Max Gardiner is just the latest of at least six players who have left the Gophers program in recent years -- not for the pros -- but for junior hockey or to transfer to another school.

Now this issue -- or should we say problem -- is not unique to the Gophers. Two little-used North Dakota players recently said they were transferring to other schools.

In every case, it seems, the reason given for a Gopher player leaving was the chance for more playing time on their new team.

Here is the list of Gophers players who have left and where they went:

F Max Gardiner, Dubuque (USHL) ... had three points in 17 games as a freshman. Not the statistics a player drafted in the third round wants.

F Mike Dorr, Minnesota State Mankato ... left middle of his freshman season, this season will be senior captain of Mavericks

D Sam Lofquist, Guelph, Ontario Hockey League ... left early in sophomore season, shortly after collision in practice which put Jay Barriball out for the season with knee injury. Lofquist was battling own injuries and getting benched at times.

F Grant Scott, Fargo Force (USHL) and Connecticut past season ... left late in freshman season, was playing little. Big kid who was being tried on defense

F Josh Birkholz, Everett Silvertips, Western Hockey League ... left last summer after freshmen season. Was facing lengthy suspension for violating team rules

F Drew Fisher, Bemidji State ... third or fourth line center at U and for Beavers

F Mike Dorr, Minnesota State Mankato ... left middle of his freshman season, this season will be senior captain of Mavericks