Erik Haula has signed with the Minnesota Wild

#Gophers forward Erik Haula has signed an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild.
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 7, 2013

It's been a tough spring for the Minnesota Gophers as they have lost a ton of offensive scoring from last season's team that went 26-9-5 and finished tied for first in the WCHA.

#Gopher captain Zach Budish has signed a amateur tryout deal with the Milwaukee Admirals. gophersports.com/sports/m-hocke…
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 3, 2013

The Gophers have now lost 5 juniors from their lineup that was the third ranked offense in the NCAA this past season. Nate Schmidt (9g-23a—32pts), Zach Budish (14g-22a—32pts), Nick Bjugstad (21g-15a—36pts), Erik Haula (16g-35a—51pts), Mark Alt (0g-7a—7pts). If math is correct that is 158 points from the Minnesota Gophers lineup.

#Gophers Nate Schmidt has signed a 2-year entry level deal with the @washcaps.
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 2, 2013

According to @weissfcMark Alt has signed with Philadelphia.
— GPL (@GopherPuckLive) April 5, 2013

Mark Alt's CFB on Michael Parks

We have discussed the Kristo hit on Marshall the night before; these are the types of hits that the NHL, NCAA, Jr's and High School hockey want to eliminate from the game of hockey. I don't know why the on ice officials discussed this hit for so long before they decided to toss the Gophers defenseman Mark Alt from the game.

The NCAA needs to go back to the five and a game misconduct for checking from behind plays. According to this article by David La Vaque of the Star Tribune the MSHSL rules just got tougher on hits from behind. It's a very good idea that I applaud.

The Minnesota State High School League will impose tougher penalties for three of hockey's most dangerous infractions after an illegal hit to a Twin Cities high school player.

Beginning with games Monday, players called for a check from behind, boarding or head contact will get at least a five-minute major penalty. The "major" designation puts the player's team at greater risk of being scored on because it must play shorthanded for the duration.

The measure is aimed at making players aware of serious injuries their bigger, faster and stronger bodies can cause or sustain through reckless physical play.

Its approval by the National Federation of State High School Associations comes barely two weeks after Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore Jack Jablonski was paralyzed from crashing headfirst into the boards after a check from behind. [MN Hockey HUB]