University of Minnesota Athletics
The Energizer; Gopher Hockey Junior Forward Nick Anthony
11/30/2001 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
After working through his traumatic first experience with organized hockey, junior Nick Anthony decided to stick to the game for which he was developing a love and a knack. With his father Galen cheering from the side - not by his side - Nick continued to develop his skills on the ice. During his high school years at Shattuck-St. Mary's, he totaled 235 career points, scoring 106 goals and adding 129 assists. After playing a year with the now-defunct Twin Cities Vulcans of the USHL, Anthony realized his childhood dream of wearing the Maroon and Gold. "Ever since I was little, I wanted to play for the Gophers. Every kid in Minnesota feels that way. Getting the opportunity to do so is the chance of a lifetime," Anthony said.
The dream has been a reality for three seasons now. But stepping onto the ice at Mariucci Arena still gives Nick Anthony chills. With the cheering fans, and the Rouser pumping the background, the energy is felt every time. The first time Nick stepped on the ice he tried, with little success, to block it all out. There was still a game to be played. "I tried to not notice the crowd and not to let them bother me, but it wasn't easy. I had to remember to play hard in the game, not focus on the crowd," Anthony commented.
Another dream of Nick's could be reached next April at the Xcel Energy Center. He wants to be the person to yell out "Let's Play Hockey!" at the beginning of a Wild game, you ask? Possibly, but there is something happening there that may take a little more precedence in this Golden Gopher's career - competing in the NCAA Frozen Four. When asked what it would mean to reach that final stage, Anthony replied, "It would be a dream come true. It's going to take hard work, but we take it day-by-day. To reach that is our main goal; it's always in the back of our minds."
Right now the month of November is just coming to a close. However, it can be difficult not to look forward to spring when the excitement over Golden Gopher talent is building with every game. Minnesota's Pride on Ice has gotten off to its best start in over 60 years. Everyone on the team has been playing well, reminding fans of the nationally-dominating teams of the past. Their overall strength has impressed even those on the team. "We have firepower offensively and are good defensively and are good in the goal. With all the areas being that strong, it's equaled a high-level of playing. It's important that we come out and score," said Anthony.
Nick is part of an ever-impressive offense, with many up-and-coming stars. The lack of a sophomore slump for the current second year players like Grant Potulny, Matt Koalska and Troy Riddle, combined with the abilities of freshmen like Jake Fleming and Barry Tallackson has led to a scoring spree with the Golden Gophers averaging six goals per game. Anthony is proud of his younger teammates' work, but equally happy with them off the ice: "They are all great players and good guys. That might be the best part - they are really good guys and I consider them friends. On the ice, their playing speaks for itself. They are fun to watch and they always contribute."
Living with teammates generally works out well for athletes. You run on the same schedule, you can help each other out and you understand what your roommates are going through. Unless you can't sit still and like to argue. Nick Anthony looks like a quiet guy; one of those that kind of hangs in the back and is relatively easy-going. Looks can be deceiving, according to Nick's roommate, senior forward Pat O'Leary. "People think he's this quiet guy because he's like that at first when he meets someone. But then you get to know him and he gets under your skin - he'll even tell you that himself. It's gotten worse since we moved in together. We are always arguing."
Anthony agrees, laughing, "Me and Pat argue all the time. Neno [senior defenseman Mark Nenovich, their other roommate] is quiet and easygoing; he just sits there and listens to everything. Pat and I like to go at it and fight. We're always going at it."
Now don't assume that a missed pass between O'Leary and Anthony is a sign of troubles at home. The two fun-loving guys do get along really well. When asked what it is actually like living with Nick, Pat commented with a chuckle, "He never sits still. He's always worried, whether it's grades and school or hockey. He's always running around, always doing things. He is constantly on the phone or the computer, not sitting down and watching TV."
That energy translates well on the ice. To get his fellow members ready, he tries to be like the pink Energizer bunny that keeps going and going. Nick is a sparkplug for his teammates. He wants to get them pumped to compete. He knows that winning a game is not all about scoring goals, but players need to contribute in other less-recognized ways by blocking shots and making hits. A good hockey player is involved in every part of the game. "I go out there and play with energy every night. It's taking that energy and making plays, being part of the game. That's what I try to go out there and do every time," Anthony said.
Helping his team during every shift is part of what Nick wants to achieve overall while at the University. When asked about his goals, Anthony commented, "On the ice, I want to contribute toward the team's success. Not just scoring, but playing hard and making hits too. Off the ice, I want to get my degree and do well in school."
Oh yes, his degree. Nick's major is urban forestry, which, to many, sounds like an oxymoron. If you want an entertaining answer, ask him what it is. After much head-scratching when asked what his degree would allow him to do, Nick replied, "If you have a problem with your tree, you can give me a call. I'll be a tree helper."
If that doesn't work out, Anthony always has another plan in his back pocket. In an earlier article about senior goaltender Adam Hauser, the possibility of Adam running off to Nashville with senior center John Pohl to begin singing careers was mentioned, and Nick was upset his name was omitted from the scenario. So it seems as though there might be a trio showing up around the Nashville-area, made up of three guitar-playing former Golden Gophers. If "Rockin' the Mullet" (or whatever they decide to name their band) does become reality, remember that you heard about it here first.
Back to the present. The consistently high level of play from the very energetic Nick Anthony is an important, but sometimes overlooked, part of the success achieved by the Golden Gophers so far into the season. He is taking advantage of his chance of a lifetime and making the most of his childhood dream. This sparkplug is a key piece of the puzzle if Minnesota is to be the last man standing come championship time in April. He sure has the energy to get there.
Written by Men's Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant, Courtney Walerius
You're a four year-old boy; let's say your name is Nick. You're sitting at home playing with your Transformers when your dad, playing Santa early, comes in with armfuls of equipment for this thing he calls "hockey." You have no idea what it's all about, but you decide to go ahead and give it a shot. So you're skating around outdoors and having a good time when your dad takes it a step further and signs you up for playing on a team. You're okay with this and, on your first day, you go in excited and ready to play with some other kids. All of a sudden, this guy comes out and bosses you around. He's big and mean and basically scares the heck out of you. The only way you'll stay and play is if your dad is by your side the entire time. This is a true story. And the U of M thanks Mr. Anthony for standing by his son Nick's side, for now he is a forward for the Golden Gophers.
After working through his traumatic first experience with organized hockey, junior Nick Anthony decided to stick to the game for which he was developing a love and a knack. With his father Galen cheering from the side - not by his side - Nick continued to develop his skills on the ice. During his high school years at Shattuck-St. Mary's, he totaled 235 career points, scoring 106 goals and adding 129 assists. After playing a year with the now-defunct Twin Cities Vulcans of the USHL, Anthony realized his childhood dream of wearing the Maroon and Gold. "Ever since I was little, I wanted to play for the Gophers. Every kid in Minnesota feels that way. Getting the opportunity to do so is the chance of a lifetime," Anthony said.
The dream has been a reality for three seasons now. But stepping onto the ice at Mariucci Arena still gives Nick Anthony chills. With the cheering fans, and the Rouser pumping the background, the energy is felt every time. The first time Nick stepped on the ice he tried, with little success, to block it all out. There was still a game to be played. "I tried to not notice the crowd and not to let them bother me, but it wasn't easy. I had to remember to play hard in the game, not focus on the crowd," Anthony commented.
Another dream of Nick's could be reached next April at the Xcel Energy Center. He wants to be the person to yell out "Let's Play Hockey!" at the beginning of a Wild game, you ask? Possibly, but there is something happening there that may take a little more precedence in this Golden Gopher's career - competing in the NCAA Frozen Four. When asked what it would mean to reach that final stage, Anthony replied, "It would be a dream come true. It's going to take hard work, but we take it day-by-day. To reach that is our main goal; it's always in the back of our minds."
Right now the month of November is just coming to a close. However, it can be difficult not to look forward to spring when the excitement over Golden Gopher talent is building with every game. Minnesota's Pride on Ice has gotten off to its best start in over 60 years. Everyone on the team has been playing well, reminding fans of the nationally-dominating teams of the past. Their overall strength has impressed even those on the team. "We have firepower offensively and are good defensively and are good in the goal. With all the areas being that strong, it's equaled a high-level of playing. It's important that we come out and score," said Anthony.
Nick is part of an ever-impressive offense, with many up-and-coming stars. The lack of a sophomore slump for the current second year players like Grant Potulny, Matt Koalska and Troy Riddle, combined with the abilities of freshmen like Jake Fleming and Barry Tallackson has led to a scoring spree with the Golden Gophers averaging six goals per game. Anthony is proud of his younger teammates' work, but equally happy with them off the ice: "They are all great players and good guys. That might be the best part - they are really good guys and I consider them friends. On the ice, their playing speaks for itself. They are fun to watch and they always contribute."
Living with teammates generally works out well for athletes. You run on the same schedule, you can help each other out and you understand what your roommates are going through. Unless you can't sit still and like to argue. Nick Anthony looks like a quiet guy; one of those that kind of hangs in the back and is relatively easy-going. Looks can be deceiving, according to Nick's roommate, senior forward Pat O'Leary. "People think he's this quiet guy because he's like that at first when he meets someone. But then you get to know him and he gets under your skin - he'll even tell you that himself. It's gotten worse since we moved in together. We are always arguing."
Anthony agrees, laughing, "Me and Pat argue all the time. Neno [senior defenseman Mark Nenovich, their other roommate] is quiet and easygoing; he just sits there and listens to everything. Pat and I like to go at it and fight. We're always going at it."
Now don't assume that a missed pass between O'Leary and Anthony is a sign of troubles at home. The two fun-loving guys do get along really well. When asked what it is actually like living with Nick, Pat commented with a chuckle, "He never sits still. He's always worried, whether it's grades and school or hockey. He's always running around, always doing things. He is constantly on the phone or the computer, not sitting down and watching TV."
That energy translates well on the ice. To get his fellow members ready, he tries to be like the pink Energizer bunny that keeps going and going. Nick is a sparkplug for his teammates. He wants to get them pumped to compete. He knows that winning a game is not all about scoring goals, but players need to contribute in other less-recognized ways by blocking shots and making hits. A good hockey player is involved in every part of the game. "I go out there and play with energy every night. It's taking that energy and making plays, being part of the game. That's what I try to go out there and do every time," Anthony said.
Helping his team during every shift is part of what Nick wants to achieve overall while at the University. When asked about his goals, Anthony commented, "On the ice, I want to contribute toward the team's success. Not just scoring, but playing hard and making hits too. Off the ice, I want to get my degree and do well in school."
Oh yes, his degree. Nick's major is urban forestry, which, to many, sounds like an oxymoron. If you want an entertaining answer, ask him what it is. After much head-scratching when asked what his degree would allow him to do, Nick replied, "If you have a problem with your tree, you can give me a call. I'll be a tree helper."
If that doesn't work out, Anthony always has another plan in his back pocket. In an earlier article about senior goaltender Adam Hauser, the possibility of Adam running off to Nashville with senior center John Pohl to begin singing careers was mentioned, and Nick was upset his name was omitted from the scenario. So it seems as though there might be a trio showing up around the Nashville-area, made up of three guitar-playing former Golden Gophers. If "Rockin' the Mullet" (or whatever they decide to name their band) does become reality, remember that you heard about it here first.
Back to the present. The consistently high level of play from the very energetic Nick Anthony is an important, but sometimes overlooked, part of the success achieved by the Golden Gophers so far into the season. He is taking advantage of his chance of a lifetime and making the most of his childhood dream. This sparkplug is a key piece of the puzzle if Minnesota is to be the last man standing come championship time in April. He sure has the energy to get there.
Written by Men's Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant, Courtney Walerius
