PRIOR LAKE, Minn. — Minnesota Gophers head coach Bob Motzko said he doesn't think about specific team lineups during the summer, but as a collective unit, he's very optimistic about the incoming and returning talent he has to work with.
"I think we're gonna have a whole lot of lines that are pretty good this year. So we'll be excited to get started when that time rolls around," Motzko told The Rink Live's Jess Myers on Tuesday, Aug. 16 during the Gopher Hockey Alumni Golf Event at Legends Golf Club.
Motzko also talks about his defensemen, coaching staff and his new alumni returning for the event.
Bjugstad has new opportunity in Arizona
Former Gopher and Mr. Hockey winner Nick Bjugstad is making the transition from the Minnesota Wild to the Arizona Coyotes this offseason.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I'm excited. They obviously have some young kids on the team and I do think they have some talent," Bjustad said of his new team. "They were hard to play against at the end of the year last year when we (the Wild) needed some points for the playoffs."
Carolina's Skjei excited for season
Former Gophers defenseman Brady Skjei will be entering his fourth season with Carolina after the Hurricanes went 54-20-8 last season but were swept by Tampa Bay in the second round of the playoffs.
"We got young guys that are kind of core the team and that are passionate. They want to win," Skjei said. "They're very competitive. So it's exciting and I think this year is gonna be a great year for us."
