Goalie on the offensive

After leading Lakeville North to back-to-back state tournament appearances, it's time for Charlie Lindgren to move on.

The elite goaltender will forego his senior season with the Panthers to play for Sioux Falls of the United States Hockey League. Many believe he would have been a top contender to win this year's Frank Brimsek Award, which goes to the state's top senior netminder.

"It will be tough to leave the family and friends," said Lindgren, who had been playing hockey in Lakeville since he was five. "It was a tough choice, but I think I made the right one."

Lindgren again showcased game-saving ability during the playoffs last year, allowing only two goals in three section playoff games, posting a .978 save percentage and stopping 51 of 52 shots against Lakeville South in the section final. After losing to eventual state champion Eden Prairie in the state quarterfinal, he stopped 37 of 38 in an upset victory over Moorhead before saving 39 of 42 in the consolation championship victory over White Bear Lake.

Justin Johnson, founder of Mental Edge Goaltending Academy, has worked on and off with Lindgren for six years.

"I think it's the right move for Charlie," said Johnson, who is also the Gophers men's and women's goaltending coach. "I think too many people rush to that decision and I know that him and his family really sought out many sources to get their feedback on it. I think the way that he has played the last two years -- leading his team to the state tournament -- I think it was time for him to take the next step."

The Chicago Steel selected Lindgren 79th overall in the 2010 USHL entry draft. Sioux Falls acquired Lindgren through a trade this past May. He attended the tryout in early June and was offered a spot.

The 6-1, 183-pound goaltender brings a unique, aggressive playing style to the crease that could be compared to Boston Bruins Stanley Cup-winning goalie Tim Thomas. He challenges shooters and is not strictly a butterfly-style goalie.

"If you were going to try and put his style of play into one word, it would be dynamic," Johnson said. "He makes saves based on what he sees in front of him. He's athletic and he's big and he reads plays well. It allows him to be creative in how he stops the puck, which makes it very difficult for shooters to figure him out and very difficult for shooters to score."

Lindgren's aggressive style has given him success and exposure, but it also makes coaches hesitant. More reps at a higher level of play should answer their questions.

"I think people are curious about his playing style because it's unorthodox. It doesn't look safe. A lot of times, coaches want things that appear to be safe," Johnson said. "I think people are waiting to see if he can pull it off at the junior level."

Lindgren is most definitely on the college radar. By moving to Sioux Falls next week, he will be one step closer to making that dream a reality.