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Jason Dorn -> RE: Gopher Hockey (3/13/2011 11:15:43 PM)
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From Gopher Puck Live, a good insight into the state of the program....
by Gopher99 » Sun 3/13/11 8:35 pm
At this point, it is what it is.
Usually I wouldn't bring something like this up but at this point it's rock bottom. I ran into some of the Alaska players at the bar last night (since they probably didn't travel back until this morning) and congratulated them on their efforts. I sat and talked with a player on the squad for a few minutes, asking him some questions about what they tbought of the program here right now and how they view MN (I really was curious to hear an outside perspective, especially from a WCHA player).
I tell the player that I bleed maroon and gold as a fan, and that growing up here I would have given my left arm to play for the program. I told him how their sweep this weekend was the lowest I think I've ever seen the program hit and that I don't understand how it fell so fast. He tells me this: there's a difference when we play North Dakota and when we play Minnesota. While both have arguably the most talented players in the league year in and year out, ND plays for the symbol on their chest. MN right now plays for the name on their back. He told me that their team has only 1 guy drafted and that they know many will never sniff the NHL. He says with 19 drafted guys on MN, how many really care about that "M" on their chest? Most probably already think their going to greener pastures, when reality is they have to work harder than hell to play in the show.
The guys were really excited and you could tell sweeping MN is a highlight they'll never forget. It was actually bittersweet observing how excited they were knowing they beat my team, but it was cool to see how close they were. To me, that's what hockey is all about. Playing for the guys around you and playing for pride. I think Minnesota forgot that concept somewhere down the road, because I certainly do not see it anymore.
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