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What player does everyone think will be the top player for the Gophers this season? Not just points, but also what player makes the biggest impact overall.

I think it might be Erik Johnson.

hirsch

Johnson Definatley, had excellent passing and excellent on ice instinct the other night against maine even though they lost, very well poised. Another player could also be David Fischer

I was at the game Friday night against Wayne St. (who??). I thought the most impressive player for the rodents was Kyle Okposo. Barriball impressed me the way he battled in the slot... that's the last place I thought we'd see him setting up camp at his size.

I wasn't impressed with Johnson, but I think my expectations were a tad high considering he's the #1 pick. He's a solid player, don't get me wrong, and we have to keep in persective that he's only a frosh, but I expected more... especially against a team like Wayne St.

It was against Wayne State I would not make any judgements about any player against a team like that. Im banking on Johnson and the other top players to play big against big time WCHA schools when it counts, Wayne St. is like an exhibition game.

Did anybody else see Johnson's spin move against Ohio State? It was sick. Me and my buddies jaws hit the floor at the same time.

that was a sick little spin o rama...freshmen are playing good so far but will see how they really do when they start the wcha schedule...hopin peltier has a better game tonight...anyone know who will be starting in the net tonight

defensively it is alex goligoski and offensively it might be jay barribal right now...

How about Flynn's drive to the net, with a nice dish, in Friday's game? Very nice.
Howe reminds me so much of Kris Chucko, and that's not a good thing. They both have the uncanny ability to have their shot or pass blocked at a very inopportune time. They always look busy doing stuff, but never seem to get anything done - (kind of like me at work right now...)

i have to say hirsch because he has already proven himself

hirsch is starting out VERY good this year

In my eyes, Okposo is a legitimate all-WCHA player. You simply can not knock him off the puck. He has got NHLer written all over them, and the Islanders must be licking their chops when they watch him play

puttinonthefoil wrote:In my eyes, Okposo is a legitimate all-WCHA player. You simply can not knock him off the puck. He has got NHLer written all over them, and the Islanders must be licking their chops when they watch him play

I couldn't agree more. He brings a physical aspect to the game along with a lot of skill. Take away his penalty kill gaff last night, and he really has been mistake-free. I just hope he stays past this year, he has a nose for the puck and an uncanny ability to find the back of the net.

Goligoski continues to impress.

I like Goligoski's game. His game reminds me of how Ballard plays for the Coyotes. He plays smart at both ends of the ice and has offensive flare.

As for Forwards, I like the way Tyler Hirsch is playing. He sees the ice extremely well and plays selflessly. In my opinion, he is the best playmaker on the team.

The Okposo game winner against Mankato was awesome.

With all the talent the gophs have this year its tough to say but okposo is absolutley dominant.

He sure does look in control at all times.
He is tough.

How is Mike doing for the Gophers. Appears to be bouncing aound, but no real big games yet?

Which Mike? There's three Vanelli, Carmen, and Howe. The first two are pretty big assets to the team, Howe on the other hand not so much.

Sorry-I meant Mike Howe. Seems to me that he hasn't hit his stride with a definate line combination?

two words-kyle okposo with the goal he had between his legs made that goalie look like dog crap

Mike Howe is a good player who has been plagued by injury his whole career. He made a poor choice in going to the U as he had a great freshman season but was pushed out of the line-up as a sophomore and now again as a junior.

He does a good job filling in when people get hurt but just doesn't see regular ice time. If he would have gone to SCSU or some other D-1 school, he'd be a top 5 player and would get a lot of recognition. Sometimes telling your friends you played hockey for the Gophers is more important than it should be. SCSU would definately take how, hometown kid with tons of talent. Wouldn't be a bad hockey school either, currently ranked 6th in the country.

Thanks for the update-isn't Mike Howe a Senior?

Howe is only a junior.