Get your own Free Home PageMINNEAPOLIS, Posted 4:11 p.m. February 04, 1998 -- Maroon and gold run through senior captain Casey Hankinson's blood. His dad, John, was a quarterback for the Gopher football team and his mom, Bonnie, was a U of M cheerleader. He literally grew up in old Mariucci Arena, watching his older brothers, Peter and Ben, play Gopher hockey. He seemed destined to play college hockey at Minnesota.
However, when it came time to look at colleges, Hankinson almost accepted an offer to play hockey from Wisconsin. Wisconsin? How could a player that has been described as a "true Gopher" by coach Doug Woog even think about becoming a Badger?
"I always wanted to play at Minnesota and maybe I was dreaming," said Hankinson. He wasn't the most highly recruited player in high school and after a phone call with Woog during his senior year, Hankinson told his parents that he probably wouldn't be playing at Minnesota. "Wisconsin made me a good offer and I thought about going there," he said.
However, as the year went by, the Gophers took a closer look at Hankinson and made him an offer. Wisconsin still pursued the high school senior, but Hankinson knew he wanted to play for the Gophers. Four years later, Hankinson is a second- year captain who will meet up with the Badgers for perhaps the final time of his collegiate career this weekend.
Hankinson has battled through many obstacles this season, including a hip injury, hand injury and even playing with the flu. Injuries that would keep many players off the ice, haven't side-lined Hankinson - yet. Hankinson re-broke his hand during last weekend's series with Michigan Tech and his status is doubtful for this weekend's Border Battle.
Hankinson's determination through all the injuries and
obstacles is in part due to the fact that it is his final
year playing for the Gophers. "I won't have another chance
after this year, so I want to get out there and contribute,"
said Hankinson. The Gophers could definitely use him this
weekend. Hankinson is 19-29--48 in Minnesota's last 38 wins
and just 5-5--10 in the team's last 29 losses and a tie.
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