. Cloud native, wasn't surprised by the reaction, though.

"I think there was some mixed feelings," he said with a smile.

Linder was back in the building where he played his first hockey game when he was 6 or 7 years old and where he watched many a college game.

"I grew up playing in this rink," said the 2002 graduate of St. Cloud Tech High School. "To come back is pretty special."

Linder figured he had about 100 friends and family members watching him.

"They're Husky fans, too," he added, although he didn't think any of them were among those booing him.

Those who were must have thought Linder should have been wearing red and white instead of purple and black.

Linder - who replaced Chad Brownlee in the Mavericks' lineup Saturday - said he was recruited by St. Cloud State as well as Minnesota State, but after playing two seasons with Portage of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League after high school, he decided MSU was a better fit.

"It was nothing against St. Cloud," the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Linder said. "I grew up watching (the Huskies), and we had season tickets. I just made a decision to do something different."

On Saturday, Linder got the last laugh, as the Mavericks beat the Huskies 4-3.

Clark's revenge

MSU goaltender Chris Clark missed the pregame montage shown on the giant video screens that are part of the new scoreboards hanging at each end of the National Hockey Center.

That was probably a good thing.

The video showed home-team highlights of last season's 8-5 Husky victory over the Mavericks. Clark faced 43 shots and gave up all eight goals that night.

On Saturday, Clark stopped 26 of 29 shots and celebrated the win by putting his arms up and skating over to the glass right in front of the St. Cloud student section.

Early return

Christmas came early for Steven Johns.

The Minnesota State defenseman, who suffered a knee injury on Nov. 19 against Alabama-Huntsville, was told he could be out until Christmas with the injury.

But Johns returned to action Friday night against the Huskies and played both games of the weekend series.

Pluses and minuses

Jeff Marler's goal Saturday was his first since Jan. 31 - last season against Alaska-Anchorage. The junior had 10 goals a year ago and has 16 for his career. ... After scoring in 10 consecutive games, David Backes was held without a point in the St. Cloud State series ... Jake Brenk missed Saturday's game with an illness. ... MSU's five penalties on Friday matched a season low. ... Both MSU and St. Cloud State earned their first WCHA road wins of the season