The sophomore class was the heart of the 2011-12 Gophers' hockey team. Its members scored 241 points or an average of 5.60 per game.

That was first -- by a wide margin -- just looking at sophomore classes across the country, and also first for any class of seniors, juniors or freshmen.

Second among sophomore classes was UMass with 176 points, an average of 4.89 points per game. Third was Wisconsin with 157, 4.24 ppg.

The highest scoring senior class was at Minnesota Duluth. The Bulldogs' seniors piled up 176 points, 4.29 ppg. NCAA champion Boston College was 11th among senior classes with 101, 2.39 ppg.

BC was first among junior classes with 174 points, 3.95 ppg. Three WCHA teams were in the top 10 on the junior list: North Dakota was third, 141 points, 3.37; Bemidji State was sixth, 128, 3.37 ppg and Colorado College was 10th, 118 points, 3.28 ppg.

The leader for freshman class scoring was Mercyhurst with 151 points., 3.77 ppg. North Dakota tied for eighth with 96, 2.29, just ahead of the Gophers in 10th with 91, 2.12 ppg.

SOPHS LEAD WAY

Five of the Gophers' top seven scorers were sophomores:

G Pts.

1. Erik Haula 20 49

3. Nick Bjugstad 25 42

4. Nate Schmidt 3 41

6. Zach Budish 12 35

7. Nate Condon 11 30

Other sophomores

Mark Alt 5 22

Justin Holl 3 11

Jake Parenteau 2 8

Tom Serratore 3 3

Chris Student 0 0

Jared Larson red-shirted

Mike Shibrowski goalie