University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Faceoff: Ryan Lindgren
2/16/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS (GopherSports.com) -Ryan Lindgren has been an integral part of the Gophers defense this season, and has played in 24 games for the Maroon & Gold.
A blueliner from Minneapolis, Minn., Lindgren spent two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program, serving as a team captain both years.
The freshman recently played for the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2017 IIHF World Junior tournament in Canada, helping the team win gold for the first time since 2013.
Lindgren, who previously won a national championship while at Shattuck-St. Mary's with teammates Ryan Norman and Rem Pitlick, joins the Gophers after being selected 49th overall (second round) by the Boston Bruins at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
GopherSports.com had a chance to catch up with one of Minnesota's newest skaters and talk about his experience so far in the Maroon & Gold.
GopherSports.com: To begin, when did you first start playing hockey?
Ryan Lindgren: I was five or six years old when I first started playing. My two older brothers were really into it and so was my dad. They got me into it at an early age and ever since then I haven't stopped playing.
GS: You spent a few seasons with the US Under 17/18 teams and then again most recently with the Team USA at the World Junior tournament in Canada. What was that experience like to win gold just over a month ago?
RL: It was an unbelievable experience. I've never won gold with the US national team before so that was very special. We've won second a few times and then bronze a handful as well, so winning gold was incredible. It was such a great group of guys too, and I have a lot of friends on that team. Going undefeated that whole tournament was incredible and definitely an experience I will never forget.
GS: Is it a nice memory to reminisce about with the players that you run into again on different teams later in the college season?
RL: Yeah, I've known most of those guys through USA Hockey for a while now. There were a couple I met at camp this summer, so whenever we get to play them it's really fun. Obviously they are great players and a challenge to play against. Talking to them before and after the games is special since we share such great memories together on the U.S. team.
GS: You play a variety of teams on the US National Development teams, including some of the top colleges in the nation. What has differed most playing college hockey compared to what you are used to?
RL: It's a valuable experience to be able to play different colleges at the national level, so I had an idea of what the level of play was at. The main difference is playing every weekend against different, highly skilled teams. It really hasn't been too bad, and I think I've adjusted well. We have a great team at Minnesota, so that really helps too.
GS: One of the most challenging yet rewarding parts about being a college hockey player is balancing school with the sport. How has the transition been as far as school and studying goes, and staying on top of both?
RL: The school part of being a student-athlete is definitely something I need to work on. I think I could definitely put a little more work into it, since it is a step up from high school. Balancing school and hockey is a fun challenge and something I realize is a special opportunity that not everyone gets to do.
GS: You grew up right here in Minneapolis, and I'm sure you have been familiar with the program for a while now. Have you always had your eyes set on being a Gopher?
RL: Absolutely. I used to watch the games all the time growing up. I would come to Mariucci often, so I knew that if I ever had the opportunity to play here it would be an easy decision.
GS: Now that we are over a semester through the year, you're accustomed to the campus and lifestyle here at the 'U'. What is your favorite part about being on campus and playing for the University of Minnesota?
RL: The school spirit in Minnesota is incredible. The student section we get every weekend is awesome and really fun to play in front of. They bring the energy, and it's a special experience to get to play at Mariucci -- a place with so much history and tradition.
GS: You were drafted last year in the second round of the NHL entry draft by the Boston Bruins. How special was that moment for you?
RL: It was a really exciting time. During the draft day, I got really nervous just because I had no idea where I was going to end up. My whole family was there, and my billet family from Ann Arbor came up to see it so that was very special. Going to a team like the Bruins is very exciting as well. One of my best friends Trent Frederic was also drafted by the Bruins, which made it even more incredible of an experience. I knew (Charles) McAvoy a little bit too, who also went to Boston, so it was a lot of fun.
GS: With just a couple weeks left in the Big Ten regular season, you've established yourself as a top defender and have helped put Minnesota in a good spot in the standings. Do you have any personal or team goals that you hope to accomplish this year?
RL: I want the team to do well, so helping them defensively and any way I can is where I am at now. Winning a Big Ten championship, making the (NCAA) tournament, and obviously winning a national championship at the end of the year is the end goal for the team, and I think we have the talent to do just that.
Quick Hits: Ryan Lindgren
Plays You in a Movie: Dolph Lundgren
Favorite Food: Sushi
Funniest Teammate: Joey Marooney
Smartest Teammate: Connor Reilly
Favorite NHL Player: Niklas Kronwall
Favorite Gopher: Phil Kessel
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Other Pports: Football, Tennis
Favorite Sports Memory: Winning Gold at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Tournament
