Hockey – Hunwick back for 5th year
Went to the Dekers’ hockey picnic today.
During the players’ speeches, Hunwick had this to say,
“The past three years have been fun and gone by fast. In fact I had so much fun, I begged Red to let me come back for a 5thyear and he said yes. So I’ll be back next year too.”
FWIW, he also mentioned he’s on scholarship now.
Hope this helps put those who had 2011 goaltending concerns, once J.Campbell decommitted, at ease. Still need a 2011 commit at G though.
September 19th, 2010 at 5:28 PM ^
He was a difference maker last year. I expect some BIG things from this team this year.
C'mon hockey team, hang banner #10
September 19th, 2010 at 7:53 PM ^
I'd still really like to see a 2011 goalie commit or two to give us some depth. No doubt that Hunwick was phenomenal last year when it was all on the line, but it's tough to play at that level for a whole season, with the weight of expectations hanging, when it's not do-or-die every night, etc. Hunwick is still small, which is worrying. Don't get me wrong, the kid can play, he proved that by beating the best teams in the CCHA when all the chips were down. Still, depth - PLEASE depth!
September 19th, 2010 at 8:13 PM ^
Hunwick did a absolutely FANTASTIC job in his role as a starter last year, but can he do it all year is a very big question. Another question is whether the team will play for him like they did last year. Especially during those two games at the Joe, the team defense was incredible. Hunwick made the saves, including some dazzling ones, but the defense cleared out quite a few terrifying rebounds and was just generally swarming in their own zone. During the regional, the defensive effort was still better than it had been for most of the season, but not quite at the level it was for the CCHA championships. Obviously he did a great job that weekend too, but I'm remembering Miami's 2nd goal, when their player crashed the net and just kept digging at Hunwick until the puck went in. I can't say the Hogan would have been able to keep that out, and you can argue that the ref maybe should have blown the play dead before the goal, but a little extra size in that case wouldn't hurt. I think Hunwick will certainly be good enough to win, but it never hurts to have another good option and I'd MUCH rather have a sophomore starter in 2012, who got his feet wet in 2011 than a freshman who hasn't done anything yet. Red's track record with freshmen goalies nonwithstanding.
Also: VERY good news obviously. I don't really know too much (anything?) about the recruiting situation, but I'd think that most of the good 2011 goalies are already taken. I've heard that Gibson, from the USNDPT has not committed, but Heisenberg lists him as an OSU commit. Unless he's free, I have a sinking suspicion that Red and co. have their sights set on some 2012 stud.
September 19th, 2010 at 8:46 PM ^
As awesome as Hunwick played when Hogan was hurt, I'm hoping that Hogan stays healthy and plays really well this season. Maybe knowing there's a good goalie backing him up and able to take over his job at any time will cause Bryan to step up his game that extra level I think it needs....
September 19th, 2010 at 10:20 PM ^
i'm still skeptical that hunwick can be 'the guy' for a whole season. it was great riding the momentum and adrenaline thru the playoffs last year but we'll see if hunwick can pull off similar feats this year.
obvs i am hoping he does
September 20th, 2010 at 12:16 AM ^
be "the guy" all year, THIS year. Next year is a different story.