by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor (@CHN_AdamWodon)
Now in its third year as a Division I program, Lindenwood has had its moments before. But this past weekend in Wisconsin was a major milestone. One of what it hopes will be many more.
With 13 wins over the last two years, the only one that came against a so-called “big four” conference opponent was against a struggling Vermont team in 2022-23. However a tie late last season against Wisconsin showed a glimpse of the potential that was there.
A head coaching change came after last season, with the Lions looking to former Michigan star and assistant coach Bill Muckalt. His job was to bring more credibility to the program, and was a sign that the administration wanted to be something more than just a meandering Independent program.
Eighteen new players followed, including a handful of high-quality transfers that may not have been possible without the coaching change. Among those is goalie Owen Bartoszkiewicz, who was once highly-touted going to Minnesota, but never really got a shot there.
“We’re 10 min from the St. Louis airport and the metro area, we have a beautiful campus, we have a great facility with where the Blues practice,” Muckalt said. “The big thing initially was just getting recruits down on visits. We had some wins in some of those areas, and it’s something we’re still workking on, to establish more credibility.”
The changes have been palpable, but seeing that transform into something on the ice is a different story. Lo and behold, however, Lindenwood saw results right away, getting a 4-2 win in Madison in each team’s opening game. Bartoszkiewicz stopped 34 shots, and Lindenwood didn’t just pull out a miracle, it looked like it belonged.
“That’s a really big part is our culture,” Muckalt said. “There’s probably not a lot of people outside of that room that would think we had a chance. It comes from preparation and systems and structure, and some belief in each other and trust in each guy to do the job. And you have to compete. There’s a lot of work to do. But I’m proud of the guys and their effort.
“Wisconsin didn’t just lay down. I thought they played well. They were hard-fought games.”
Among those scoring goals were Lake Superior transfer Artyom Borshyov and Bemidji State transfer Alexander Lundman. But…
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