University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Faceoff: Ryan Zuhlsdorf
11/16/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS (GopherSports.com) --Ryan Zuhlsdorf is coming off two seasons in the United States Hockey League and is ready to make an impact as he puts on the Maroon & Gold for his first season as a Gopher.
A defenseman from Edina, Minn., Zuhlsdorf helped the Hornets capture the 2014 Minnesota State Class AA title and was poised to continue his success on a bigger stage.
His two years playing in the USHL in Sioux City and Dubuque resulted in 56 career points, earning USHL All-Rookie Honors and helping the Fighting Saints reach the Clark Cup finals.
Zuhlsdorf also skated for the U.S. Junior Select Team at the World Junior A Challenge, and a year later helped the U.S. earn a bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF World Junior A Challenge in Whitby, Ontario.
With plenty of success, Zuhlsdorf is excited to contribute to the Gophers, especially after being selected 150th overall (fifth round) by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2015 NHL entry draft.
Recently, GopherSports.com caught up with the blue-liner who already has two goals and an assist.
GopherSports.com: To begin, when did you first start skating and realize that hockey was something that you really loved?
Ryan Zuhlsdorf: I first started playing hockey when I was two. I just went out on the ponds with my family. My parents realized I really liked it, so they kept bringing me out there, and soon enough they got me enrolled in association hockey. I never wanted to get off the ice.
GS: You have skated with USA Hockey a few times, what was that experience like to play with them and have success?
RZ: It was very special. It was my first time wearing a USA jersey, and to play for your country is a huge honor. All around it was an awesome experience for me.
GS: You spent the last part of your time in the United States Hockey League in Dubuque but most of it was in Sioux City. What was it like to play there and to be the captain?
RZ: I had been a captain on teams before, but this was the first time on the bigger level. I took a lot of responsibility in that. It was the first time at that level, so I learned a lot, and it was a great experience.
GS: You have spent most of your life in Minnesota and close to the 'U'. What made you want to be a part of Gopher Hockey?
RZ: I grew up always watching Minnesota play, and this is a top-notch program -- among the best in the nation. This was the best place for me to help reach my all-time goal of playing pro hockey. I always had my sights set on playing here one day.
GS: You're back in school after being in the USHL for two years. How has the adjustment been coming to campus as a student-athlete for the first semester?
RZ: Yes, "student-athlete" there is a lot of school work required each day. But it's nice to get to the rink everyday and forget about school for a bit and just play hockey. I'm living in the dorms, so I still have the full freshman experience.
GS: There's a lot happening around campus at any given time, especially in the fall. What's your favorite thing about the University of Minnesota campus?
RZ: I love the Minnesota pride. Walking around campus and at all the sporting events there are people everywhere representing the school. It's awesome how tight knit the community is.
GS: You got to be a part of the rivalry series against North Dakota a few weekends ago. What was that experience like as a freshman at Mariucci and being able to play in front of a crowd like that?
RZ: It was incredible. I remember skating out for lineup introductions, and I was getting chills. Our fans were going nuts; their fans were going nuts. I could tell this rivalry is so much bigger than just our team -- it's been going on for generations. To be a part of it now is a really cool feeling.
GS: What are some of your personal goals this season?
RZ: I want to stay in the lineup and provide anything I can for the team to win. Continuing to grow as a player is important but overall contributing to the team is the main goal.
GS: You were drafted by Tampa Bay in the 2015 NHL entry draft. What was that experience like?
RZ: That was a big moment in my life. It was a realization in my career for where I am going and a sense of accomplishment. After all this training and hard work throughout the years, it was a good benchmark in my career.
Quick Hits: Ryan Zuhlsdorf
Favorite NHL Player: Alex Ovechkin
If You Played Another Sport: Football and Soccer
Favorite Food: Steak
Funniest Guy on the Team: Mike Szmatula
Who Plays You in a Movie: John C. Reilly
Favorite Hockey Movie: Miracle
Favorite Hobby: Wakesurfing
Best Road Trip: Banff National Park
Best Sports Memory: Winning a state title at Edina
Desert Island Partner: Ryan Lindgren
Smartest Guy on the Team: Darian Romanko
Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Turkey
