Here is part of the text from a John Buccigross and Erik Johnson interview that is on the ESPN NHL web page. Honestly; I am sure none of us will be shocked if the goes to the NHL right after the Gophers season comes to a screeching halt but I do find it interesting.
Q: Will you be playing in the NHL next season?
A: Let me first start off by saying that I think it was a great choice to come to Minnesota this year. It was a great steppingstone. But next year, I really think I need to make the jump in competition in order to keep developing the way I want to. I think here at Minnesota, I could have been used more effectively in the system, so that has been frustrating. But, overall, it has been a fun time and I have really enjoyed my time here and I desperately want to win a national title. Next year will be decided after the season, though.
[Sounds like a St. Louis real estate agent is going to get a nice commission within a few months.]
Q: Have you stopped going to class?
A: Many times, I have been really close to stopping, but no, I am there pretty regularly. My classes are somewhat interesting, and it gives me something to do other than hockey. After hockey is over, it will be tough.
[Wow! Honesty! How rare. I like these nonpackaged answers. Hopefully, IMG won't get a hold of you. This not-going-to-class thing in college happens a lot in every sport. If a student-athlete knows he or she is not going to return to school the following year, they usually stop going to class. I'm not one to cast stones. If I was in the same situation, I would do the same thing. Hang out in my dorm room, go to the cafeteria and enjoy college life.]
Q: Will you fight in the NHL?
A: I certainly am not going to be a player where all I am looking for is to fight just to fight. But when it comes to fighting or standing up for a teammate or sending a message to an opposing team, then that is something I would fight for.
Johnson should have gone directly to the pros and bypass the putrid WCHA. He is to good of a talented player wasting his valuable time on inferior college hockey competition at times he looked bored out there. Move on so we can watch you in St. Louis.
ReplyDeleteI just can't believe that EJ would say this, its ok to think it but now he runs the risk of making his team mates mad at him. I honestly don't see UMN going anywhere, they just aren't playing well as a team together, too many individuals.
ReplyDeleteI think maybe UMN is a victim of their own success too many stars and not enough people to do the dirty work. I also think UMN weak schedule at the beginning of the season is hurting them now.
I may be in agreement with you. In my opinion the next two weeks will dictate how well they probably do once the NCAA's come around. If they show up and win three of the next four games then by all means they could go deep into the final 16 otherwise it is going to be a long off season. Thank goodness the Wild are playing well enough to go deep into the playoffs to help soften the cushion if things don't go well in Gopherville.
ReplyDeleteHe just wants to go play with Backes:)
ReplyDeleteI just got my tickets ordered for the Fival 5 championship game. I'll be looking for you in your Mav jersey with "goon" on it:)
Lets Go Mav's Right. The Sioux are going deep into the playoffs this year.
ReplyDeleteYep numnber 8 would be nice since the Sioux have been stuck on 7 for some time now. We have to get some space on the Pios and and BADgers.
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