Erickson, who had played for Sioux City of the USHL,
was thrown into a starting role quickly at Connecticut.
Key Statistics: In his
first collegiate outing, Erickson lasted just five minutes,
40 seconds as the Michigan Wolverines tallied three
times. In his next outing, Mercyhurst tallied six goals
in 38 minutes – again Erickson was
pulled. Connecticut head coach Bruce Marshall admits
now that he threw his freshman into the fire to see
what he was made of – fortunately, Erickson was
not lost forever. He was given the starting nod after
Christmas and held it for 18 of the final 19 Husky contests.
His 2.92 goals-against average ranked 11th nationally
and third in Atlantic Hockey among rookie netminders.
He surrendered two-or-fewer goals in eight contests.
What He Does: The 6-foot Erickson has
all the attributes of a leading goaltender: he faces
the puck well; he squares well; he sees the puck through
traffic; and his feet and hands are good. Marshall said
Erickson is easy going and does not get rattled easily.
The Bigger Picture: For the first time
in five seasons Marshall knows he has a goalie ready
to go when camp begins. “Now he has to perform,"
Marshall said. With Erickson in net and a veteran defense
corps, the Huskies won’t have to rely so much
on their young offensive lineup, giving the forwards
time to develop.
UConn head coach Bruce Marshall
on Erickson: “I think the best thing
about Beau Erickson is his positive attitude and his
positive outlook on hockey for the past year of the
program. ... The team has a lot of confidence when they
hear Beau is starting.”
