August
26, 2003
Weber's
departure leaves Gophers green in goal
By
Mike Eidelbes
 |
|
Travis Weber was named to the 2003 NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament
Team. (photo courtesy University of Minnesota) |
The University
of Minnesota had all the right ingredients for a run at a rare
NCAA championship three-peat in 2003-04: minimal personnel losses
(defensemen Matt DeMarchi and Paul Martin were the only key contributors
from last year's team not returning), a top-flight class of incoming
freshmen and depth and experience up front, on the blue line and
in goal.
That is, until Tuesday,
when it was announced that starting goaltender Travis Weber has
decided to leave the Golden Gophers for personal reasons. The
junior from Hibbing, Minn., who came to Minnesota following a
stint with the U.S. Under-18 Team, has also withdrawn from the
school.
"This was a very
difficult decision, but I believe it is the right thing for me
to do at this point in my life," Weber said in a statement.
"I have no doubt that the team will continue to have success
in the future. I want to thank Coach (Don) Lucia, his coaching
staff and my teammates for all of their help and support during
my time with the Golden Gophers."
Weber backed up Adam
Hauser during Minnesota's run to the 2002 NCAA title, appearing
in just 10 games as a freshman. Last season, he recorded an 18-6-7
record in addition to a 2.50 goals against average and a 90.2%
save percentage. He was also named to the Frozen Four All-Tournament
Team after stopping 57 of 60 shots in wins against Michigan and
New Hampshire.
| Weber's
Career Statistics |
Season |
Record |
GAA |
SV% |
SO |
2000-01 |
6-2-0 |
3.29 |
.870 |
0 |
2001-02 |
18-6-7 |
2.50 |
.902 |
2 |
Total |
24-8-7 |
2.65 |
.896 |
2 |
"We’re
obviously disappointed that Travis has decided to leave the team
and withdraw from school," Lucia said. "It is a loss
for our team and we’ll miss having Travis as part of the
program. I hope at some point he will decide to return to school
and complete his degree."
Without Weber
in the fold, Minnesota's goaltending duties will be assumed by
junior Justin Johnson and/or freshman Kellen Briggs. Johnson has
played in 21 games for the Gophers over the past two seasons and
owns a career 13-2-2 record, a 2.95 goals against average and
an 88.7% save percentage. Briggs, meanwhile, posted a16-23-4 mark
with a 3.70 GAA and a 90.1% save percentage for the Sioux Falls
Stampede of the United States Hockey League last season.
