University of Minnesota Athletics
What They're Saying About Coach Lucia
10/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
What They're Saying About Coach Lucia
| Jordan Leopold 2000-02 Team Captain 2002 Hobey Baker Award winner Currently in the Colorado Avalanche system “Coach’s Lucia’s system is extremely player friendly and as a defenseman, he has a lot of confidence in allowing his players to make plays. It’s an exciting style of hockey for his players and is great for the fans to follow. I give Coach Lucia and his staff a great deal of credit for everything we accomplished as a team and that I accomplished individually.” | |
| John Pohl 2000-02 Team Captain 2002 All-American Currently in Toronto Maple Leafs system “I would consider Coach Lucia to be a players-coach. He allows his players to have input and is very open to listening to their opinions. I also think one of his strengths is preparing a team to be performing its best when the postseason comes around. He's not afraid to make changes during the season if he feels that it will benefit the team when it counts...the end of the year.” | |
| Danny Irmen 2006 Team Captain 2005 & 2006 All-WCHA Team Currently in the Minnesota Wild system “Coach Lucia is one of the best, if not the best coach in college hockey and his numbers prove it. He gets his players to perform at their very best, not only on the ice, but also in the classroom. He always seems to know what players to play in what situations. He also developes his players to get ready for the next level. Coach Lucia not only made me a better hockey player, but also a better person.” | |
| Grant Potulny Three-Year Team Captain 2002 NCAA Frozen Four MOP (GWG pictured right) Currently in the Ottawa Senators system “My family and I are grateful that Coach Lucia opened the borders to allow me to play for the Golden Gophers. He made it clear from Day One the expectations that come with wearing the “M.” We had tremendous team chemistry in my four years and that starts with Coach Lucia and his staff. Whether you were a senior or a freshman, you were given a fair chance to compete.” | |
| Keith Ballard 2004 Hobey Baker Award Finalist 2004 All-American Currently in the Florida Panthers system "Coach Lucia is definitely a players-coach. He made me feel comfortable as a student and a player right from the start. Coach Lucia deserves a great deal of credit for the success we had as a team as well as the success I had individually." |
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