Elite League

Laying it on the Line

Details

Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

Team Southeast trio of Kloos, Guentzel and Nelson keeps piling up the points

By Michael Murakami

MN Hockey Hub staff

In the offense-heavy Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League there’s one line that’s proving to be extremely difficult to defend against.

Through 16 games, Team Southeast’s point-scoring powerhouse trio of Lakeville South’s Justin Kloos, Hill-Murray’s Jake Guentzel and Eastview’s Scott Nelson has registered 85 points (37 goals, 48 assists).

Eight of those points (three goals, five assists) came during Southeast’s 9-4 victory over Team Northeast on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at New Hope Ice Arena that kept Team Southeast (11-2-3) atop the Elite League standings and increased its lead by four points over Northeast (9-4-3).

“It’s a big win,” Nelson said. “I’m just glad we came out with the ‘W’.”

Scoring two goals in the contest, Nelson was quick to credit his linemates.

“We had a good game by (Justin) Kloos and (Jake) Guentzel,” Nelson said. “They set me up those couple times, they’re phenomenal players and it’s fun playing with them.

“It’s a lot easier to get the puck, and give-and-go and do all the little things.”

Kloos had four assists, giving him an Elite League-leading 38 points (16 goals, 22 assists). Guentzel also had an assist as well as a goal that sent the water bottle of Team Northeast goaltender Justin Quale (Benilde-St. Margaret’s) flying from the net.

With an abundance of points, it’s clear to see the line’s chemistry despite being somewhat newly formed.

“I recently got moved up about two and a half weeks ago to play with them and it’s been going really well,” Nelson said.

Having good things happen on a line with so much offensive power is, not surprisingly, a good thing for Team Southeast.

“We have a really good team, a fun bunch of guys,” Nelson said. “I’m having a lot of fun.”

In his first year in the league, Nelson, who has 17 points (12 goals, five assists) finds himself on both a dynamic scoring line and a first-place team. Instead of being caught in the moment, he is using the unique experience to improve.

“It’s definitely a speed game,” Nelson said of the Elite League’s play. “It’s a lot harder to get a shot off — everything’s quicker, faster, your passes have to be a second quicker. Everything is a lot faster.

“Hopefully I can keep the pace going and bring that back to our varsity team and push them to be better, too.”

Though the experience will likely translate to a successful senior season at Eastview, Nelson is keeping his mind in the present with Team Southeast.

“We have to keep a positive attitude, just keep buzzing out on the ice and working hard,” Nelson said.

“Things are bouncing our way.”