If the last name of Matt LaPrade, the Gophers' newest goalie, sound familiar, it should.
His father, Dr. Robert LaPrade was the team physician and orthopedist for the Gophers hockey team for at least 14 years before he moved to Vail,. Colo.
Matt LaPrade, a 6-4, 195-pound goalie, played for Holy Family Catholic in high school and then for the Colorado Rampage of the Tier I Elite League in the 2010-11 season.
Last season he was with the Bay State Breakers of the Eastern Junior Hockey League before being traded to Corpus Christi of the North American Hockey League.
LaPrade, who turns 20 on August 6, will be a walk-on at the 'U' and back up freshman Adam Wilcox and junior Mike Shirbrowski, who will compete for the starting job.
* Nick Bjugstad reportedly told ESPN in a recent interview that it could be another month or two before he decides whether to sign with the Florida Panthers or return to the Gophers for his junior season.
Bjugstad led the Gophers with 25 goals last season. The Panthers took him in the first round of the 2010 NHL draft. He was the 19th overall pick.
Seems Bjugstad is waiting to see if there will be an NHL strike this comng season.
