Minnesota Squeaks Through First Round

The Golden Gophers upended University of Alaska, Anchorage's playoff hopes this past weekend taking the best of 3 series 2-1. It wasn't easy for Minnesota who were trailing the Seawolves 1-0 in the third game before rallying for three unanswered goals including the insurance shorthanded goal to put the game away at 3-1. In 3 games Okposo had 2 goals. He now has 19 goals and 20 assists on the year (season and playoffs) and is tied with Jay Barriball for the team lead in points.

Regular Season Over - Okposo Team Leader

The Golden Gophers have found their MVP and his name is Okposo, Kyle Okposo. With the regular season officially wrapped up and Minnesota crowned with the WCHA title for best record the team can now look to the playoffs to do some damage, we hope. The finish to the year was not as strong as it began. In the end the Gophers were 26-8-3 (18-7-3 n the WCHA) after a fabulous start with only 1 loss in their first 24 games. But worry not, for the Gophers have KO, the man of the hour.

Okposo finishes his rookie regular season leading the team in goals (17), points (37) and tied for game winners (3). He finished second on the team in shooting percentage (.177) and powerplay goals (5). His 20 assists, 96 shots and +15 rating were good enough to qualify him for third in those categories as well. All of this while taking 4 games off to play in the World Junior Championship for Team USA. Not too shabby for a freshman.

And did I mention that Kyle plays with a gentlemanly style managing only 15 minor penalties in 33 games?

We can expect big things from Okposo in the future, but first, let us keep our eyes on the college playoff scoreboards. Go Gophers!