A Fine Nine Recruiting Class
MOORHEAD, Minn. (7/24/17)--- Having to replace a strong group of six graduated seniors, head coach Chris Howe announced that the team will benefit from a recruiting class that includes nine incoming freshmen.
"This is incoming class is a unique group," stated Howe. "This group is a little younger but features players who have succeeded at all levels of play."
The group of nine includes two players who will enter the collegiate game directly from the high school ranks. Aaron Koivunen starred at Eveleth High School last year and Beau Wilmer tied for the team lead in points for Warroad High School.
"Even though Aaron and Beau don't have junior experience they have played a lot of games and have played at a very high level in high school," said Howe. "They come from traditional high school powerhouses and I am excited to have two more players from northern Minnesota schools."
In addition to having a pair of Minnesota high school standouts in the incoming class, the nine players include five forwards, three defensemen and one goalie. The class also features five players who were born in non-traditional hockey states. A pair of players hails from California while there are one each from Colorado, Indiana and Maryland.
The group also features five players who tallied at least 23 points last year and is led by Marshall Barnes who recorded 23 goals and 51 assists for 74 points in 44 games played for the North Iowa Bulls of the NA3HL. Barnes was named the NA3HL's Central Division Most Valuable Player. The North Iowa Bulls have had a steady influence with the Cobbers as Barnes will join former Bulls players Mario Bianchi, Joe Burgmeier and Quinn Fuchs. Bianchi was third on the team in scoring last year while Fuchs was named to the MIAC All-Rookie Team.
The nine players will be looking to keep Concordia's playoff streak intact. The Cobbers have made the conference playoffs in each of the past five seasons. Last year Concordia finished with a 14-11-2 overall record and placed fifth in the MIAC with a 7-7-2 league mark. The Cobbers return a pair of All-Conference players in Jon Grebosky and netminder Sam Nelson and will bring back their top three scorers from a year ago.
"The nine new players will fit in really well with the returning players, added Howe."This is a group that will help us continue to play at a high level."
Concordia opens the 2017-18 season when they face off against Gustavus on Oct. 28 in the annual MIAC Hockey Showcase in Blaine. The Cobbers first home game is Nov. 10 when they host perennial region power Wis.-River Falls at 7 p.m.
Below is a list of the nine current Cobber recruits to commit for the 2017-18 season.
Marshall Barnes
Position: Forward
Hometown: Edina, Minn.
Last Team: North Iowa Bulls (NA3HL)
2016-17 Stats: 44 games played 23 goals; 51 assists; 74 points
Matt Donnelly
Position: Forward
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Last Team: Springfield Jr. Pics (USPHL Premier)
2016-17 Statistics: 36 games played; 7 goals: 16 assists; 23 points
Noah Griffith
Position: Goalie
Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.
Last Team: Valley Jr. Warriors (EHL Elite)
2016-17 Statistics: 27 games played; 3.13 GAA; .907 Save percentage
Aaron Koivunen
Position: Defense
Hometown: Eveleth, Minn.
Last Team: Eveleth HS
2016-17 Statistics: 25 games played; 12 goals; 31 assists; 43 points
Zak Lambrecht
Position: Forward
Hometown: Stacey, Minn.
Last Team: Blind River Beavers (NOJHL)
2016-17 Statistics: 54 games played; 29 goals; 30 assists; 59 points
Max Mona
Position: Forward
Hometown: Annapolis, Md.
Last Team: Okanagan (USPHL Premier)
2016-17 Statistics: 33 games played; 5 goals; 9 assists; 14 points
Kyle Siemers
Position: Defense
Hometown: Crown Point, Ind.
Last Team: Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)
2016-17 Statistics: 21 games played; 2 goals; 3 assists; 5 points
Alex Stoley
Position: Defense
Hometown: Manteca, Calif.
Last Team: Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL)
2016-17 Statistics: 52 games played; 0 goals; 6 assists; 6 points
Beau Wilmer
Position: Forward
Hometown: Warroad, Minn.
Last Team: Warroad HS
2016-17 Statistics: 25 games played; 15 goals; 12 assists; 27 points