Earlier in the season, senior defenseman Nick Mattson was a healthy scratch for nine games. After sitting out four straight games, Mattson returned to the lineup on December 13, 2014 against the Denver Pioneers. Since his return, the Chanhassen, MN native has been on fire. He’s been smoking not. In the 18 games since, Mattson has scored (3g-14a—17pts).
During that period, Mattson has the second-most points among NCHC D-men and is tied for ninth nationally. Mattson also leads the team. Second most points during that time is, Drake Caggiula (9g-3a—12pts), Michael Parks (6g-6a—12pts), Connor Gaarder (5g-7a—12pts), Luke Johnson (4g-8a—12pts), Paul LaDue (2g-10a—12pts), Jordan Schmaltz ((0g-12a—12pts).
“I think especially at Christmas, I just felt like… it was really frustrating – I knew I could help the team,” Mattson said. “But even when I was getting a chance to go in, I was just playing too passive. I just kind of decided to throw all of the doubts and fears out of my mind and just let it all hang loose and see what happens. It feels pretty good to be able to play up to the standard that I think I can and help the team win.”
Mattson isn’t the only on playing well. During that same time frame, senior forward Connor Gaarder has also been on a tear scoring (5g-7a—12pts). Gaarder credited his line mates for his success.
“I guess our line is just clicking pretty well here,” Gaarder said. “O’D and Pogo there are doing the things that we need to do – getting pucks in – playing simple hockey and capitalizing on the opportunities we are given. It’s a team game and it just goes from there.”
“His line has been consistent,” head coach Dave Hakstol said. “They’re a hard-nosed group. They go out and play the same way every day and every shift. It’s been a real good combination and scored some big goals for us. As importantly, they’re just a hard group to play against.”
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