Recruits not concerned by fans' displeasure with Gophers men's hockey program

The Gophers men's hockey program missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in five years this season. The program endured midseason criticism from local media. Coach Don Lucia's future with the program will be under debate this offseason.

These issues, from a fans perspective, have painted a grim outlook or reason to be concerned about the health of the men's hockey program.

Two of the Gophers' top recruits see a much different picture. Ryan Lindgren and Casey Mittelstadt each defended the state of the program this week while training with the U.S. National U-18 Team at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine.

"I think a lot of people overreact because we get kind of spoiled with how good they've been," Mittelstadt said. "The last couple years, it doesn't even meet Gophers fans' expectations, and they still won conference titles. So I don't think it's too bad. I think people are overreacting a little bit."

The Gophers have won five straight regular-season conference championships, won the Big Ten tournament in 2015, and were national runners-up in 2014. Lucia was the inaugural Big Ten Coach of the Year and became the program's all-time winningest coach last season.

"I think they're doing a great job," Lindgren said. "People in Minnesota, and the Gophers, want to win. This is something they expect. Hopefully, I can go there and keep that up. … They were in the [national] final a couple years ago. Hopefully, we can bring national championship back to the Gophers. And obviously there is some pressure to play good here. A lot of people follow the Gophers, so I'm really looking forward to it."

This chorus of support reinforced the longtime notion that the state's top recruits are happy with the direction of the program.

Fans argue that the Big Ten's six teams have struggled to match the talent around the rest of the country. However, half of the U.S. National U-18 Team is committed to playing college hockey for a Big Ten member, hinting the nation's top recruits are still attracted to these programs/conference.

The Big Ten took its first step at improving the health of its hockey conference by adding Notre Dame as an affiliate member beginning in 2017.

"I definitely watch college hockey a lot, so seeing Notre Dame now in the Big Ten, that's great," Lindgren said. "They have a great rink down there and a great program, so it's good for the Big Ten."

The Gophers are making their own improvements by renovating the Mariucci Arena locker rooms, training rooms, weight room and player lounge. Though Mittelstadt and Lindgren said facilities weren't a major factor in their decision to play at the U, they're excited for what the improvements will add to the program.

"They're sweet," Mittelstadt said. "I saw [the renderings] with all the coaches, so it's pretty cool to see [the upgrades], especially whenever I go in, it will be there."