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Maine scored with Nyquist

Gustav Nyquist leads college hockey scorers, may win the Hobey Baker and is a key for UMaine's renaissance.

By Rachel Lenzi rlenzi@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

ORONO — Dan Kerluke sat down in an arena in Malmo, Sweden, hoping to watch a hockey player whom he'd been in contact with via phone and e-mail.

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Gustav Nyquist of the University of Maine has been more than opposing defenders can handle this season. He leads Division I in scoring with 18 goals and 38 assists heading into the Hockey East quarterfinals, and is a big reason the Black Bears made a turnaround after two losing seasons.

Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

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Gustav Nyquist

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UMAINE HOCKEY

WHO: No. 20 UMass-Lowell (18-14-4) at Maine (16-15-3)

WHAT: Hockey East quarterfinals

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and if necessary, Sunday

WHERE: Alfond Arena, Orono

Kerluke, an associate head coach and a recruiter for the University of Maine men's hockey team, expected to see Gustav Nyquist skate for the Malmo Red Hawks that night in November 2007.

But when the lineups were announced he suddenly thought the trip was for naught. Nyquist didn't play because of a shoulder injury. Instead, he and his mother, Eva, sat with Kerluke in the stands, where the assistant gave his recruiting pitch.

"Developing relationships in recruiting is the most important tool," Kerluke said. "Going over there to meet with Gustav and his mom really was to make that final push. It was good not only to put a face to a name but it was good to see him."

Kerluke's visit, Nyquist said, significantly factored in his decision to attend Maine. While the recruiting trip spanned two European countries and five cities, Kerluke and Maine Coach Tim Whitehead both acknowledge that it was a hefty investment.

But it came with a major return.

Maine opens the best-of-three quarterfinals of the Hockey East playoffs Friday night against No. 20 UMass-Lowell, and Nyquist, a sophomore right wing, enters the postseason as the nation's leading scorer with 18 goals and 38 assists.

He has emerged as a candidate for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the nation's top Division I hockey player. The 10 candidates for the Hobey Baker will be announced March 18 and Nyquist admits it's an honor to be considered.

But right now his thoughts aren't on a trophy that recognizes individual achievement.

"I want to do well with the team, that's the most important thing," Nyquist said. "Like I've said before, I'd trade the Hobey Baker Award for a national championship any day. We still have a long way to go. We can't lose a single game anymore. And I think we can do that. That's what I'm thinking about now, the team."

Tanner House, the team captain, believes Nyquist has been a key to the Black Bears' renaissance after back-to-back losing seasons.

"With the past couple seasons it wasn't where Maine wanted to be," House said. "He brought a new life back into Maine hockey and he put us back in the national picture. People know Maine hockey a lot more, I think, because of him."

When discussing Nyquist's impact, Kerluke raises a valid question.

"When's the last time Maine has had the nation's leading scorer?"

(Answer: Paul Kariya, who had 25 goals and 75 assists in 1992-93.)

"He's legitimately one of the top players in the country," Whitehead said. "He reminds me of guys like Michel Leveille, Teddy Purcell, Greg Moore and Martin Kariya. Guys that are complete."

In 2008-09, Nyquist was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team after he led the Black Bears with 13 goals and 19 assists in his freshman season. Over the summer he returned to Sweden and worked on improving his speed and stamina. He attended the prospect development camp of the Detroit Red Wings, who drafted Nyquist in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2008 NHL draft.

This season Nyquist has become stronger in going after loose pucks. He's better in traffic, he has improved his speed, has more stamina and can contribute in just about any situation.

"He wants the puck when the game's on the line," Whitehead said. "The other component of his game is what a fierce competitor he is."

The question has been begged often this season -- will Nyquist turn pro after this season?

"Gustav has indicated to me that he plans on returning, but things can change," Whitehead said.

"He's a great student and he knows how strong the team is now and how strong it will be next year. He's such an integral part of our resurgence, and I expect him to be here one more year, if not two."

Nyquist said he and the Red Wings have been in touch. But other than the weekend ahead, he's not thinking about the future.

"I'm here right now," Nyquist said. "I'm enjoying myself and we're focusing on the playoffs." 

Staff Writer Rachel Lenzi can be reached at 791-6415 or at:

rlenzi@pressherald.com