Gophers happy to be back on the ice with coach Bob Motzko
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Edina native Sammy Walker has been one of Gophers coach Bob Motzko’s captains for three years. In other words, they have a tight relationship. So Walker knows how therapeutic getting back on the ice must be for Motzko.
Motzko’s 20-year-old son, Mack, was killed in July after sustaining injuries in a car crash. He was a passenger. The driver was later charged with two counts each of criminal vehicular homicide with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more and criminal vehicular homicide while operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.
Monday was the Gophers’ first official practice of the season.
"Just to be back on the ice with everyone and having him out with us, it’s unbelievable," Walker told KSTP.
***Click the video box above to watch Walker meet with reporters and to see video from practice***
Gophers hockey coach Bob Motzko talks with his team during practice Monday at Ridder Arena. Monday was the Gophers' first official practice of the season.[KSTP/Jeff Brioschi]
Expectations are high for the Gophers, as they seek their first Frozen Four trip since 2014.
They return Mike Richter Award winner Jack LaFontaine in net, along with a lot of scoring and defense. The Gophers led college hockey last year with 24 wins.