Winter Sports Preview
October 27th, 2004
By Archived Story
Women’s Hockey
Already off to a stellar start, the number-one ranked lady rink-rats are intent on defending their national championship and have the returning players to do so. This will be another big year for coach Laura Halldorson’s dominating crew. Player to watch: Krissy Wendell. Last season’s Frozen Four MVP, WCHA player of the year and All-American is set for a monster year.
Men’s Hockey
The roster may not look the same, but the Gophers always seem to have talent lying around. A balanced attack will make coach Don Lucia dangerous in March if they can stay healthy enough to mesh. Player to watch: Kellen Briggs. The sophomore goalie had a solid freshman year and needs to build on that in order to take the pressure off Minnesota’s Ballard and Taylor-less blueline.
Women’s Basketball
After getting to its first ever Final Four, the women’s basketball team must cope with the loss of Minnesota’s golden child: Lindsey Whalen. Preseason, Big Ten player of the year Janel McCarville is unstoppable down low and has the ability to carry this team on her 6’2” frame. Player to watch: Shannon Schonrock. Coach Pam Borton loves a point guard who can run the offense like Schonrock can, but she’ll need to put up more points in Lindsey Whalen’s absence to keep the Gophers among the elite.
Men’s Basketball
Things can’t seem to get any better for coach Dan Monson’s struggling program. Kris Humphries bolted to the NBA, Moe Hargrow, who transferred back to the Gophers, will be ineligible this season. And starting point guard, Adam Boone, could miss the entire season with a torn bicep. Player to watch: Spencer Tolakson. Think Kris Humphries without the ego as this freshman will need to put up Humphries-esque numbers for an offense lacking firepower.
