Kyle Okposo

National Jr. Evaluation Camp
islesinfo.com

Kyle Okposo, who yesterday decided to return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season, was today invited to the 2007 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y., Aug. 3-11. Okposo is a returning player from last years Team USA squad at the 2007 World Junior Championships in Sweden.

Also invited to the camp is Islanders 2006 4th round pick Rhett Rakhshani, from the University of Denver. Rakhshani attended the camp last summer as well, but was not named to the squad that played in Sweden.

Participating players are candidates for the 2008 U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2007-Jan. 5, 2008, in Pardubice and Liberec, Czech Republic.

The camp will feature practices and eight international scrimmages with a split squad of the best American players under the age of 20 facing off against Sweden and Finland.

Kyle Okposo to Return for His Sophomore Season
by gophersports.com, June 6, 2007

University of Minnesota men’s hockey player Kyle Okposo (St. Paul, Minn.) announced today that he will return to the Golden Gophers for his sophomore season. Okposo, a center, was the No. 7 overall draft pick of the New York Islanders at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

“After meeting with the Islanders to discuss my future, I felt it was in my best interest to return for my sophomore year,” Okposo said. “This is where I want to be to develop into a better player. I’m enjoying my time as a Gopher and am looking forward to helping us defend our WCHA Championships.”

Okposo earned All-WCHA Second Team and WCHA All-Rookie Team honors last season with totals of 19-21--40 to rank second on the team in scoring. Okposo was second on the team in goals and finished tied for third in the WCHA in freshman scoring. The native of St. Paul had eight multi-point games and a team-best three multi-goal games on the season. Okposo had a point in 29 of 40 games last season, a goal in 15 contests and an assist in 16 games.

“We’re obviously very happy that Kyle elected to return,” Head Coach Don Lucia said. “We’re looking forward to having him be a key player for us next season. I believe Kyle made the right decision and that he is best served coming back to develop, both as a person and an athlete.”

The Golden Gophers open the 2007-08 season with the IceBreaker Tournament on Oct. 12-13, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. The annual season-opening tournament features Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Boston College and Michigan.

islesinfo.com comment: This is a good move for Kyle and his development. Personally, I think the Islanders played a major role in coercing Okposo to return for one more year because I believe he really wanted to turn pro. But ultimately it doesn't hurt. He will be a much better player for it with another year under his belt.

Okposo staying at U
Forward says the pros can wait until after his sophomore year
by Bruce Brothers, Pioneer Press, June 7, 2007

Kyle Okposo was in a jubilant mood Wednesday as he traveled to Faribault, Minn., to work out at the Shattuck-St. Mary's arena where he played high school hockey.

"The last month has been very stressful," Okposo said. "It's a really big relief for me. I'm really excited."

Okposo, the seventh overall pick by the New York Islanders in the first round of the NHL draft last summer, informed University of Minnesota coaches that he has decided to play his sophomore year for the Gophers next season.

"I went out there to talk to them, and after hearing what they had to say, I just thought it was the best thing to come back," he said. "Last year was a fun time. I'm only 19; I want to enjoy being a kid."

The 6-foot, 200-pounder from St. Paul, Minnesota's rookie of the year and its second-leading scorer with 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points, was second-team all-Western Collegiate Hockey Association as a freshman and could be a key ingredient in the Gophers' hopes to repeat as conference champion.

"He's a special player," said Gophers coach Don Lucia, who was in an equally good mood. "What's impressive with Kyle is that he was not only a good offensive player, he was a good defensive player."

Okposo said the Islanders' plans for where he might play next season if he didn't make the NHL team was a key factor in his decision, which he has been weighing for several weeks.

"It had absolutely nothing to do with money," he said. "It was a development issue."

Okposo, who had 23 points in his first 18 games but just seven in Minnesota's final 13 games last season, said he hopes to be a leader as a sophomore "and be much more consistent, especially at the end of the season."

His verdict offsets the decision this spring by defenseman Erik Johnson, the No. 1 overall NHL pick last year, to sign with the St. Louis Blues after his freshman season. The Gophers are waiting for a decision from defenseman Alex Goligoski, who reportedly is mulling an offer from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"We're 1 for 2," Lucia said, noting he is crossing his fingers that Goligoski, an All-American as a junior who underwent shoulder surgery two months ago, also will return.

2006-07 Update: April 1, 2007: Kyle Okposo went 2-3-5 in 9 games played with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the month of March. He was a +5 and went 1-1-2 on the power play. Okposo had a 3 game assist scoring streak (3 assists) from Feb. 24th to Mar. 3rd. On faceoffs he went a toal of 103-88 in 7 out of the 8 games played. Playoffs: Okposo went 2-1-3 in 6 playoff games played. In the first round of the WCHA playoffs, best of three series, Minnesota went up against Alaska Anchorage. The Golden Gophers won the series 2 games to 1 with all three games played at the Mariucci Arena in Minnesota. The Gophers won games one 6-2 on Mar. 9th. Okposo recorded a goal in game 2, a 2-1 loss on Mar. 10th. Minnesota advanced to the WCHA Final Five with a 3-1 win in game 3 on Mar. 11th. Okposo notched a shorthanded goal in the win giving him 2 goals in the series. Minnesota defeated Wisconsin 4-2 on Mar. 16th to advance to the WCHA Championship game vs. North Dakota. Minnesota would win the Championship with a 3-2 OT win. The Gophers were named to the West Regionals as the second seed. Trailing 3-1 to Air Force, Minnesota stormed back to win 4-3 on Mar. 24th. Okposo recorded an assist on the power play to ignite the comeback. In the Regional Final, North Dakota would exact some revenge and defeat the Gophers 3-2 in OT Mar. 25th denying Minnesota an appearance in the Frozen Four. Minnesota posted a record of 6-3-0 in March and overall they finished 31-10-3. Okposo finished second on the Gophers in scoring, second in goals scored and fourth in assists. He was tied for second on the team in shots with 117 and was fourth on the team with a +17. islesinfo.com comment: Minnesota's coach Don Lucia believes it would be good for Okposo to return for another year of college. While I agree it would probably be beneficial for him to get some more dominating success and experience at the college and WJC level, I wouldn't be surprised if Okposo turns pro for 2007-08. If Phil Kessel can do it with success like he's had in Boston, there's no reason to believe Okposo can't have the same success with the Islanders. 

March 1, 2007: Kyle Okposo went 1-5-6 in 6 games played with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the month of February. Three of his assists came on the power play. Okposo played a lot at center ice for the Gophers in February and he went 66-48 on faceoffs. He had a 5 game point scoring streak in which he went 2-7-9 from Jan. 20th to Feb. 3rd. The streak included three straight multiple assist games from Jan. 26th to Feb. 2nd and he recorded 7 assists in 4 straight games from Jan. 26th to Feb. 3rd. Minnesota went 4-2-0 during the month of February and they are 25-7-3 overall. The Gophers have dropped to a ranking of 4th in the nation. They won 4 straight to start the month but dropped their last two to St. Cloud State University. Okposo has scored only 2 goals in his last 13 games played. He recorded a goal and 2 assists in an 8-2 win at Alaska Anchorage on Feb. 2nd.

February 1, 2007: Kyle Okposo went 1-5-6 in 7 games played with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the month of January. He missed Minnesota's first game of the month Jan. 5th at Minnesota State Mankato while still playing for Team USA at the WJC's. He missed a total of 3 games with the Gophers while at the WJC's and the team did not skip a beat going 3-0-0. Okposo returned to Minnesota's lineup on Jan. 7th at Mankato and he assisted on the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win. The assist increased Okposo's personal point scoring streak to 13 games in which time he went 11-7-18 from Oct. 28th to Jan. 7th. After going 3 games without registering a point which saw an end to the point streak, Kyle scored his only goal of the month on Jan. 20th in a 5-4 win vs. the Denver Pioneers. It was the first goal of the game. Okposo is on a current 3 game point scoring streak from Jan. 20th to Jan. 27th in which he has gone 1-4-5. He recorded back to back multiple assist games in two straight losses vs. North Dakota on Jan. 26th and Jan. 27th. The #1 ranked Gophers had a school record 22 game unbeaten streak (19-0-3) snapped on Jan. 12th when they lost 2-1 at Wisconsin. They had won 7 straight games prior to the loss and their only loss came in their first game of the season on Oct. 6th. Minnesota has gone 2-4-0 since Jan. 12th. In January they posted a record of 4-4-0 and on the season they are 21-5-3. They dropped to #3 in the nation.

January 1, 2007: Kyle Okposo went 5-1-6 in 4 games played with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the month of December. One of his goals came on the power play and he was a +4 on the month. Two of Okposo's goals were game-winners: 12/2 in a 2-1 win at Minnesota State Mankato and 12/8 in a 4-1 win at Michigan Tech. He did not play in 2 games for Minnesota while away in Sweden playing with Team USA for the 2007 World Junior Championship's. Okposo missed the Dodge Holiday Classic which consisted of games on 12/29 vs. Alabama-Huntsville and 12/30 vs. Ferris State. With Okposo recording a point in all 4 games during the month, he increased his personal point scoring streak to 12 games extending from Oct. 28 to Dec. 9th (11g, 6a). He had a 5 game point scoring streak from Nov. 25th to Dec. 9th (6-1-7) before leaving for the WJC's. Okposo also had a 5 game goal scoring streak (5 goals) from Nov. 25th to Dec. 9th. The Golden Gophers’ 9-0-3 WCHA record is the program’s best 12-game opening to the conference season since the 1990-91 squad went 10-0-2. The team went 3-0-1 during December with Okposo in the lineup and 5-0-1 overall on the month. Overall the #1 ranked Gophers are 17-1-3, losing only their first game of the season. WJC's: Kyle Okposo had a decent tournament but he struggled to finish which resulted in only an assist in 7 games. His Team USA lost their first two games but came back to win the last two of the preliminary round and got into the medal round. In the qurterfinal, Team USA defeated Finland 6-3 to advance to the semifinals against rival Canada. The semifinal was an exciting game with the Americans dominating, but Canada prevailed in a long shootout by a 2-1 score. Team USA defeated Sweden 2-1 for the Bronze Medal.

December 1, 2006: Kyle Okposo went 3-5-8 in 7 games played with the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the month of November. His play has helped Minnesota grab the #1 ranking in college hockey. They posted a record of 6-0-2 in November and are 12-1-2 overall. Minnesota has not lost since the first game of their season and are currently on a 14 game unbeaten streak. Okposo scored goals on 11/3 in a 3-2 win at Minnesota Duluth, a 5-5 tie vs. St. Cloud State on 11/10, and he tallied the game winner on 11/25 in a 8-2 thrashing of 7th ranked Michigan in what was the second game of the College Hockey Showcase. Okposo did not play in the first game of the Showcase on 11/24 against #6 ranked Michigan State. Despite missing that one game, Okposo has an 8 game personal scoring streak from Oct. 28th to Nov. 25th in which he has scored 6 goals and 11 points. He was a +7 in November. Kyle is in a battle with St. Cloud State's Andreas Nodl for the WCHA scoring lead overall as well as among rookies. Okposo leads the WCHA in goals scored. He often takes alot of faceoff's for the Gophers and is used sometimes at center by Gophers coach Don Lucia. Look for Okposo to be named to the U.S. National Junior Team very soon for the upcoming WJC's which will be taking place from December 26, 2006 through January 5, 2007 in Mora and Leksand, Sweden. Below: Check out Kyle Okposo's amazing between the legs goal scored against Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks on December 2, 2006.

November 1, 2006: Kyle Okposo has already become a star with the University of Minnesota. He leads the Golden Gophers with 7 goals scored in their first 7 games played. The first game of his collegiate career came against the University of Maine in the annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game in St. Paul, Minnesota. Since that loss, the Golden Gophers have rattled off six straight wins. Okposo picked up his first career point, an assist, on October 13th in a 7-1 win vs. Wayne State. Kyle recorded his first two career goals, both on the power play, on October 14, 2006 in a 5-1 win vs. Wayne State. Okposo's power-play goal at 15:08 of the second period snapped a 0-for-30 scoreless streak on the power play for Minnesota, dating to last season (0-for-17 this season before Okposo's goal). He had a 4 game point scoring streak from October 13th to 21st in which he went 4-2-6. On October 28, 2006 Okposo exploded for a hat trick in an 8-1 win vs. Colorado College. All three goals came even strength, while his previous first four goals of the season came via the power play. In 85-plus seasons of Golden Gopher hockey, Minnesota has scored 11,007 goals in 2,531 games. Kyle Okposo scored Minnesota's 11,000th goal at 4:17 of the first period. His hat trick was Minnesota's first of the season and first since Ryan Potulny scored four goals in the 8-6 overtime loss to St. Cloud State in the semifinal of the WCHA Final Five on March 17, 2006. Okposo was named WCHA Rookie of the Week following his hat trick effort. He is currently second on the Golden Gophers in points with 9. His 7 goals is tied for the WCHA overall lead and his 9 points is tied for second overall among WCHA freshman. Kyle plays on a line with Ryan Stoa and Tyler Hirsch. He wears #9. islesinfo.com comment: This kid is going to be a star folks. The Islanders have a REAL keeper here. He scores goals and can skate. He's strong on his skates. The comparisons to Jarome Iginla are not off base and that's not because they are both black. Some believe he will be a better all around player for the Gophers than Phil Kessel was. Okposo is deadly with the puck once he gets around the net. I can't wait to see him get into an Islander uniform and hope it will be in 2007-08.

2006-07 Highlights

* Named first star with 2 goals (2 PP) in 5-1 win vs. Wayne State October 14, 2006.  Video Link Page
* Named first star with 3 goals in 8-1 win vs. Colorado College October 28, 2006.  Video Link Page
* Named third star with 2 assists in 5-4 win vs. North Dakota January 26, 2007.
* Named second star with an assist in 3-1 win vs. Michigan Tech March 2, 2007.
* Named third star with a goal (PP) in 2-1 loss vs. Alaska Anchorage March 10, 2007.

Kyle Okposo celebrates his first of 3 goals October 28, 2006

Blues Sign Johnson
excerpt, by Bruce Brothers, Pioneer Press, Apr. 19, 2007

Kyle Okposo, of St. Paul, beat out D Erik Johnson as the Gophers' rookie of the year. A first-round draft pick (seventh overall) by the New York Islanders, Okposo also is considered a prime threat to jump to the NHL, as is defenseman Alex Goligoski, who was the WCHA defensive player of the year this season. Goligoski's rights belong to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Islanders have been "leaving it up to me," Okposo said Thursday. "I'll make a decision sometime soon."

The second-leading scorer on the Gophers this season with 40 points in 40 games, Okposo said he is still taking classes at the U and will wait to talk to Islanders personnel after the season.

He said the decision of whether he'll stay at Minnesota or jump to the NHL would be made jointly. "If they want me to stay, I'll stay," he added. "If they want me to go, then I'll have to consider everything and make a decision. It's all on me, I suppose."

Lucia, whose team lost star forward Phil Kessel after just one season a year ago and also lost sophomore Kris Chucko and juniors Ryan Potulny and Danny Irmen to pro signings, has become accustomed to early departures, and the coach recruits with that in mind.

Okposo’s skill put him in minority
AP, April 2, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS - From the time he was a little boy, Kyle Okposo always had a hockey stick in his hands and a puck of some sort dancing at the end of it.

“He was always stick-handling in the garage or the basement or outside,” said his father, Kome.

“Playing a little hockey in the living room with a Christmas ornament and whacked at one a little too hard and hit the Christmas tree and knocked it over,” Kyle Okposo said sheepishly. “After that my mom just said you’re not going to play the rest of the year.”

Kome chuckles at the memory. “We grounded him a little bit, didn’t we?”

In a way, the punishment helped create a hockey player for the next generation. Though he’s only a freshman at one of the most storied hockey programs in the nation, Okposo leads the Gophers in goals scored.

“Really, he just has a knack to make that jaw-dropping or eye-opening play at any time,” said Gophers defenseman Mike Vanelli.

It’s not just that he’s the leading goal scorer on one of the best teams in America. It’s the way he scores them, with a creativity and flair that looks as though it belongs on a streetball court, not a hockey rink.

“Guys like Hot Sauce and AO, they’re fun to watch,” Okposo said of two stars of the And1 MixTape streetball tour. “The stuff they do with the ball is amazing.”

Speak to Okposo long enough, and basketball seems to come up as often as hockey. When Okposo was banned from the rink as a 6-year-old, he played hoops. And, like most kids his age, Okposo had posters of Michael Jordan hanging on his walls growing up and he gravitated to Jordan’s ingenuity and bravado.

“I was never really a hockey player growing up,” Okposo said. “I was, but I was a multisport athlete. Hockey was never my main focus. Basketball was always right up there.”

The two sports are very different, but Okposo has started to blur the line. One need only look to “The Goal” for proof.

In the first period of a game against Minnesota State, Mankato, in December, Okposo took a slip pass on the right side of the net. He had the puck on his backhand, but rather than try to jam it weakly past the goaltender as most players in that situation would do, Okposo had another idea.

He smoothly moved the puck to his forehand and slipped it between his legs and behind him, then shoveled it up and over stunned goalie Mike Zacharias’ glove.

Go ahead, try to watch the replay on YouTube just once. Good luck. There have been almost 30,000 others who have been mesmerized the same way.

Look closely, and you might be able to see a little Hot Sauce on that puck.

That goal, like Okposo himself, was a little different.

The teams he has played on are white as the ice on which he skates, but Okposo insists he never thinks about race.

“Every once in a while there will be a comment from a player, or even a referee, or a fan,” Michele Okposo said. “At this point he just thinks they’re stupid. Thinks it’s an ignorant thing. Puts it back on them. He couldn’t be a nicer kid.”

“My parents just raised me to be a humble person,” Kyle Okposo said. “That’s really big in my life. To be cocky and arrogant is something that’s not a good quality to have.”

His mom, of course, is a little more gushing.

“He really is a very lovely, sensitive guy of the next generation in a big ol’ macho sport,” Michele said.

On the ice, he couldn’t be more imposing. He crashes the net the way Allen Iverson goes to the basket, with fearless abandon, and creates opportunities for his teammates.

In last weekend’s humbling sweep at the hands of North Dakota, which knocked Minnesota out of the No. 1 ranking for the first time in months, Okposo was on the ice for all six Gophers goals and managed four assists.

He’s a playmaker, already destined for the NHL after the New York Islanders made him the No. 7 overall pick in the 2006 draft.

Kome is still coming to grips with the fact that his son is on the brink of achieving a dream most kids have growing up, but few realize.

“It’s big if other kids, African-American or not, would want to look up to him,” said Kome, who emigrated from Nigeria when he was 16 to attend college in the United States. “It would be great if any kid looked up to him. I look up to him.”

Men's hockey: Okposo may jump to NHL
Gophers coach Don Lucia is waiting for decisions by three of his players before making plans for next season.
by Dean Spiros, Star Tribune, March 31, 2007

The prospects are growing that Gophers freshman center Kyle Okposo will mirror the move made last year by Phil Kessel and make the jump to professional hockey after one season.

Though sources say the New York Islanders have not made an offer, indications are Okposo is prepared to accept a deal commensurate with being the seventh pick in the 2006 draft.

"If the money is right, I would have to look at it," Okposo said. "But I'm not at the point where I have to decide anything."

Okposo said he has every intention of honoring Gophers coach Don Lucia's request to have a decision in place by June 1.

"I know he is exploring his options," Lucia said. "No offers has been made as far as I know. If he should get a good offer, I know he will look closely at it."

Okposo is confident he is ready to play in the NHL. He bases his belief on workouts he has had with NHL players as well as input he has received from others in and around the game.

Lucia has said he believes Okposo would benefit from another season of college hockey.

Okposo's goal production dropped off significantly the second half of the season. He finished second on the team with 19 goals. Okposo said he missed the playmaking skills of linemate Tyler Hirsch, who was dismissed from the team over the Christmas break.

"My role changed in the second half," Okposo said. "In the first half, Hirschy had the puck a lot. I had the puck on my stick a lot more in the second half, focusing more on trying to set up my linemates.

"But I was more than happy to do whatever I could to help the team win. It's all about winning championships."

Okposo said he sees himself as a center in the NHL and would like to play in the manner of Colorado's Joe Sakic, who can distribute the puck but also score.

Asked if he was preparing as if Okposo will not be on the team next season, Lucia said not yet. "If the time comes that Kyle does decide to move on, we have covered ourselves," he said.

The Gophers have commitments from four forwards for next season: Mike Hoeffel, Patrick White, Taylor Matson and Nick Larson.

Okposo Earns All-WCHA Honors
gophersports.com, March 15, 2007

Kyle Okposo a freshman center, earned All-WCHA Second Team and WCHA All-Rookie Team honors with totals of 19-20--39 to rank tied for first on the team in scoring. Okposo leads the team in goals and ranks third in the WCHA in freshman scoring. The native of St. Paul has eight multi-point games and a team-best three multi-goal games on the season. Okposo is looking to become the first freshman lead the Golden Gophers in scoring since Thomas Vanek led Minnesota with 31-31--62 in 2002-03. Vanek was also the last freshman to lead the team in goals in 2002-03. The No. 5 overall draft pick of the New York Islanders at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Okposo has a point in 28 of 36 games this season, a goal in 15 contests and an assist in 15 contests.

Minnesota Advances to WCHA Final Five with 3-1 Win over Alaska Anchorage
gophersports.com, March 11, 2007

The Maroon and Gold owned a 29-12 advantage on the shot board, out-shooting the Seawolves (13-21-3) 19-5 in the final two periods. Ben Gordon notched the game-tying goal with a power-play marker early in the second period, followed by Mike Carman's even-strength game-winning goal at 8:44 of the third. Kyle Okposo put the game away late in the final stanza with a shorthanded marker.

The Maroon and Gold iced the game in the third period with Carman and Okposo's goals to earn the trip to St. Paul. Carman played the hero at 8:44 of the period taking a pass from Ryan Flynn in the slot and firing a one-timer to beat Lawson to the glove side. Tony Lucia earned the second assist on Carman's seventh goal of the season and first since Feb. 17 at Colorado College.

Minnesota put the proverbial nail in the coffin with only 1:25 remaining in the game with Okposo's shorthanded tally. Lucia and Okposo skated into the zone on a 2-on-1 with the coach's son firing over the net. The puck bounced high off the end boards and fell in front of the net for Okposo to bat out of mid-air to beat Lawson to the 5-hole. The shorthanded goal was Okposo's first and pushed his team-leading goal total to 19. For the period, the Golden Gophers out-shot the Seawolves 8-3.

Hockey with class
Gophers freshmen and future pros Erik Johnson and Kyle Okposo are enjoying the college life while they still can.
by Bruce Brothers, Pioneer Press, Feb. 12, 2007

Erik Johnson and Kyle Okposo are big men on campus who share a small living space.

Their room in the University of Minnesota's Territorial Hall is crammed with two loft beds, study areas beneath each, a tiny refrigerator with dust on the outside and unknown growing organisms on the inside, a 17-inch LCD television connected to an Xbox, a couch, two laptops and piles of clothes in various stages of cleanliness.

In other words, it's a typical residence for 18-year-old freshmen.

But these are atypical students.

Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 222-pound defenseman, was selected No. 1 overall in last summer's NHL draft, by the St. Louis Blues. Okposo, a 6-foot, 200-pound forward, was drafted No. 7 overall, by the New York Islanders.

They could be rookies in the NHL, but both grew up following the Gophers and decided last summer that, for one year at least, they would prefer Minnesota's maroon-and-gold sweaters to the NHL's greenbacks.

"The money will always be there," Okposo says.

"That's exactly the same thing I say," Johnson added.

Johnson discussed his options with Blues officials last summer and concluded he would benefit from a season or two in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, not to mention a year or two of college curriculum. It doesn't hurt that playing for the Gophers paved the way to the NHL for Jordan Leopold, Thomas Vanek, Keith Ballard and numerous others.

"You're going to have fun in college and play hockey where you want to play," Johnson said.

Johnson's and Okposo's day begins in a 49-year-old dormitory, where on this day a Justin Timberlake song breaks the silence. The "JT" ring tone on Johnson's cell phone stirs two titans of intercollegiate hockey to life.

"My phone fell on the floor last night," he explains, "and I didn't feel like climbing down to get it."

If this day is like most, the two will grab some of their handiest clothes and slip into their handiest footwear — basketball shoes for Okposo and leather slippers without socks for Johnson — and amble two blocks to Stadium Village at Oak and Washington, where they are regulars at Bruegger's Bagel Bakery.

How often do they visit?

"Four or five days a week," Okposo says, looking across the table at Johnson. "Or seven."

"Probably every day," Johnson says with a grin.

Each consumes one side of a large booth, not to mention coffee, orange mango juice and a similar main course: a bacon, egg and cheese bagel for Okposo and a sausage, egg and cheese bagel for Johnson.

Mondays through Thursdays for Johnson and Okposo are built around Gophers hockey practice, which takes place mid-afternoons at Mariucci Arena or Ridder Arena. Fridays and Saturdays are game days.

Off the ice, their daily schedules shift like a team's manpower on the penalty kill.

"Monday and Wednesday I get up and go to class," Okposo says of his 8 a.m. ice hockey coaching class. "I usually just get up before class."

The two freshmen, both 18 and both from the Twin Cities, are good students from diverse backgrounds. Johnson, who is from Bloomington and played high school hockey at Holy Angels before joining the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich., compiled a 3.16 grade-point average during the first semester. Okposo, who is from St. Paul and played prep hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault before a season with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the U.S. Hockey League, reluctantly reveals that his first-semester GPA was "between 2 and 3" but that he is under instructions from his parents "to get a 3.8 this semester."

He shakes his head and lowers his eyes.

"I didn't really apply myself last semester," he admits.

Johnson began the second semester in the same ice hockey coaching class as Okposo, but the hour arrived "too early," he says. He is currently registered for perspectives in American history, oral communications, mastering college study skills, a writing lab and a one-day online class about "cash or credit."

Besides hockey coaching, Okposo is studying introduction to business and business careers, mathematics, public speaking and American history.

The business-oriented classes might come in handy because neither is expected to stick around campus for more than a season or two.

The topic of how long they'll be Gophers comes up, "but not that much," Johnson says.

"We talk about it," Okposo says with a laugh, "but nothing ever gets accomplished. It's the same thing over and over."

The two are pals who have known each other "since we were probably about 10," Johnson said. "We grew up playing on the same summer teams."

They picked each other to be roommates.

Do they get along?

"Not usually," Johnson says with a grin.

Okposo shakes his head and laughs.

"We do," he says.

"Real well," Johnson says.

As a few snowflakes drift down on this morning in late January, Johnson's eyes light up.

"I just love the snow," he says, noting that his love of snowboarding has been shelved because of hockey.

"I don't think the coaches like it when we go snowboarding or skiing," Okposo says. "It's like playing basketball; if you roll your ankle playing basketball, it doesn't sit well with the coaches."

The two insist their lives on campus are mostly uneventful, revolving around studies and hockey — not necessarily in that order. Okposo rotates dinners at Stadium Village spots or the dorm. Johnson gives a thumbs down to dorm food and often goes home to join his parents for dinner. Otherwise, he usually can be found at the dorm.

"I'm more of a loner," he says. "I stay here and chill out. I do like it. It's a good place to get away."

Okposo, who lived in a dorm for three years at ShattuckSt. Mary's, finds the situation at Minnesota as comfortable as an old skate.

"I don't go home too much," he says. "I like to just be here."

Like most students, sleep ranks high among their priorities. The different schedules are no problems, because "we're both decently heavy sleepers," Okposo says.

Despite their level of celebrity, the two get little attention from other students.

"We just get some eyes, maybe," Johnson says.

"School's pretty fun," Okposo says. "You sit by different people every day; it's just interesting to see."

"I'm enjoying myself, meeting a lot more people," Johnson says.

Although they play hockey daily, they are not enveloped by the sport. Unlike their counterparts in the pro ranks, they have six days between games, which gives them time to see their parents and hang out with friends.

Both say they enjoy the relaxed pace.

After breakfast, the two swivel in opposite directions: Johnson hops into his 1996 Toyota 4Runner and drives across campus to class while Okposo, who on this day has no classes, takes off in his 2002 Saab 9-5 to his mother's home in St. Paul.

Later, after practice at Mariucci Arena, they return to Territorial Hall to square off in an epic game of video soccer, passing the time until some visitors disappear so they can flip open their cell phones and get on with the social lives of two college freshmen.

Minnesota Snaps Losing Streak with Dominating 8-2 Win at Alaska Anchorage
gophersports.com, Feb. 2, 2007

The Maroon and Gold got multi-point nights from six players with three-point nights from Jay Barriball (2-1--3), Mike Howe (1-2--3) and Kyle Okposo (1-2--3), and two-point games from Derek Peltier (2-0--2), Ben Gordon (1-1--2) and Blake Wheeler (1-1--2). Minnesota improved to 10-1-1 on the road this season and handed the ninth-place Seawolves (11-13-3, 7-13-1) their fifth loss in the last seven games.

The Maroon and Gold responded in the second period with four goals to take a 4-1 lead into the second intermission. At 3:22, Howe notched his fifth goal of the season, taking an Okposo pass and beating UAA goaltender Nathan Lawson for the power-play goal. With the marker, Howe pushed his point streak to four games (2-2--4) and his goal scoring streak to two games.

At 3:48 of the third period, Derek Peltier ripped a shot from the point through traffic in front to beat Olthuis to make the score 5-1. Earning assists on the play were Okposo and Howe. With his helper, Okposo recorded his third consecutive two-assist game. Peltier's goal was his first since Dec. 30 vs. Ferris State.

At 16:41, Okposo wrapped up the game's scoring with his team-leading 17th goal of the season, taking a Gordon pass in the slot and beating Olthuis with a nice backhander. Howe earned the second assist for his first multi-point game of the season. For the period, the Maroon and Gold out-shot Alaska Anchorage 10-9.

Teen Dreams
(excerpt) by Gare Joyce, ESPN Magazine, Jan. 29, 2007

Scouts compared the performance of this physical, skilled power forward to Jarome Iginla's when he led Canada to gold 11 years ago. Kyle Okposo's scoring touch and furious forechecking were key in the Americans' elimination-game win against Finland and bronze win against Sweden. The St. Paul native is a star for the Gophers - it's hard to see him staying beyond this, his freshman year. A much-improved situation on Long Island makes his jump to the pros next season a mortal lock.

North Dakota Runs Over Minnesota for 7-3 Win, Sweep at Mariucci Arena
gophersports.com, Jan. 27, 2007

Top-ranked Minnesota ran into a North Dakota squad running on all cylinders tonight as the 15th-ranked Fighting Sioux (15-11-2, 9-9-2 WCHA) broke open a 3-3 tie with four unanswered goals to cruise to a 7-3 win and a two-game sweep over the Golden Gophers (21-5-3, 13-4-3) at Mariucci Arena. Minnesota scored three power-play goals, but lost the 5-on-5 battle as UND scored four even-strength goals to post its first sweep in Minneapolis since Feb. 15-16, 1980.

North Dakota's top line of Ryan Duncan (2-2--4), T.J. Oshie (2-1--3) and Jonathan Toews (0-2--2) accounted for four goals and five assists to hand the Maroon and Gold its first sweep since Dec. 2-3, 2005, vs. Wisconsin. The Golden Gophers got multi-point nights from Kyle Okposo (0-2--2) and Derek Peltier (0-2--2), and goals from Erik Johnson, Ryan Stoa and Mike Howe.

Minnesota tied the game at 2-2 at 14:34 of the first period with Stoa tipping a Peltier shot from the point to beat Lamoureux to the glove side. Okposo got the second assist on the power-play goal.

The Golden Gophers took their one and only lead just 1:24 later as Howe re-directed an Okposo pass to beat Lamoureux to the stick side. Peltier got the assist on the power-play goal to record his first multi-point game of the season.

Minnesota Falls 5-3 to North Dakota to Drop Third Straight Friday Game
gophersports.com, Jan. 26, 2007

The top-ranked Golden Gophers saw a 2-0 lead vanish as 15th-ranked North Dakota scored four unanswered goals to cruise to a 5-3 win tonight in front of 10,197 fans at Mariucci Arena. Minnesota (21-4-3, 13-3-3 WCHA) lost its third consecutive Friday night game, while the Fighting Sioux (14-11-2, 8-9-2) improved to 7-1-1 in their last nine games.

Kyle Okposo led the Maroon and Gold with two assists, while Ryan Stoa, Alex Goligoski and Justin Bostrom lit the lamp for Minnesota. North Dakota got three-point nights from Ryan Duncan (2-1--3) and Jonathan Toews (1-2--3) as UND's top line of Duncan, Toews and T.J. Oshie combined for three goals and four assists. The Golden Gophers scored two of their goals on the power play and one with the extra attacker during a delayed penalty. UND, meanwhile, scored three 5-on-5 goals, one power-play marker and one shorthanded tally.

The Golden Gophers jumped out to the game's first lead only 2:03 into the contest on a power-play goal by Ryan Stoa. Mike Howe gained possession low on the left side and threw the puck to the front of the net where it ricocheted off of Stoa's skate and a UND defender's foot and past netminder Philippe Lamoureux low on the stick side. Kyle Okposo gained the second assist on Stoa's ninth tally of the season and first since Dec. 9 at Michigan Tech.

The Maroon and Gold cut the lead to two goals at 18:42 with its second power-play goal of the night. Taking an Okposo pass at the point, Erik Johnson shot with Justin Bostrom tipping the puck in front to beat Lamoureux for his second goal of the season. For the third period, Minnesota out-shot UND 17-7.

KYLE OKPOSO TALKS BOB SANSEVERE LISTENS 
'I WANTED TO BE MICHAEL JORDAN'
Pioneer Press, Jan. 22, 2007

I was born to be on the rink. When I'm on the ice, it's like I'm free and I can do anything.

It took me a long time to get over my temper. I had a really bad temper when I was younger. There was a lot of screaming and I'd just be mad all the time. About a year and a half ago, it got better. Life's too short to be doing that. What made me realize it? Just maturing and being away from home.

On the ice, you've got to keep your emotions in check. I've really been working on being mentally tough. That's the biggest thing, especially with anger. You've got to keep it bogged down inside of you.

I'm not happy after a loss. I've been like that my whole life. I'm a very competitive person. I hate to lose.

Erik Johnson is my roommate. Who's neater? It goes through stages. I'll be messy for a week, and then he'll be messy for a week. We'll get in phases where we'll just start cleaning.

If I had a time machine, I would go back to watch Michael Jordan play. Back when he and Scottie Pippen were winning all those titles. I love watching them. They were like magicians.

Hockey is my passion, but I still like basketball.

My favorite superhero is Superman. The only thing that can stop him is Kryptonite. I liked watching the Superman show growing up. I've watched the movies. They're pretty cool, too.

My favorite cartoon character as a kid had to be Scooby Doo. I love all the characters from that show. I love Shaggy because he's kind of stupid and doesn't know what's going on. It's a great show.

I played football when I was in the eighth grade. I was a fullback and defensive end. I always played basketball, but not in high school. I played hockey and golf in high school.

I went to Shattuck-St. Mary's for high school and played hockey there my freshman through junior years. As a senior, I played in the USHL (United States Hockey League).

If I wasn't playing hockey, I'd want to start my own business. It would have something to do with sports.

What will I buy when I sign my first pro contract? If I have enough money, I'd want to buy a Range Rover. I've always wanted a Range. It would be a sweet car to have. Other than that, I haven't really thought about it.

I drive a Saab now. It's a 2002.

Coaches were the biggest influences in my life.

Growing up, me and my sister always wanted to be lawyers or doctors. But always in the back of my mind was hockey. I wanted to be Michael Jordan, too.

The worst thing I did as a kid? I was about 8 years old and coming home from a fair my elementary school hosted. It was only four or five blocks from my house. I was about a block away from home and this car pulled up to me. The guy said, "Hey, you want a ride home, Kyle?" I had no idea who he was. He said, "Yeah, I know your dad." I didn't really ask any questions. I just popped right in. He gave me a ride home. I found out later it was one of my dad's friends, but I had absolutely no idea who it was. My parents gave me a huge lecture about going with strangers.

The between-the-leg shot against Mankato was instinctive. I didn't think about doing it before I did it. That was really the only play I had to try and score. I couldn't make it to the backhand because a defender was there. I had to come back through my legs. I practice it all the time. I first tried it when I was 13. I think I saw (former Shattuck star) Zach Parise do it in practice. I said, "That's pretty cool. I've got to try that." I think they played it once at a New York Islanders game. (Okposo was the Islanders' first-round pick in the 2006 NHL draft.)

The best day of my life was winning the Clark Cup championship with Des Moines last year (in the USHL).

I don't think about being the first African-American on the Gophers' hockey team. I'm a hockey player. A lot of people ask me about it. I pretty much give the same response: I don't even think about it.

My dad was born in Nigeria. He lived there until he was 16.

My dad never played hockey. Neither of my parents did. My mom's dad used to skate. He gave me an old pair of skates that are hanging on my wall. They've got to be from 1940.

My mom and dad met in pharmacy school here at the University of Minnesota. My dad is a scientist with a pharmaceutical company, and my mom is a pharmacist.

I like hanging out with my friends and playing video games, like any teen-age kid would. I like "NHL 07," of course. And I like all the Madden games. I like FIFA soccer and Tony Hawk video games. I used to play Tony Hawk all the time.

After I was drafted, EA Sports put a camera on me and asked what it would feel like when I'm in one of the NHL video games. It's so weird to think about all those (video-game) players I used to play with and model myself after. I'd be saying, "That's going to be me some day." And now, it actually could be.

I usually play with Calgary now (in "NHL 07"), just because they have a good all-around team. I like Dion Phaneuf, and I like Jarome Iginla, too. And I love being Detroit because Pavel Datsyuk probably is my favorite player. He's so skilled with the puck, it's ridiculous.

I want the people of Minnesota to know I'm just like everybody else. I'm just kind of a normal guy.

I love golf. I'm OK. I'm probably an eight handicap. I can blow up a few rounds, and I can shoot 73 in a round.

Movies are another passion of mine. I'd have to say my favorite movie is "Man on Fire" with Denzel Washington. Denzel is my favorite actor.

I cook a little bit. Steak is my favorite meal. I throw a lot of seasoning on it. I love cooking steak and potatoes.

My favorite possession changes from year to year. Last year, I wore three rubber bands on my wrist. I wore them for the three rounds of the (USHL) playoffs. I took one off after each round we won. This year, I'm wearing a hockey lace on my wrist. It's from an old skate lace. I wanted to wear it because it's part of me. I wear it all the time. I put it on at the beginning of the year. Showering with it on keeps it pretty fresh.

My teammates would be surprised to know I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. I'm a Harry Potter freak. I've read all the books. We were overseas the summer before last, and I brought the sixth book. I barely came out of my room because I was reading it the entire time. I love the movies, too. They're great.

Rap is my favorite music.

I sing all the time. I'm a huge singer. Not a very good voice, but I try. Simon Cowell would say I have an awful voice.

I try to never miss "Prison Break" and "The OC." Out in Sweden, we watched 1½ seasons of "Prison Break" and two seasons of "The OC" and one season of "Nip/Tuck."

Will I be back at the U next year? That decision will come at the end of the season. First, I want to win an NCAA championship here. I want to be a leader on the team and do what I can to help out.

Oh, no, there's no guarantee I'm leaving after this year; absolutely not. We're talking about housing for next year.

The best advice I ever got was to be humble.I don't really listen to bad advice. It goes in one ear and out the other.

If I could trade places for a day with anyone, it would be Michael Jordan in his prime.

I want my epitaph to say, "Here lies Kyle Okposo, who was a good person and a humble human being."

Men's hockey: U's Okposo lives passion
by Dean Spiros, Star Tribune, Jan. 11, 2007

Kyle Okposo wanted to be Michael Jordan.

His parents, Michele and Kome, could tell by the posters on his bedroom wall, the shoes on his feet and the hours upon hours he spent under the basket in the driveway, rain or shine.

Okposo's friends would come to know it too, watching how he handled the ball, how he racked up the points, on the playgrounds in St. Paul.

That dream, Okposo said, died in the 10th grade, when hockey became his passion.

Now the leading goal scorer on the nation's top-ranked team, the Gophers' 18-year-old freshman center is a measuring stick in his own right.

In that sense, maybe the dream still is alive, particularly if viewed as the continuation of a method that has been recognized as a blueprint for success: The relentless drive not only to get better, but to be the best. To make winning a habit as well as an expectation.

To be like Mike.

"He's still my favorite athlete," Okposo said.

Those who know Okposo's sporting history best will not be surprised if greatness is in his future. That's music to the ears of the New York Islanders, who claimed him seventh overall in the 2006 NHL draft.

"Kyle has always been interested in those athletes who have the desire to take their talent to the edge of what is humanly possible," his mother said. "For a long time his favorite bedtime story was Kirby Puckett's book, 'Be The Best You Can Be.'

"When he watched Michael Jordan, he saw someone who was one with the ball. He saw the game as an art form. He loves the art aspect of sports."

A search on YouTube will reveal an Okposo masterpiece, his between-the-legs shot that proved to be the game-winning goal against Minnesota State Mankato on Dec. 2.

Bernie McBain, who counts Okposo among the elite Minnesotans he has coached on the youth level, already has seen enough to declare Okposo the best player in college hockey. And he knows of where such sleight of hand was born.

"He didn't play hockey in eighth grade [at St. Thomas Academy]," McBain said, "but that doesn't mean he wasn't working on his skills. He spent hours on stickhandling and shooting skills.

"When he played with us that summer, the game started to become more fun for him because he could do things the other players couldn't do."

Shattuck was transforming

Until that summer, Okposo's intentions were to attend Cretin-Derham Hall, with his athletic aspirations focused on football. J.P. Parise changed all that.

The former North Stars forward, now the director of prospect evaluation at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, offered Okposo the chance to play hockey at the private school.

Like McBain, Parise saw a gifted athlete who needed work on his skating. There was nothing that said he couldn't catch up to the others, and then, they reasoned, watch him take off.

"He's a peach," Parise said. "A smart kid, very humble. And he works so hard to get better."

There is a converted tennis court at Shattuck that now serves as an informal outdoor practice area for players to work on their stickhandling and shooting. Danielle Hirsch, a Shattuck alumnus who plays for St. Cloud State, said those who have been regulars on the court amounts to a who's-who of Shattuck hockey.

"Sidney [Crosby], Jack [Johnson], Zach [Parise], guys like that, they always were there," Hirsch said. "The best players were the ones giving the extra effort. Kyle was one of those players.

"Kyle's passionate in everything he does."

Hirsch, the sister of Tyler Hirsch, the Gophers forward who was dismissed from the team in December, became good friends with Okposo their sophomore year at Shattuck. They began dating this past summer.

J.P. Parise got to watch Okposo in the recent World Junior Championships. "I couldn't believe how much his skating has improved," he said. "He took what was a weakness and made it a strength."

Strong individual, teammate

Nineteen games into his Gophers career, it would be hard to find a weakness in Okposo's game. Along with leading the team in goal scoring, he uses his 6-2, 195-pound frame to his advantage and is responsible at both ends of the ice.

"It's fun to coach elite players who are good kids and have that work ethic to get better day in and day out," Gophers coach Don Lucia said. "Kyle's good in every area [of the game], and he's a good teammate. That's a nice combination to have.

"He was brought up right. You can see that in how respectful he is in everything he does."

Kome Okposo said it is humbling to hear such praise for his son. Both Kyle and his 20-year-old sister, Kendra, were raised to value education, he said.

Kome said he held onto hope that Kyle would attend Harvard until the day Lucia offered him a hockey scholarship.

"Kyle wouldn't even look at another school after that," Kome said. "But I was fine with his decision. His mother and I are both happy to support what passions our kids have."

Yet, still the learning continued. Aware of his son's drive to succeed, Kome returned to Kyle's admiration for Jordan, and used it as a teaching point.

"We talked about Jordan's talent, but also about how it was when the Bulls started winning championships that Jordan's stature grew," Kome said. "It was his ability to make Scottie Pippen and the others around him better, that people came to identify him with. It's important to work together and not try to things all by yourself."

Lucia sees the affection Okposo's teammates have for him and concludes the message has hit its mark.

Okposo propels U
Freshman center's two goals ignite victory over Michigan Tech
by Bruce Brothers, Pioneer Press, Dec. 9, 2006

HOUGHTON, Mich. — As far as Michigan Tech hockey coach Jamie Russell is concerned, Kyle Okposo can go directly to the National Hockey League, and it can't happen soon enough.

Okposo, the dazzling freshman center for the No. 1-ranked Gophers who was the seventh overall pick by the New York Islanders in last summer's NHL draft, picked up two goals and an assist in the first 21 minutes of play Friday night to propel Minnesota to a 4-1 victory over Michigan Tech in front of 2,676 at MacInnes Arena.

"He's a kid who's not going to be in this league very long," Russell said. "In fact, I might call the Islanders and say, 'Here's a kid, you've got to have him right now.' "

Okposo and winger Tyler Hirsch supplied much of the offense — Hirsch had a goal and two assists — as Minnesota skated to its 17th consecutive game without a loss. The Gophers extended their record road-game unbeaten streak to 19 games dating to last season and go into tonight's rematch with a 14-1-3 overall record and 8-0-3 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

"One loss, can't really complain about that," Hirsch said.

A senior who has 21 points in 13 games this season, Hirsch returned from a two-game benching last weekend for poor work habits in practice, and his presence was felt immediately.

"You see the difference in our team with Tyler back in the lineup," Gophers coach Don Lucia said. "I thought he was outstanding, and in many ways he was probably the best player on the ice tonight."

"It feels good to be back," Hirsch said.

"He's a great addition to our team," Okposo said.

Minnesota grabbed a 1-0 lead when Hirsch scored on a power play 10:51 into the first period and made it 2-0 exactly four minutes later when Hirsch circled with the puck in the neutral zone, slid it to Erik Johnson near the Minnesota blue line, and Johnson whipped a long pass to Okposo behind the defense for the score.

It was the 13th goal of the season for the 200-pounder from St. Paul, and he scored his 14th when he banged in a pass from Hirsch at the goalmouth just 47 seconds into the second period. He leads the nation's freshmen.

"I'm sure a lot of his goals are off Tyler's passes," Lucia said.

Hirsch passed the credit to Okposo. "He always knows where the net is," he said. "It's nice to play with a guy like that."

Three-Point Nights From Hirsch and Okposo Lead Minnesota to 4-1 Win at Michigan Tech
gophersports.com, Dec. 8, 2006

Using a three-goal first period and three-point nights from Kyle Okposo and Tyler Hirsch, the top-ranked University of Minnesota men's hockey team earned a 4-1 win over Michigan Tech tonight in Houghton, Mich. The Golden Gophers (14-1-3, 8-0-3 WCHA) took a 3-0 lead into the first intermission and never looked back to push their nation's best unbeaten streak to 17 games (14-0-3, 12-0-3 WCHA).

Okposo tallied two goals and an assist, while Hirsch had totals of 1-2--3 to help the Maroon and Gold move its road unbeaten streak to 19 games (15-0-4) and its WCHA unbeaten streak to 23 games (19-0-4). Minnesota got a strong netminding effort from Kellen Briggs who improved to 7-0-2 on the season and moved into sole possession of second place on the school's career wins list with his 74-28-8 record. The Huskies (6-7-2, 3-6-2), meanwhile, saw their starting goaltender - Michael-Lee Teslak - pulled from the game after the Golden Gophers jumped ahead 3-0.

Minnesota out-skated Michigan Tech in a wild first period that featured numerous offensive chances and several big hits. The Golden Gophers got on the board at 10:51 with Hirsch picking up a loose puck from a Mike Vannelli shot and beating Teslak low to the glove side from the left circle. Okposo gained the second assist on the power-play goal. With the goal, Hirsch now has a point in 11 of 13 games this season.

The Maroon and Gold pushed its lead to two just four minutes later with Okposo's first goal of the night. Erik Johnson threaded a long pass from the UM blue line to spring Okposo on a breakaway where he faked a forehand shot and went high over Teslak with a backhander to push his goal-scoring streak to four games. Hirsch got the second assist on the play.

At 16:32, Minnesota made it 3-0 with Tony Lucia's third goal as a Golden Gopher. Blake Wheeler gained the MTU zone, fought through a check and fed Lucia who shot from a sharp angle at the left circle, beating Teslak low to the glove side. Mike Vannelli was credited with the second assist on the tally. For the period, Minnesota out-shot Michigan Tech 13-8. After the period, Teslak was pulled in favor of Rob Nolan.

The second period saw the last of the game's scoring as both teams lit the lamp once to make it a 4-1 score at the second intermission. Okposo pushed the score to 4-0 just 47 seconds into the period with his second marker of the night. On a beautiful tic-tac-toe play in the Husky zone, Alex Goligoski fed Hirsch who found Okposo on the far side to beat Nolan to the glove side. With the goal, Okposo now leads the team in goals (14) and points (22).

Bucs Alumni to Skate for Team USA at World Junior Championships
bucshockey.com, December 6, 2006

Des Moines, Iowa --- Former Des Moines Buccaneers forwards Trevor Lewis and Kyle Okposo have been named to the United States National Junior Team that will compete at the World Junior Championships from December 26, 2006 through January 5, 2007 in Mora and Leksand, Sweden. 

Lewis and Okposo were both members of the 2005-06 Buccaneers and led the team to a share of the Eastern Division title and the organization's fourth Clark Cup Tier I National Championship. 

"It's a great honor for both of them and our entire organization is very proud of them," said Buccaneers head coach and general manager Regg Simon.  "They’ve both worked very hard and have been extremely dedicated to be selected to go represent our country on the international stage."

Okposo, who was the 1st overall pick in the 2005 USHL draft by the Buccaneers, would also receive many honors while in Des Moines.  He was named the Clark Cup Finals MVP, USHL Rookie of the Year, All-USHL First Team and to the All-USHL Rookie Team.  Additionally, he played in the USHL All-Star game and was teammates with Lewis on the USA Junior Select Team at the Viking Cup.  He would also be selected in the first-round of the NHL draft – 7th overall – by the New York Islanders.

"There are seven USHL alumni on the USA World Junior roster," added coach Simon.  "I think that speak volumes about our league and the ability to develop high-end players."

The World Junior Championships features the world’s top players in the U-20 age group from ten different nations.  First held in 1977, the tournament has helped launch the careers of USA Hockey greats Mike Modano and Jeremy Roenick, as well as all-time greats Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

Five Golden Gophers Named to U.S. National Junior Team
gophersports.com, Dec. 5, 2006

University of Minnesota men’s hockey players Mike Carman (Apple Valley, Minn.), Jeff Frazee (Burnsville, Minn.), Erik Johnson (Bloomington, Minn.), Kyle Okposo (St. Paul, Minn.) and Ryan Stoa (Bloomington, Minn.) have been named to the U.S. National Junior Team for the upcoming 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship. This year’s tournament will be held from Dec. 26, 2006, to Jan. 5, 2007, in Leksands and Mora, Sweden. The University of Minnesota has more players on the U.S. National Junior Team than any other institution.

Okposo, a 6-0, 200-pound freshman center, owns totals of 12-7--19 in 16 games this season to rank first on the team in goals and points. A two-time WCHA Rookie of the Week already this season, Okposo is currently riding a 10-game point streak and a three-game goal streak. The St. Paul native spent the 2005-06 season with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL, finishing second on the team and sixth in the league in scoring with 27-31--58 in 50 games to earn USHL Rookie of the Year and All-USHL First Team honors. In his last international appearance, Okposo posted totals of 4-3--7 in five games at the U18 Junior World Cup in Slovakia. Prior to coming to the USHL, Okposo played his prep hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, posting totals of 93-98--191 in 136 games over two seasons. Okposo was drafted by the New York Islanders with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Kyle Okposo Named WCHA Rookie of the Week
gophersports.com, Dec. 5, 2006

University of Minnesota freshman center Kyle Okposo (St. Paul, Minn.) has been named the WCHA Rookie of the Week, following Minnesota’s three-point weekend against Minnesota State. Okposo pushed his point streak to 10 games with two goals last weekend to help the top-ranked Golden Gophers move their nation’s best unbeaten streak to 16 games.

In Friday’s 5-5 tie at Mariucci Arena, Okposo scored the Golden Gophers’ third goal (a power-play marker) to complete UM’s rally from a 3-0 deficit. For the game, he had three shots and was even. In Saturday’s 2-1 win in Mankato, Okposo scored the game-winning goal with a highlight-reel lamplighter midway through the first period. Taking a Ryan Stoa pass down low, Okposo went to the net, slipped the puck between his legs and behind him, and went high to the glove side to beat MSU goaltender Mike Zacharias. For the game, he had two shots and was a +1. For the weekend, he had five shots and was +1. With his to goals, Okposo moved his goal-scoring streak to three games. He leads the team in goals (12) and is tied for the team lead in points (12-7--19).

The award is the second Rookie of the Week accolade for Okposo.

Gophers' bold moves beat stubborn Mavericks
Okposo's dazzling goal backs Briggs' solid goaltending
by Bruce Brothers, Pioneer Press, Dec. 3, 2006

MANKATO, Minn. — University of Minnesota coach Don Lucia made a bold move Saturday night, and then Gophers freshman Kyle Okposo made a bold move of his own.

Those moves were enough to counter a message the Gophers received from Minnesota State Mankato.

Minnesota's 2-1 victory turned on a fancy pond-hockey move by Okposo that gave the Gophers their final lead midway through the first period. Both goalies were unbeatable after that in front of 4,934, the seventh-largest turnout at the Midwest Wireless Civic Center.

A soft, short pass by Ryan Stoa sprung Okposo in front of Mavericks goalie Mike Zacharias, and the 200-pounder from St. Paul cut across from right to left, pulling the puck from his backhand to his forehand and then flipping a quick shot between his legs into the top of the net.

"It was kind of a practice move you work on every now and then on the pond," Okposo said. "It worked tonight."

Kyle Okposo's Highlight Reel Goal the Difference in 2-1 Win at Minnesota State
gophersports.com, Dec. 2, 2006

Freshman forward Kyle Okposo's jaw-dropping, highlight reel goal midway through the first period was the difference tonight as the top-ranked University of Minnesota men's hockey team edged Minnesota State 2-1 in Mankato, Minn. The Golden Gophers (13-1-3, 7-0-3 WCHA) got all the goals it needed in the first period to push the nation's longest unbeaten streak to 16 games (13-0-3, 5-0-3 WCHA) and remain undefeated in the WCHA. The win gave the Maroon and Gold a three-point weekend against the Mavericks (3-10-2, 2-7-1) and moved Minnesota's unbeaten streak over MSU to 16 games (13-0-3).

The Golden Gophers took its 2-1 lead into the first intermisson, scoring a power-play goal and even-strength tally with a Minnesota State goal sandwiched in between. Minnesota got the game's first lead at 4:42 on Blake Wheeler's 10th goal of the season. Jay Barriball gained the puck behind the net and found Wheeler out front to beat MSU goaltender Mike Zacharias low to the stick side. Erik Johnson picked up the second assist on the power-play goal.

Just 27 seconds later, the Mavericks responded when Kurtis Kisio skated to the net on a 2-on-1 and shot high to UM netminder Kellen Briggs' glove side for his first goal of the season. Jason Wiley and Nick Canzanello were credited with assists on the play.

Minnesota re-gained the lead at 9:30 with a highlight reel lamplighter by Okposo. Taking a Ryan Stoa pass down low, Okposo went to the net, slipped the puck between his legs and behind him, and went high to the glove side to beat Zacharias. Mike Vannelli earned the second assist on the eye-popping goal, Okposo's team-leading 12th of the season. For the period, the Mavericks out-shot the Maroon and Gold 14-10.

The score remained the same through the rest of the game with Minnesota State out-shooting