by Jacob Cheris/CHN Reporter (@JCheris17)
Minnesota is off to a terrific start to the season, and it’s not a surprise. The Gophers are loaded with talent throughout the lineup – a high-octane offense, a rock-solid defense and reliable goaltending.
Minnesota has been in the thick of things the last few years. The key, of course, will be translating all of this into a national championship. But one step at a time.
A key storyline for the Gophers this season was the return of most of its defense group from a year ago. The only departure was Carl Fish, who transferred to Providence. The group that remained has not disappointed.
One of the key figures in the Gophers’ blue line success is junior Ryan Chesley. Chesley is off to the best start of his collegiate career, with eight points (five goals, three assists) in just 10 games. His four goals are already a career-best and has tied his point total from last season.
He’s always had tremendous upside, and it was only a matter of time before he was going to unlock his offensive abilities.
“I feel like I’ve just been playing with a lot of confidence this year. Great group of guys too,” Chesley said. “So it’s a lot of fun playing with them and kind of lean on them, trust them, and we’ve got a lot of chemistry so far.”
The old hockey cliche that everyone knows is “put pucks on net.” Chesley has put that motto to work. But not only are more pucks going on net, but more are going in. His shooting percentage is 20 percent. His shot is something he worked on over the offseason, along with making sure he actually hits the net, something he struggled with last season.
Not only is the Mahtomedi, Minn., native producing offensively for the Gophers, he continues to be one of the team’s most reliable shutdown defenders, leading the team with 14 blocks. The 6-foot-1 blueliner has been strong in front of the net and positionally sound with his gaps.
More importantly, he has become a more complete player.
“He’s mature, he’s big, he’s strong. And college hockey is hard. But from day one, he’s been able to defend at a high level. But now he’s showing more offensively and that just comes with the game slowing down for him,” Gophers coach Bob Motzko said. “So it’s just part of the evolution that these young…
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