St. Cloud State Huskies men's ice hockey
The St. Cloud State Huskies men's ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents St. Cloud State University. The Huskies are a member of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.[2] They play at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota.[3]
St. Cloud State Huskies men's ice hockey | |
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Current season | |
University | St. Cloud State University |
Conference | NCHC |
Head coach | Brett Larson 7th season, 123–76–21 (.607) |
Assistant coaches |
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Arena | Herb Brooks National Hockey Center St. Cloud, Minnesota |
Student section | Dog Pound |
Colors | Cardinal and black[1] |
NCAA Tournament Runner-up | |
2021 | |
NCAA Tournament Frozen Four | |
2013, 2021 | |
NCAA Tournament appearances | |
1989, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 | |
Conference Tournament championships | |
WCHA: 2001 NCHC: 2016, 2023 | |
Conference regular season championships | |
WCHA: 2012-13 NCHC: 2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19 | |
Current uniform | |
History
editFormation and war years
editSt. Cloud State Teachers College founded its varsity ice hockey program in 1931, joining several other Minnesota-based schools. After an expectedly poor first season, St. Cloud began dominating their competition under Ludwig Andolsek, the team's second head coach. During the third year, a freshman named Frank Brimsek served as the team's starter. Brimsek was so spectacular in goal that he left after just one season and began a professional career, a rarity for college players at the time. While Brimsek would go on to have a Hall of Fame career, the Huskies didn't appear to miss him and went 25–2 in 1935, posting the best record in the nation. However, because only one of their games was played against a fellow institution, the Huskies weren't considered for the intercollegiate championship.
Andolsek left after his third season and the team struggled in his absence. In the seven years that followed, the team hovered around .500 and were relegated to secondary status. In 1942, due to the United States entry into World War II, St. Cloud suspended many of its athletic programs, which included the ice hockey team. The program was restarted after the war and saw some success, however, because the program was not a member of any conference, the Huskies were occasionally hamstrung by a lack of playing time.
Wink and Basch
editIn 1956, After going through six different head coaches in ten years, the team hired Jack Wink. The new bench boss stabilized the program and led the Huskies to stellar records in the early-60's. The team finished the 1962 season undefeated but, as had happened a decade earlier, a reduced schedule following those highs caused the team to fall on hard times by the late-60's. After successive 1-win seasons, Wink was replaced by Charlie Basch who set about a steady rebuild for the program.
Basch took almost twice as long as Wink had to turn the Huskies into consistent winners. Once he did, however, he was able to keep them at the top of their game for much longer. In 1978, the NCAA began sponsoring a Division II tournament. Because St. Cloud was one of the few western teams that did not participate in the NAIA Championship, they were invited to participate in a Western Championship Tournament, which would determine which two teams received bids. St. Cloud State played in the WCT for the first four years of its existence, unfortunately they were never able to win a single match and never received an invitation to the actual tournament.
In 1980, the Huskies finally ended their long run as an independent and helped found the NCHA. Poor results in conference play prevented the team from having a chance at an NCAA bid, a trend that continued as almost all Division II programs dropped down to Division III in 1984.
Swift climb to D-I
editJohn Perpich took over for Basch in 1984 and led the team through two mediocre seasons before the athletic department decided to raise the profile of the program. Perpich stepped aside and allowed legendary Minnesota coach Herb Brooks to take over in 1986. News of the move spurred several prospects to join the program, including NHL draft picks Tony Schmalzbauer and Shorty Forrest. The Huskies went on to win the program's first conference title (tied) and the first conference tournament ever played by the NCHA. Brooks' team was one of the favorites for the national championship despite being a debutant but they were stymied by Oswego State and ended up 3rd in 1987.
Brooks left after the year to return to the NHL, but his time with the team had been a success. The very next year, St. Cloud promoted the program to Division I with Brooks' assistant, Craig Dahl taking over. The Huskies continued their rapid ascent with a winning record in 1989 and, due in part to the NCAA's policy of including a non-tradition team in the tournament at the time, St. Cloud made its first appearance in the D-I tournament in 1989.
WCHA
editAfter three years as an independent, St. Cloud joined the WCHA in 1990. Widely regarded as the best conference at the time, the WCHA made it difficult for St. Cloud to compete for a further NCAA bid. In spite of the tough opposition, the Huskies thrived in their new conference and routinely finished in the top half of the standings. There were several near-misses for championships and tournament bids but, at the end of the 20th century, the Huskies finally returned to the national tournament. In three consecutive years, St. Cloud made the NCAA tournament but lost each game they played. The program then declined for a few years and Dahl stepped down after the 2005 season.
Bob Motzko, an alumnus of the team, took over and swiftly turned the team's fortunes. In his first five seasons he got the Huskies to appear in two WCHA championship games. Though he lost both, he was able to get the Huskies their first win in NCAA tournament play. Three years later, Motzko led the team to its first WCHA regular season title and led the Huskies to the Frozen Four.
NCHC
editAfter the deep playoff run, St. Cloud State joined with seven other schools to form the NCHC in response to the Big Ten Conference joining the ice hockey ranks. The new league was built around traditional powerhouses and the Huskies looked right at home, winning the inaugural regular season title. Under Motzko, St. Cloud continued as one of the top teams in the conference, receiving 4 NCAA bids over a five-year span. In 2018, St. Cloud was the #1 team in the nation as it began the tournament but were upset in the first game by Air force.
Motzko left after the year to take over at in-state rival Minnesota and he was replaced by Brett Larson. The Huskies only seemed to get better under their new coach and were again the top-seeded team in 2019. Despite dominating play for most of their opening match, the Huskies were again felled by the lowest-seeded team. After a down year that was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Cloud returned with a strong 2021 and reached the championship game for the first time in its history.
Season-by-season results
editSource:[4]
Records vs. current NCHC teams
editAs of the completion of 2023–24 season[4]
School | Team | Away Arena | Overall record | Win % | Last Result |
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Colorado College | Tigers | Broadmoor World Arena | 64–54–9 | .539 | 3-5 L |
University of Denver | Pioneers | Magness Arena | 51–61–7 | .458 | 4-5 OTL |
Miami University | RedHawks | Goggin Ice Center | 34–19–6 | .627 | 3-1 W |
University of Minnesota Duluth | Bulldogs | AMSOIL Arena | 81–63–10 | .558 | 2-4 L |
University of Nebraska Omaha | Mavericks | Baxter Arena | 29–17–4 | .620 | 1-1 T |
University of North Dakota | Fighting Hawks | Ralph Engelstad Arena | 49–80–18 | .395 | 3-3 T |
Western Michigan University | Broncos | Lawson Arena | 23–15–5 | .593 | 5-1 W |
Head coaches
editAs of the completion of 2023–24 season[4]
Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1931–1932 | Ralph Theisen | 1 | 1–7–0 | .125 |
1932–1935 | Ludwig Andolsek | 3 | 42–4–1 | .904 |
1935–1936 | Robert DePaul | 1 | 6–5–0 | .545 |
1936–1937 | Walter Gerzin | 1 | 5–5–0 | .500 |
1937–1938 | Benedict Vandell | 1 | 4–4–0 | .500 |
1938–1942 | George Lynch | 4 | 20–15–2 | .568 |
1946–1950, 1951–1952 | Roland Vandell | 5 | 39–25–2 | .606 |
1950–1951 | Ray Gasperline | 1 | 5–3–0 | .625 |
1952–1953 | George Martin | 1 | 8–3–0 | .727 |
1953–1954 | Brendan McDonald | 1 | 2–2–0 | .500 |
1954–1956 | Jim Baxter | 2 | 18–4–1 | .804 |
1956–1968 | Jack Wink | 12 | 69–69–2 | .500 |
1968–1984 | Charlie Basch | 16 | 181–193–7 | .484 |
1984–1986 | John Perpich | 2 | 30–24–4 | .554 |
1986–1987 | Herb Brooks | 1 | 25–10–1 | .708 |
1987–2005 | Craig Dahl | 18 | 338–309–52 | .521 |
2005–2018 | Bob Motzko | 13 | 276–192–49 | .581 |
2018–Present | Brett Larson | 6 | 123–76–21 | .607 |
Totals | 18 coaches | 89 seasons | 1192–949–142 | .553 |
Players
editCurrent roster
editAs of September 16, 2024.[5]
No. | S/P/C | Player | Class | Pos | Height | Weight | DoB | Hometown | Previous team | NHL rights |
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2 | Karl Falk | Senior | D | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2000-01-20 | Västerås, Sweden | Alaska (NCAA) | — | |
4 | Colin Ralph | Freshman | D | 6' 5" (1.96 m) | 227 lb (103 kg) | 2005-10-04 | Maple Grove, Minnesota | Shattuck-Saint Mary's (USHS–MN) | STL, 48th overall 2024 | |
5 | Warren Clark | Sophomore | D | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2004-08-31 | Riverside, Ontario | Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) | TBL, 179th overall 2023 | |
6 | Mason Reiners | Junior | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2001-05-03 | Edina, Minnesota | Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) | — | |
7 | Jack Reimann | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2002-10-10 | Ham Lake, Minnesota | Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) | — | |
8 | Ocean Wallace | Freshman | F | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 216 lb (98 kg) | 2003-10-31 | Boulder, Colorado | Austin Bruins (NAHL) | — | |
11 | Grant Ahcan | Junior | F | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 160 lb (73 kg) | 2002-05-18 | Savage, Minnesota | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) | — | |
12 | Ryan Rosborough | Junior (RS) | F | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2000-05-24 | Mt. Brydges, Ontario | South Shore Kings (NCDC) | — | |
13 | Tyson Gross | Sophomore | F | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2002-09-23 | Calgary, Alberta | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) | — | |
14 | Josh Zinger | Junior | D | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2001-08-05 | Red Deer, Alberta | Northern Michigan (CCHA) | — | |
15 | Barrett Hall | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2003-12-29 | Apple Valley, Minnesota | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) | SEA, 164th overall 2022 | |
16 | Mason Salquist | Senior | F | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 2000-03-21 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Fargo Force (USHL) | — | |
17 | Ethan AuCoin | Junior | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2002-08-10 | Calgary, Alberta | Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL) | — | |
18 | Nick Portz | Senior | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2000-05-15 | St. Cloud, Minnesota | North Dakota (NCHC) | — | |
19 | Verner Miettinen | Sophomore | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 172 lb (78 kg) | 2003-04-07 | Espoo, Finland | Fargo Force (USHL) | — | |
20 | Jack Rogers | Junior | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2002-09-23 | East Northport, New York | Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) | — | |
21 | Josh Luedtke | Senior | D | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2000-09-29 | Minnetonka, Minnesota | Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) | — | |
23 | Austin Burnevik | Freshman | F | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 201 lb (91 kg) | 2005-01-03 | Ham Lake, Minnesota | Madison Capitols (USHL) | ANA, 182nd overall 2024 | |
25 | Thor Byfuglien | Sophomore | D | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 174 lb (79 kg) | 2003-07-14 | Roseau, Minnesota | Chicago Steel (USHL) | — | |
26 | Cooper Wylie | Junior | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2001-10-26 | Stillwater, Minnesota | Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) | — | |
27 | Kaleb Tiessen | Sophomore | D | 6' 5" (1.96 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | 2002-06-03 | Leamington, Ontario | Maryland Black Bears (NAHL) | — | |
28 | Gavyn Thoreson | Freshman | F | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 179 lb (81 kg) | 2004-10-30 | Andover, Minnesota | Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) | — | |
30 | Isak Posch | Sophomore | G | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | 2002-01-03 | Umeå, Sweden | Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) | — | |
33 | James Gray | Sophomore (RS) | G | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2002-05-24 | Toronto, Ontario | North York Rangers (OJHL) | — | |
34 | Adam Ingram | Junior | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2003-10-14 | West St. Paul, Manitoba | Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) | NSH, 82nd overall 2022 | |
44 | Gavin Enright | Graduate | G | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 1999-08-26 | Farmington, Minnesota | Bemidji State (CCHA) | — | |
81 | Daimon Gardner | Sophomore | F | 6' 5" (1.96 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2004-01-18 | Eagle Lake, Ontario | Clarkson (ECAC) | VAN, 112nd overall 2022 |
Statistical Leaders
editSource:[4]
Career points leaders
editPlayer | Years | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ryan Lasch | 2006–2010 | 161 | 79 | 104 | 183 | 98 |
Jeff Saterdalen | 1988–1992 | 148 | 78 | 101 | 179 | 130 |
Garrett Roe | 2007–2011 | 156 | 65 | 113 | 178 | 240 |
Tim Hanus | 1988–1992 | 144 | 73 | 99 | 172 | 147 |
Mark Hartigan | 1999–2002 | 119 | 86 | 79 | 165 | 84 |
Kalle Kossila | 2012–2016 | 157 | 48 | 105 | 153 | 71 |
Drew LeBlanc | 2008–2013 | 171 | 42 | 105 | 147 | 64 |
Mike Brodzinski | 1984–1987 | 76 | 70 | 146 | ||
John Bergo | 1980–1984 | 76 | 69 | 145 | ||
Joe Motzko | 1999–2003 | 154 | 52 | 90 | 142 | 201 |
Career goaltending leaders
editGP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average
Minimum 30 games
Player | Years | GP | Min | W | L | T | GA | SO | SV% | GAA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Charlie Lindgren | 2013–2016 | 88 | 4891 | 51 | 29 | 3 | 180 | 8 | .921 | 2.21 |
Bobby Goepfert | 2005–2007 | 73 | 4412 | 37 | 24 | 11 | 165 | 6 | .924 | 2.24 |
Jaxon Castor | 2019–2023 | 42 | 2221 | 20 | 16 | 1 | 88 | 4 | .910 | 2.38 |
Scott Meyer | 1996–2001 | 80 | 4585 | 47 | 22 | 5 | 182 | 9 | .919 | 2.38 |
Dávid Hrenák | 2017–2022 | 146 | 8370 | 82 | 44 | 14 | 335 | 14 | .910 | 2.40 |
Statistics current through the end of the 2023-24 season.
Awards and honors
edit
Hockey Hall of FameeditSource:[6]
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United States Hockey Hall of FameeditSource:[7]
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NCAA
editIndividual awards
edit
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All-Americans
edit- 2001–02: Mark Hartigan, F
- 2012–13: Nick Jensen, D; Drew LeBlanc, F
- 2013–14: Nic Dowd, F
- 2016–17: Charlie Lindgren, G; Ethan Prow, D
- 2017–18: Jimmy Schuldt, D
- 2018–19: Jimmy Schuldt, D; Patrick Newell, F
AHCA Second Team All-Americans
- 1992–93: Fred Knipscheer, F
- 1996–97: Mark Parrish, F
- 1999–00: Mike Pudlick, D
- 2000–01: Scott Meyer, G
- 2005–06: Bobby Goepfert, G
- 2006–07: Bobby Goepfert, G
- 2007–08: Ryan Lasch, F
- 2018–19: Jack Ahcan, D; Blake Lizotte, F
- 2023–24: Dylan Anhorn, D
WCHA
editIndividual awards
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Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year
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Most Valuable Player in tournament
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All-Conference Teams
edit- 1990-91: Bret Hedican, D
- 1992-93: Fred Knipscheer, F
- 1999-00: Mike Pudlick, D
- 2000-01: Scott Meyer, G
- 2001-02: Mark Hartigan, F
- 2005-06: Bobby Goepfert, G
- 2006-07: Bobby Goepfert, G; Andrew Gordon, F
- 2007-08: Ryan Lasch, F
- 2008-09: Ryan Lasch, F
- 2012-13: Nick Jensen, D; Drew LeBlanc, F
- 1993-94: Kelly Hultgren, D
- 1994-95: Kelly Hultgren, D
- 1996-97: Dave Paradise, F; Matt Cullen, F
- 1997-98: Brian Leitza, G
- 1999-00: Scott Meyer, G; Tyler Arnason, F
- 2000-01: Duvie Wescott, D
- 2001-02: Dean Weasler, G; Nate DiCasmirro, F
- 2007-08: Andreas Nödl, F; Garrett Roe, F
- 2008-09: Garrett Raboin, D
- 2009-10: Ryan Lasch, F
- 1995–96: Taj Melson, F
- 1996–97: Sacha Molin, F
- 1997–98: Josh DeWolf, F
- 2000–01: Mark Hartigan, F; Brandon Sampair, F
- 2006–07: Andreas Nödl, F
- 2008–09: Garrett Roe, F
- 2009–10: Dan Dunn, G; Garrett Raboin, D; Garrett Roe, F
- 2010–11: Drew LeBlanc, F
- 2011–12: Nick Jensen, D
- 1991–92: Sandy Gasseau, F
- 1994–95: Brian Leitza, G
- 1995–96: Matt Cullen, F
- 1998–99: Tyler Arnason, F
- 2001–02: Matt Gens, D; Mike Doyle, F; Peter Szabo, F
- 2006–07: Andreas Nödl, F; Ryan Lasch, F
- 2007–08: Garrett Roe, F
- 2011–12: Andrew Prochno, D
NCHC
editIndividual awards
edit
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Defensive Defenseman of the Year
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Offensive Defenseman of the Year
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All-Conference Teams
edit- 2013–14: Nic Dowd, F
- 2014–15: Jonny Brodzinski, F
- 2015–16: Charlie Lindgren, G; Ethan Prow, D
- 2017–18: Jimmy Schuldt, D
- 2018–19: Jimmy Schuldt, D; Patrick Newell, F; Ryan Poehling, F; Blake Lizotte, F
- 2021–22: Nick Perbix, D
- 2022–23: Jami Krannila, F
- 2023–24: Dylan Anhorn, D
- 2013–14: Ryan Faragher, G
- 2015–16: Joey Benik, F; Kalle Kossila, F
- 2017–18: Mikey Eyssimont, F
- 2018–19: Dávid Hrenák, G; Jack Ahcan, D
- 2019–20: Dávid Hrenák, G; Jack Ahcan, D
- 2020–21: Nick Perbix, D; Veeti Miettinen, F
- 2021–22: Kevin Fitzgerald, F
- 2022–23: Jack Peart, D
- 2023–24: Jack Peart, D
- 2013–14: Charlie Lindgren, G
- 2014–15: Patrick Russell, F
- 2015–16: Jimmy Schuldt, D; Will Borgen, F
- 2016–17: Jack Ahcan, D
- 2017–18: Dávid Hrenák, G; Blake Lizotte, F; Easton Brodzinski, F
- 2018–19: Nick Perbix, D; Nolan Walker, F
- 2020–21: Veeti Miettinen, F
- 2023–24: Isak Posch, G
Olympians
editThis is a list of St. Cloud State alumni were a part of an Olympic team.
Name | Position | St. Cloud State Tenure | Team | Year | Finish |
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Bret Hedican | Defenseman | 1988–1991 | USA | 1992, 2006 | 4th, 8th |
Mark Parrish | Right Wing | 1995–1997 | USA | 2006 | 8th |
Ryan Malone | Left Wing | 1999–2003 | USA | 2010 | Silver |
Garrett Roe | Left Wing | 2007–2011 | USA | 2018 | 7th |
Sam Hentges | Left Wing | 2018–Present | USA | 2022 | 5th |
Nick Perbix | Defenseman | 2018–Present | USA | 2022 | 5th |
Patrick Russell | Right Wing | 2013–2015 | DEN | 2022 | 7th |
Oliver Lauridsen | Defenseman | 2008–2011 | DEN | 2022 | 7th |
Huskies in the NHL
editAs of July 1, 2024
= NHL All-Star team | = NHL All-Star[8] | = NHL All-Star[8] and NHL All-Star team | = Hall of Famers |
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Source:[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "SCSU Colors and Logo usage rules". Retrieved September 10, 2016.
- ^ Myers, Jess (March 20, 2010). "WCHA: SCSU, NoDak win; Roe injury a scare". Inside College Hockey. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
- ^ "National Hockey Center". St. Cloud State University. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
- ^ a b c d "St. Cloud State Huskies Men's Hockey 2020-21 Media Guide". St. Cloud State Huskies. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
- ^ "2023-24 Men's Hockey Roster". St. Cloud State Huskies. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
- ^ "Legends of Hockey". Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2018-10-07.
- ^ "United States Hockey Hall of Fame". Hockey Central.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
- ^ a b Players are identified as an All-Star if they were selected for the All-Star game at any time in their career.
- ^ "Alumni report for St. Cloud State". Hockey DB. Retrieved October 30, 2019.