Kangas named Gophers' MVP

FELDY: How's this for a nice story: Back in October, Alex Kangas wasn't even sure he'd see action against the top teams in the WCHA as a freshman goalie for the University of Minnesota. But when junior Jeff Frazee floundered, Kangas stepped in and made it impossible for coach Don Lucia to take him out of the lineup.

For that, Kangas received the team MVP award at the men's hockey postseason banquet over the weekend.

He is just the third freshman in the storied history of Gophers hockey to win the award. The others: Murray McLachlan (1967-68) and Thomas Vanek (2002-03).

Kangas was also named the Gophers' playoff MVP and rookie of the year.