UND recruit and Fargo Force standout Zane Gothberg is the co-United States Hockey League goalie of the year.
Gothberg shared the award with Green Bay Gamblers goalie and Miami recruit Ryan McKay.
Gothberg, who will come to UND in the fall, led the USHL in save percentage with a .921 mark and with seven shutouts. He finished with a 2.22 goals-against average, which was second behind McKay’s 2.18.
The Thief River Falls native led Fargo to a playoff berth and a first-round victory.
Gothberg is expected to compete with Alabama-Huntsville transfer Clarke Saunders for the starting job next season if Aaron Dell turns pro. Dell has not yet announced his decision for next season.
Brad do you know when Dell will decide to stay or go?
I sure wish Mr. Aaron Dell would make his decision known.
I could be wrong but I think he is waiting til either June or July 1st when free agency starts, but I could be way off. Anyway I think he will be gone next year.
He already is a free agent. So yes you are way off.
He is a free agent, yes, but he is not way off…. waiting to see what offers come his way in July. If he gets the right offer, he will be gone. If he doesn’t like any of the offers he can come back for one more year!
ZG rose from 26th in 10/11 to co-goalie award winner this year. (http://www.goalierankings.com) Two of the top 10 are uncommitted. Wilcox, who fell from 7th to 10th, is the only other WCHA recruit in the top 10.
Gothberg was the backup last year for the Force. Not like he sucked, then turned it on this year. Last year’s “ranking” is not relevant.
Saunders will be d’man, no matter who goes where…..
This all depends on your definition of “d’man.” I doubt Saunders will be taking off his pads to play as a Dman on the SIoux.
As for him being “THE man” at UND, I hope you are right. I’d love to have a great goaltending tandem at UND once again.
However, Hakstol has shown that it doesn’t matter what year you are, how old you are, or what your potential is… the best guy plays. So if Saunders comes in and rocks practice and impresses to beat feet, yeah… I bet he starts. If Gothberg does the same or better than Saunders, it could be the opposite.
Nothing is automatic.
That loss of Nelson hurts, but gotta say the team is looking pretty loaded…