Andrew Vitalis

A homegrown pro: Fargo’s Danny Irmen

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

By Andrew Vitalis

It seems like Danny Irmen’s entire hockey career has been filled with big-time decisions. Big-time decisions by a big-time player.

Irmen remembers when he was entering his sophomore season of high school hockey, living in Fargo, N.D.

“I remember my dad lost his job. At the same time, I was at a hockey camp and there were a bunch of guys from the AHL there. One player from the Ottawa Senators sat me down and told me I needed to get out of Fargo,” remembered Irmen. “My dad lost his job at that exact time. I went home and told my parents and the next thing I knew, my dad said he could get a job in Grand Forks (N.D.), so we went there.”

The significance of that decision allowed Irmen to transfer to Grand Forks Red River High School for his sophomore season. The move also paired him with former Gopher and friend Grant Potulny. It was a much better hockey environment for the budding star.

From there, pieces fell like dominoes and the opportunities continued to come. Less than one year later, Irmen found himself making yet another difficult decision when the USHL came calling. Looking back on it, Irmen considers it a no-brainer.

“I played my junior and senior years in the USHL. It was tougher on my mom than it was on me. I was able to go to Lincoln with some friends, guys that I played with in high school so that helped the transition,” mentioned Irmen. “I think (looking back) I was meant to do all of that, things just worked out perfect for me.”

Perfect is a term sometimes overused, but in this case, accurate. Don’t believe me? After two extremely successful seasons in the USHL, Irmen skated all the way to Minneapolis, accepting a scholarship from the Gophers. It was a dream come true for the life-long maroon and gold fanatic.

“It was a dream come true,” laughed Irmen. “Growing up in Fargo, we got MSC and I remember watching all of the Gopher games with my dad. When I was in fifth grade, I got a Gopher jersey with my name on it.”

It certainly didn’t take long for all Gopher fans, as well as everyone else associated with the WCHA, to learn his name. Irmen exploded onto the ice by scoring 22 points in 44 games during the 2003-04 season. In addition, in 2003, his Minnesota ties became even stronger when the Minnesota Wild drafted Irmen in the third round (78th overall).

“That was a pretty neat day, getting drafted by Minnesota,” remembered Irmen. “Playing with the Gophers, knowing the tradition, I knew that the Wild had the same tradition. To be drafted was a dream come true, but to be drafted by Minnesota made it that much more special.”

Over the next two seasons, he played like a top draft pick. As a sophomore, Irmen scored 24 goals and averaged one point per game. Then as a junior, he posted 38 points in 30 games, including a collegiate career best 22 assists. It was easy for everyone to see, including the scouts, that Irmen was ready for the next level.

What followed was another difficult decision for the former Gopher and current Houston Aero; stay or go? With a handful of right decisions already behind him, Irmen went with his heart and decided to pass on his senior season with the ‘U’ and begin his professional campaign with the Wild organization.

Irmen got his first glimpse of the next level at the end of the 2005-06 season by playing four games with Houston, scoring two points. Six months later, he found himself playing in a Minnesota Wild uniform, participating in their preseason camp. For a guy who describes himself as an “easygoing” guy, Irmen remembers the exact moment when it all sunk in.

“It was different for me coming from college, it was my first NHL camp. I really wasn’t nervous until I was in the locker room. I looked across the room and you see (Marian) Gaborik, (Pavol) Demitra, guys like that,” commented Irmen. “You get to go out there and play against those guys. All you can do is play your game. You try not to get starstruck but I think I did a little bit, especially that first year.”

Maybe so, but his numbers didn’t reflect that. After being assigned to the Houston Aeros out of training camp, Irmen didn’t skip a beat during his first full season as a pro. He played in a whopping 80 games, scoring 17 goals and adding 20 assists. The next season, Irmen appeared in 77 games. In addition to his appearance on the score sheet, the former Gopher began to adjust on the fly. As he puts it, he decided to become more physical, filling a valuable role that every team desperately needs.

“You really don’t know what to expect coming out of college. You just have to go down there and play and see what you learn. It was different for me; I began to play a different role, especially my second year. I was more of a third or fourth line checking guy. I decided to try and fill that role, play well, be more of an X’s and O’s type of guy. That’s the way most guys get to the NHL,” stated Irmen. “It’s not that you don’t score goals or get points, it’s just a different mindset. You have to be more defensive minded. Being that way, you’re going to be one of the guys that’s on the ice during the last minute when things are tight.”

Dependable comes to mind. No question, Irmen’s dependability has scored him points with the organization. This past summer, he signed another contract with Houston. It was another decision that came easy to the 24 year-old.

“I’m really happy with Houston. They have been upfront with me the whole time and I’ve been really happy with how they have treated me to this point,” said Irmen. “Obviously, I don’t want to be a career AHL guy. My whole life, the ultimate goal has been to play in the NHL, that’s what you dream about when you’re playing street hockey as a kid. All you can do is hope you get a chance and make the best of it when it comes whether it’s here or someplace else.”

When it happens, a Minnesota uniform would be fitting. After all, if it’s not broke, why fix it?

A homegrown pro: Minnesota Duluth’s Junior Lessard

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

By Andrew Vitalis

Okay, so he’s not a native of Minnesota. When you look at his birth certificate, it actually says Quebec, but Junior Lessard certainly considers himself, at least, half Minnesotan anyway. After all, it was during his time in the land of 10,000 lakes that the name “Junior Lessard” became a household name, especially in Northern Minnesota. All it took was four years in a Minnesota-Duluth uniform, 142 career points, a first team All-American honor, and the Hobey Baker Award. Is that all?

“I always felt at home in Duluth. I still love going back there,” said Lessard. “It’s such a fun place to be. Hockey wise, my first year we struggled. We had a new coach and a new system. My sophomore year, things really started to turn around. The program made a lot of progress year after year. It felt really good to be apart of that.”

Lessard wasn’t just part of the turnaround. Some still say he spearheaded it. After a slow start with the Bulldogs, Lessard, as he puts it, got more comfortable as time went by. After posting just 12 points his freshman season, he racked up 30 as a sophomore, 37 as a junior and 63 as a senior.

“There were quite a bit of adjustments (as a freshman). Hockey wise, it was a much better league than I was used to. My expectations were high and I really didn’t get the type of offense I wanted,” remembered Lessard. “Year after year, I was just more confident out there. I was playing a bigger role and getting more opportunities. I worked really hard to get there. I remember coming back to Duluth in July and working everyday with the team’s strength coach. It took a lot of sacrifice. When the season started, the pieces just fell into place”

Pieces, which ultimately produced a masterpiece. Sure, we know the numbers, but just to put things into perspective; the 2004 Hobey Baker Award winner played in 45 games his senior season. He scored a goal in 32 of them!

“I couldn’t believe what was happening. Then, once it came (Hobey Baker Award), I was so proud,” smiled Lessard. It really just came with hard work. I remember at the beginning of that season, I heard all of the predictions and my name wasn’t even mentioned. It was something I never even thought about until I got it.”

No question, it put Lessard on the national map. What followed was a free-agent contract with the Dallas Stars. However, even Lessard admits throughout his career he’s been a little slow out of the gates at times. Early on with Houston (AHL) was no different.

“I think some people were expecting me to step in right away and be an NHL player,” stated Lessard. “Just like with every level I’ve played at, it took me awhile to get my feet wet. I was maybe the best player in college then, but in the pro’s, it didn’t mean anything.”

Like in Duluth, it took Lessard one season to get comfortable. After posting 22 points in 71 games as a rookie, good numbers for most but certainly not up to his expectations, Lessard burst onto the AHL scene in year two, tallying a Hobey-like 56 points in 64 games with the Iowa Stars during the 2005-06 season. More importantly, Lessard made his NHL debut with Dallas that season, playing in five games. No surprise, he scored his first career NHL goal during that stretch.

“It was definitely a good experience,” stated Lessard. Playing in the NHL is a dream for every player. Even though I didn’t get a chance to stick around long, it was nice.”

Over the next two seasons, Lessard became accustomed to making the most of his opportunities. He had to. During the 2006-07 season, despite playing most of the season with Iowa, he found himself back in the NHL for one game. Yes, he scored a goal. Then, during the start of the 2007-08 campaign, Lessard played two more games with Dallas while spending the rest of his time in Iowa, the Stars AHL affiliate. Although happy about the NHL exposure, Lessard admits his time with the organization was running out.

For someone who had been making a living by taking advantage of opportunities on the ice, Lessard didn’t think he was getting much of an opportunity with the organization.

“I kind of lost my fire a little bit. I felt I had proven myself in Iowa. I started to get down on myself,” remembered Lessard.

But just like a scorer on a cold streak, all he needed was a lucky bounce, or in this case, break. That break came on Jan. 15, 2008, when Lessard was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sometimes something as simple as a phone call can change everything.

“It was really weird. I remember waking up for a pre-game skate and I got a call from the GM (General Manager) in Iowa, telling me I just got traded to Tampa Bay. Then the phone cut out. A few minutes later, he called back again, said he didn’t know why the phone got disconnected, and told me again,” laughed Lessard. “I was just in shock, I didn’t remember anything. I was making breakfast when he called. I went to the rink right away and I didn’t even remember what I had for breakfast, I was just in shock.

“It was something I wanted,” added Lessard. I was really happy, but at the same time, I had been with Dallas for 3 ½ years, and in the span of a few seconds, that was done. Still, I’ve always believed as a player, if the move puts you in a good situation, it’s a good move.”

Two months after the move, Lessard found himself back in the NHL, playing 19 games with the Lightning. After finishing the season with Tampa, Lessard saw another opportunity in Atlanta and jumped on it. After signing a one-year contract with the Thrashers in July of 2008, sticking with the dog theme, the former Bulldog is now playing for the Chicago Wolves (AHL). Currently on what he would consider a cold streak, Lessard is focused on turning his game around and getting back to the NHL.

“No matter where you play, you always have to perform. When I was with Dallas, they always told me that even though I was playing for them, 29 other teams were watching. That is so true. Every time you step on the ice, scouts are always there,” commented Lessard. “Even though I’m not putting up as much points as I would like right now, I’m still going to the rink and having fun. Yes, it’s my job, but how many people have the opportunity to play hockey for a living. I just try and keep that in mind. I’m just working hard and trying to get comfortable out there again.”

Oh no, there’s that word again. Something tells me we’ll know when that happens. So will his opponents.

A homegrown pro: Mendota Heights’ Charlie Kronschnabel

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

By Andrew Vitalis

He’s not a rookie anymore, but Charlie Kronschnabel will admit he’s still adjusting to life as a pro.

“I thought I could do anything after playing at Alaska, but I travel even more now. You find yourself on a lot of long bus rides,” laughed Kronschnabel.

He knows a thing or two about traveling. Just seven years ago, Kronschnabel left high school hockey behind, turning to the USHL. After two seasons there, the Mendota, Minnesota native took a leap of faith.

Overlooked by most scouts, he decided to walk on at the University of Alaska Anchorage. It’s safe to say the Seawolves had no idea who they were getting. If they did, an immediate scholarship would have been part of the deal.

As a freshman, “Kronsch” burst onto the ice, easily becoming one of the most durable, and dependable players in the program. He held that reputation throughout his career at Anchorage, even being named captain his senior season. Not bad for a walk-on.

He finished his time in the green, gold and white with 24 goals and 40 assists. Those numbers included a shortened senior season due to an injury.

“I think about my senior year there, a couple of us went off and played some pro games right after the college season,” remarked Kronschnabel. “It’s funny, that’s almost three years ago. I’ve almost been out of college as long as I was in college.”

Kronschnabel, nicknamed “Kronsch”, went right to work on his professional resume, playing in 11 games to end the 2006-07 season. Although it was a brief glimpse at both the AHL and ECHL levels, he remembers finding out right away what the differences were between the college game and the professional game.

“Just the number of games,” remarked Kronschnabel, when asked about the differences. “In college, you would play 28 games and everyone would be going 100 mph out there, all in different directions. At this level, things are much more controlled; everyone is where they should be. It’s just a different game.”

A different game indeed, on and off the ice. Kronschnabel found out that the politics of the game were certainly different right away. After signing a two-way contract (AHL-ECHL deal) with Reading last season, he was invited to the Edmonton Oilers rookie camp. Soon after, Kronschnabel received a call from the organization. The numbers within the program weren’t favorable and he was the odd man out.

“They gave me an option. They asked me if I wanted to dissolve the contract and that’s what happened,” mentioned Kronschnabel. “It was kind of tough, but I appreciated their honesty.”

Instead, he signed a one-year ECHL contract, meaning his chances at getting back to the AHL would have to wait for at least one more year. He returned to Reading, playing in 72 games, scoring 35 points. In addition, Kronschnabel was as steady as they come in the playoffs for Reading, tallying three goals and five assists in 13 games played. Once again, despite being overlooked, he let his game do the talking.

“It’s a tough game. I think it’s really difficult to go through the system when you’re not that good at a young age. It’s just a longer process to go around the system. Trying to make a name for yourself becomes more difficult the older you get,” stated Kronschnabel. “You have to work extra hard showing people you’re a guy who is valuable on the ice, a guy who can do the little things. I’ve never been unbelievable at any level, but I’ve been able to do the little things, work hard, and I’ve been able to find a role.”

And teams have begun to finally take notice. In August of 2008, Kronschnabel signed another two-way deal (AHL-ECHL contract), this time with the Anaheim Ducks organization. Currently playing with the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL, he once again has his radar locked on the AHL. Kronschnabel, as usual, shows up to the rink everyday with his hard hat in one hand and his shovel in the other.

“It’s a work in progress. I’ve gotten off to a little bit of a slow start this season, but if I remember right, I started out the same way last year before I got things going,” mentioned Kronschnabel. “Statistics have really never been something I have thought about. I just try on playing a solid game and when opportunities come, I try and bury them.”

He hopes the opportunities will come, and not just on the ice. At the end of the season, Kronschnabel will once again find himself in limbo. After signing a one-year deal, he finds himself in the unenviable position of playing for professional and financial security.

“If I said I never thought about it, I’d be lying,” said Kronschnabel, when asked about his upcoming contract. “You do think about it at times, but you can’t let that take you over. It would be nice to have a strong end of the year, sign a deal earlier rather than playing the wait and see game.

“I think (the key) is to find someone you trust as an agent and just stay out of it,” continued Kronschnabel. “It’s a big deal finding an agent who is out there looking out for your best interest. It’s just one less thing to worry about.”

Let’s be honest, as he’s shown throughout his career, when it comes to Charlie Kronschnabel, why worry?

A homegrown pro: Roseville’s Marty Sertich

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

By Andrew Vitalis

Scorers, pure scorers, can’t really explain how they do it. Ask them about a magic formula and you won’t get an answer-they don’t have one. You can’t teach it, learn it or fake it. When asked, Roseville native and current Lake Erie Monster (AHL) Marty Sertich tries to explain things the best he can.

“I guess I would say try and keep moving as much as possible. I think it’s anticipation more than anything else. I’ve always been taught to go to the net and good things will happen. I don’t think there are any secrets, just work hard and hope good things will happen,” said Sertich. “I’m definitely not a natural goal scorer. I look to pass first and I go hard to the net. It’s definitely not easy.”

If it’s not easy, Sertich continues to fool the ones keeping track of his statistics. After being named Minnesota Mr. Hockey in 2001 (63 points in 28 games with Roseville High School), Sertich used one season to sharpen his skills in the USHL before accepting a scholarship to Colorado College. With the Tigers, his ability to light the lamp became increasingly evident with every shift he took. Twenty-nine points in 42 games as a freshman. Thirty-nine points in 39 games as a sophomore. Then came his junior season, a season that Sertich sums up with one word – “special.”

“I had a great time at CC (Colorado College). My junior season was really special for me and the team,” remarked Sertich. “We advanced to the Frozen Four, playing with Brett Sterling (Chicago Wolves). A lot of things just came together that year for everyone. Then getting that award, it certainly was something I’ll never forget.”

“That” award was the, ho-hum, Hobey Baker Award, given to the best player in college hockey. As a junior, Sertich posted an eye-popping 64 points in only 42 games. Just as impressive, when his time with the Tigers was over, Sertich walked away from Colorado having never missed a game during his four years, playing in a total of 166 games. He scored at least one point in 108 of those games. Almost shockingly modest, Sertich talks about his time with the Tigers, and specifically the Hobey when asked, but he points out that he is not interested in that time period defining him as a hockey player.

“It (Hobey Baker Award) was a great award, nobody can ever take that away from me. I was fortunate to have played with some great players,” commented Sertich. “I really don’t feel any pressure. I just keep taking it day by day. I plan on making it to the NHL one day and I hope my play there will define me as a player. I still have a lot of work to do that’s for sure.”

Ironically, Sertich’s current goal is to get back to Colorado. After signing a free agent contract with Dallas right out of college, he signed a two-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche this past season. Currently, in his third season as a pro, Sertich works on his game as a member of the Lake Erie Monsters, the Avs AHL affiliate. Yes, he’s still scoring, now with seven points in 14 games (as of Dec. 1). His last time out on Nov. 29, no surprise, Sertich scored the game-winning goal in an overtime win.

“Anytime you go up a level in play, things just seem to get harder every year. I usually score my goals right around the crease. I just do what I’m told and go to the net,” laughed Sertich. “Coming out of college, I really didn’t know what to expect, it’s been a learning experience. It’s certainly a grind, a long year. When I first turned pro playing with Iowa, I was lucky to have a bunch of veteran guys on the team. I learned from them in terms of adjusting to the schedule and trying to stay healthy.”

Extremely modest and almost equally truthful, Sertich admits staying healthy will be key, maybe the key when it comes to the NHL. Standing at 5-8 and 165 pounds, without skates, Sertich knows every night will be a challenge for someone who lives in front of the net. Adapt and overcome.

“I was surprised (as a rookie) with how big and strong everyone was. As one of the smaller guys out there, it was an eye-opener when I saw how much more stronger everyone was,” said Sertich. “As a player, you just need to find different ways to survive out there. You just try to keep on moving and hope you are able to find some room out there.”

With nearly 100 points as a pro in just under two and a half years, Sertich has shown he doesn’t need much room to make a difference.