When you think of success in hockey, your mind can go in different directions. But when you think of it in terms of college hockey, there are only a select number of programs that are thought of first. One program that is near the top of the list is the Minnesota Golden Gophers – a pinnacle of collegiate success since anyone can remember.
How can a school always be contending for national championships and producing star talent at a consistent rate? Brad Frost, who has been the head coach of the women’s team at Minnesota since 2007, believes that a proud history and bringing in the right players who want to play for the Golden Gophers is where success begins for the program. “It comes down to the logo on the front of the jersey. You’re representing the state of Minnesota,” Frost said.
For Frost, his main focus when it comes to player development is creating a complete player both on and off the ice. Their values of being tough, grateful, disciplined and devoted are a big talking point for his team and help to shape their culture and who they are as people. “In the end, I want them to leave here as better people and hockey players than when they walked through that door,” he said. “It’s more than just hockey here.”
In addition, Frost and his staff do their best to be a part of shaping the culture and being close with the team. That’s what they want to be known for, and it’s something they are proud of. “The thing that separates us is how relational we are as a staff and as coaches,” he said. “We really want to get to know our players and have them get to know us.”
Frost understands they are not perfect, but by trying to form strong relationships, coach their best and bring in the right players from good families, he knows that will lead to their ultimate goal aside from a national championship: to give their players a true Minnesota experience. “It’s really the memories our players are going to have from doing the right things, getting the right education and being around like-minded people each and every day that are going to be what they carry with them,” he said.
The men’s side of things is no different. Having returned to the Golden Gophers following a successful NHL career, current director of player development Paul Martin mirrored what Frost had to say about the environment in place on campus. “We’re fortunate to have a whole staff that buys into what we’re trying to do,” he said. “There’s a lot of great coaches and development here.”
Martin also believes the Golden Gophers are among the best at keeping players in-state, which is something the school prides itself on: “We do a good job of bringing in the good kids and developing them for the next level.”
With the focus on development and culture building in place, it is easy to see why the Golden Gophers have experienced great success. The men’s program has won five national championships, appeared in the Frozen Four seven times since 2000 and has an abundance of WCHA and Big Ten titles. It has also produced dozens of NHL players, including Phil Kessel, Erik Johnson and Blake Wheeler. The women’s program has made the championship game a total of nine times, taking home six titles. The program also has an astonishing 21 Frozen Four appearances since 2000 and has produced countless Olympians and PWHL stars such as Amanda Kessel, Lee Stecklein, Taylor Heise, Grace Zumwinkle and others.
Minnesota’s remarkable history of winning and creating great people and hockey players is something to marvel at. There are many other successful programs, but replicating a formula that pushes out top-end talent consistently isn’t something that can be done so easily. More success is surely on the horizon for the Golden Gophers.
By Jackson Scherger
Jackson Scherger is a journalism student at MacEwan University in Edmonton. Originally from Macklin, Sask., Jackson looks to continue to gain experience in sports journalism as he pursues a career in this field.