Although Minnesota's season ended in a disappointing 6-1 Frozen Four semifinal loss to eventual national champion Boston College 11 days ago, they continue to be honored with accolades.
Inside College Hockey, ESPN's affiliate for the game, named Gophers freshman forward Kyle Rau (Florida Panthers) to their 2011-2012 Freshman All-American team Sunday night while Nick Bjugstad was named to their All-American third-team after scoring 25 goals. Kyle joins Denver defenseman Joey LaLeggia on the team as the only WCHA players honored.
Rau finished the year second on Minnesota behind Erik Haula (Minnesota Wild) with 43 points (18 goals - 25 assists) in 40 games and was also second in the nation in scoring among freshmen; trailing only BC's Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames). He did, however, lead the nation in power play goals by a freshman with 9.
Besides Kyle Rau and DU's LaLeggia, the INCH Freshman All-American team featured Western Michigan goalie Frank Slubowski, Union defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, Gaudreau and Massachusetts-Lowell forward Scott Wilson.
For more Minnesota Golden Gophers coverage, be sure to check The Daily Gopher. You can also catch up on the WCHA over at Western College Hockey.