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Addressing what went wrong and looking ahead.

It's been quite a departure from the norm for the St. Cloud State Huskies this season, as they failed to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2017 (not considering the covid year). Traditionally a powerhouse in Minnesota hockey, the Huskies found themselves facing an uphill battle for respect this year. The Huskies encountered uncertainties right from the start, with unexpected losses to teams like St. Thomas and the Mike Hastings-less Mavericks in the early weeks of the season. These setbacks contributed to a challenging start for St. Cloud, who struggled to find their rhythm and cohesion, starting the season with a 2-4 record against relatively weaker opponents. Despite showing glimpses of promise at times during the season, the Huskies found it difficult to maintain consistency and momentum. They experienced periods where it seemed like they had found their groove, only to falter again shortly after. The inability to find a cohesive team dynamic proved to be a recurring issue throughout the season. The Huskies were on the bubble as the season came to an end and the only way in the NCAA Tournament was to win the Frozen Faceoff. The Huskies would fall in overtime to the Denver Pioneers in the semi final which would ultimately end the Huskies season. The Huskies finished the season a game above .500 at (17-16-5) 


This week I did a Q&A with St Cloud State Hockey page “SCSUhockeyhub” In an effort to answer questions Husky fans may have as well as being curious about the downfall of the Huskies this season I centered my question around what to look for next year as well as what went wrong this year.





Q: What went wrong this season for the Huskies?


A: This team didn't have the ability to be clutch in needed moments that past teams have. They had trouble scoring when they wanted to, which meant they had trouble scoring when they needed to. They also ran into issues of “Comically” bad luck and unacceptable defensive lapses. To keep it brief too many blown leads, an inability to hold on to momentum and bad overtime play.



Q: Who are the newcomers for next year and what can they bring to the table?


A: Right now there are four confirmed newcomers for next year


  1. Austin Burnevik: A winger who is one of the most highly touted commits in recent Husky history. Burnevik will bring needed scoring and size.

2023-24 56GP 66P 38G 28A (Madison Capitals)

  1. Gavyn Thoreson: Another winger who provides much needed speed and can match it with strength.

2023-24 56GP 59P 19G 40A (Waterloo)





  1. Aiden Welch: Welch will bring another netfront presence that the Huskies will utilize.

2023-24 51GP 22P (Cedar Rapids)






  1. Thor Byfuglien: The Cousin of retired NHL player Dustin Byfuglien, Thor is a two way defender that will be valued by the team.

2023-24 54GP 23P 5G 18A (CHI Steel)




Q: Who are some key returners for next year?


A: 


  1. Veeti Miettinen: With a decision likely coming this week it seems like Veeti is more likely to be returning for a 5th year.

  2. Joe Molenaar: Assistant captain and hockey humanitarian nominee, he is another senior that could go pro but is more likely to return for a 5th year. Brings a dependable two way game 

  3. Josh Luedtke: Assistant captain who will see his role be expanded with the departure of Anhorn and Peart

  4. Adam Ingram: Draft pick of the predators, who is likely to have a Hobey baker nominee year 


As is customary, the St. Cloud State Huskies are poised to reload and bounce back stronger next season. The return of key players will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping the Huskies' performance. Under the leadership of head coach Brett Larson, who is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in the NCHC, second only perhaps to David Carle, there is every reason to believe that the Huskies will undergo a resurgence come next fall. With Larson at the helm, the Huskies will likely undergo a revitalization during the offseason with sights on the Penrose Cup, as well as in the pursuit of success at the Frozen Faceoff. Moreover, their sights will undoubtedly be set on a return to the NCAA Tournament. While rumors continue to float about the uncertainty of the program's future, there is no doubt that the focus is only set on next year. While it's very early I have the Husky coming in at 3 in my “way to early” NCHC preseason ranking.


Way to early preseason poll

  1. Denver 

  2. North Dakota 

  3. SCSU 

  4. UMD

  5. UNO

  6. CC *Toss up with WMU

  7. WMU

  8. ASU

  9. Miami (OH)

Photo credits to knsiradio

 
 
 

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