WCHA: No Overlooking Riddle

Considering the star players that have skated for the University of Minnesota over the past few seasons such as Jordan Leopold, Jeff Taffe, John Pohl, Paul Martin, and Thomas Vanek, it is easy to overlook forward Troy Riddle.

The durable Riddle, a senior for the Golden Gophers, has never missed a game to injury in his college career, and has been a constant on the Gophers last two National Championship teams. Riddle was the second-leading scorer on the team last season, behind Vanek, with 26 goals and 26 assists, to earn All-WCHA Third Team honours. He had 47 points as a sophomore, including two assists in the NCAA Championship game against Maine.

Riddle stands out on the ice due to his blazing speed and is, in fact, among the fastest skaters in college hockey. Having amassed 129 career points, despite having to fight for quality power-play time, Riddle is equally adept as a finisher or playmaker, and knows how to use his speed to find open ice. He handles the puck well and plays a physical game, particularly in the offensive zone. However, at just 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, he can get out-muscled in the corners and along the wall. And, despite being an effective penalty-killer, must continue to improve his defensive-zone play.

A fourth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 2000, Riddle is a smart, creative player with NHL speed and offensive instincts, and an ability to make those around him better. He also brings good leadership skills and is well-liked and respected by teammates. However, despite having the desire to reach the NHL, he will have to get stronger and better defensively before entertaining thoughts of wearing a Blues’ sweater.

WCHA Notes: North Dakota forward Brandon Bochenski had a hat trick in Friday night’s come from behind victory over Boston College … Linemate Zach Parise is still looking for his first goal of the season, but does have two assists in the three UND games … Alaska-Anchorage has received strong goaltending from seniors Kevin Reiter and Chris King, who have posted a combined save percentage of .930 … Adam Coole had a strong game in the net for St. Cloud vs. Wisconsin Saturday night … Coole, a transfer from Minnesota-Duluth, sat out all of last season … Colorado College sophomore Brett Sterling is off to a hot start with five points in the Tigers’ first two games … Sterling is a dynamic skater and a very exciting player to watch.

(Weekend of 10/10) Minnesota looked very sloppy in Friday night’s 4-0 loss to Maine … Minnesota goalie Justin Johnson was not sharp at all, so look for freshman Kellen Briggs to take over as starter at some point this season … Minnesota-Duluth forward Junior Lessard has a goal in each of the Bulldogs first three games … Chris King had 50 saves as Alaska-Anchorage equaled their win total of last season with a 3-2 victory over Alaska-Fairbanks … Wisconsin freshman Robbie Earl had a goal and an assist in his first collegiate game Friday vs. Nebraska-Omaha … Fellow Badger rookie Ryan Suter also played well, displaying confidence as well as abundant skill.