University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Goalie
/ Men's Hockey
Forward
/ Men's Hockey
Motzko, Robson, Walker Named Finalists for B1G Awards
3/12/2019 12:41:00 PM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – The Gopher Hockey program boasts finalists for three Big Ten awards, the conference announced on Tuesday as Bob Motzko has been named as a finalist for the Big Ten Coach of the Year, Mat Robson has been tabbed a finalist for Big Ten Goaltender of the Year and Sammy Walker represents the Maroon & Gold as a finalist for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Big Ten award winners and All-Big Ten teams will be announced on Tuesday, March 19 ahead of the Big Ten Tournament championship game the following weekend.
In his first season with the Gophers, Motzko has led the University of Minnesota to a third-place finish in the Big Ten and a berth in the conference semifinals this weekend. With an 18-15-4 overall record, the Maroon & Gold enter this weekend's semifinal on a five-game winning streak and have won seven of the last eight contests. The Gophers own the Big Ten's best penalty kill (.840, 110-for-131) while ranking second in the league in offense (3.16 goals per game) and power play (.241, 33-for-137).
Robson has been a large part of the Gophers' recent success, backstopping Minnesota to a 14-11-4 record this season. The junior leads the conference in saves this season (915) while ranking third in the league in save percentage (.920) and wins (14). The goaltender has allowed two goals or fewer in 14 of his 30 starts this year including each of his last four starts (all wins) while he has surrendered just one goal in seven games this year.
Walker has also been instrumental in the success of the Maroon & Gold this season, leading all Big Ten freshmen with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in his rookie season. The forward has played in all but one of Minnesota's 36 games this year and has recorded points in 15 of the Gophers' 18 two-game series this season. Pride on Ice is 4-0-0 this year when Walker records multiple points including a pair of three-point performances in Big Ten play.
The Gophers return to action on Saturday, March 16 at 6 p.m. CT with a Big Ten Tournament semifinal matchup at Notre Dame on Big Ten Network.
Big Ten award winners and All-Big Ten teams will be announced on Tuesday, March 19 ahead of the Big Ten Tournament championship game the following weekend.
In his first season with the Gophers, Motzko has led the University of Minnesota to a third-place finish in the Big Ten and a berth in the conference semifinals this weekend. With an 18-15-4 overall record, the Maroon & Gold enter this weekend's semifinal on a five-game winning streak and have won seven of the last eight contests. The Gophers own the Big Ten's best penalty kill (.840, 110-for-131) while ranking second in the league in offense (3.16 goals per game) and power play (.241, 33-for-137).
Robson has been a large part of the Gophers' recent success, backstopping Minnesota to a 14-11-4 record this season. The junior leads the conference in saves this season (915) while ranking third in the league in save percentage (.920) and wins (14). The goaltender has allowed two goals or fewer in 14 of his 30 starts this year including each of his last four starts (all wins) while he has surrendered just one goal in seven games this year.
Walker has also been instrumental in the success of the Maroon & Gold this season, leading all Big Ten freshmen with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in his rookie season. The forward has played in all but one of Minnesota's 36 games this year and has recorded points in 15 of the Gophers' 18 two-game series this season. Pride on Ice is 4-0-0 this year when Walker records multiple points including a pair of three-point performances in Big Ten play.
The Gophers return to action on Saturday, March 16 at 6 p.m. CT with a Big Ten Tournament semifinal matchup at Notre Dame on Big Ten Network.
Follow Men's Hockey
Men's Hockey Tickets
Experience the excitement and tradition connecting generations of Gopher fans! Create memories for a lifetime with your friends and family while you root for your Golden Gophers. Get Tickets
Support Men's Hockey
Support the University of Minnesota Men's Hockey program. Your support helps our student-athletes succeed athletically, academically, and socially. It takes just seconds to make a monthly or one-time donation. Thank you for your support! Give Now
Highlights: Gophers 2, Notre Dame 3
Saturday, February 14
Highlights: Gophers 2, Notre Dame 2
Friday, February 13
Gopher Round Table: Men's Hockey
Thursday, February 12
Highlights: Gophers 2, Ohio State 6
Friday, February 06