#1 Evan Weiss - Goaltender
(Photo by ESP1000)

It’s not always easy being one of four goaltenders on a team, especially when you’re not in the starting rotation. But Evan Weiss, a 5-foot-9, 150-pound goalie from White Bear Lake, has made the best of his situation with the Lakers.

“It’s been okay,” Weiss said. “There have been a few goalies in and out through Edina, so it’s kind of interesting meeting new people. It hasn’t been that bad at practice; we just split nets. I don’t mind having four goalies that much. We’re all friendly together, and we just like to push each other in practice and make each other better.”

With Eric Wobschall, Glenn Gayet and Jeff Riman ahead of Weiss on the depth chart, Lakers head coach Wes Durand sent him to play for the Jacksonville Ice Dogs of the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League earlier this season to get some more playing time.

“It was a deal where he got a chance to get some serious playing time down there and did quite well,” Durand said. “There may be another opportunity for him to go down and be with that team at the end of the year to get some more experience, and we’re looking for some big things out of Evan next year.”

The good news for Weiss is he is the youngest Lakers goalie and still has two years of junior hockey eligibility left.

“I haven’t played too many games this year, but overall, it’s been a pretty good experience for a first year of juniors,” Weiss said. “I’m kind of looking forward to next year and maybe getting a little more playing time in.”

Weiss’ goal is to one day play Division III college hockey.

“Evan is a kid that is extraordinarily committed to hockey,” Durand said. “This is a kid that has overcome plenty of adversity. He’s willing to really do whatever it takes to push his career along.”
Russ Eastburn says "Thanks".

Longtime MnJHL contributor recovering from accident thanks all of you for your thoughts and prayers!

The website ESP1000.com will return this weekend with two more Minnesota Junior Hockey League games on its schedule.

The site, which is operated by longtime MnJHL contributor Russ Eastburn, had been on hiatus since mid-January, when Eastburn was severely injured in a car accident on his way to shoot photos of the Jan. 18 match-up between Granite City and the Minnesota Flying Aces on St. Cloud.

Eastburn suffered four broken ribs, and nearly lost his entire left arm. The doctors were able to save it, however his use of it will never be same.

Eastburn spent six days at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, and is now recovering at home. In his time at Mercy, he underwent four major surgeries, and more operations will follow.

Eastburn wanted to thank all those that have called or e-mailed him, and the MnJHL wishes him well in what is expected to be a lengthy recovery.

"We have appreciated all that Russ has contributed over the years, and our thoughts are with him and his wife Marie during the recovery process," said MnJHL president Ken Gaber. "Well wishes are always welcome and we want to let Russ know that we are all in his corner."
#7 Ryan Gunderson
Forward
(Photo by ESP1000)
A 5-foot-8, 155-pound fourth-line forward doesn’t usually draw large amounts of attention. But Ryan Gunderson is the kind of player Lakers coach Wes Durand can’t stop talking about.
“Ryan is a kid that’s committed to himself and his mission to continue to play hockey,” Durand said of the Ham Lake native. “He’s been willing to put in the work and overcome the adversity of not always playing in the lineup. He hasn’t been a mainstay in our lineup, but his game has improved tremendously. You can see his improvement every single day.

We’re proud to have him in our locker room and have him and his family as part of our organization. Because of his work ethic and because he’s a very heady player—he’s very smart—we think he’s got serious potential.”

Although he doesn’t see a lot of ice time, Gunderson takes pride in working hard, playing solid defensive hockey and even setting up some plays so the Lakers don’t miss a beat with their fourth-line shifts.

“The practices have been real high-paced, and I’ve been getting a lot better, so it’s been a real good experience overall,” said Gunderson, who has three goals and six points on the season. “I’ve improved a lot this year just from being on the ice every day.”

Gunderson played high school hockey for Totino Grace last year and still has two years left of junior eligibility after this season. He’s hoping his junior career will give him the opportunity to play college hockey. But before that, he wants to help the Lakers get to the national tournament.

“I think we have a really good chance,” Gunderson said of a national tournament berth. “And I hope to just get a lot better as a player overall, and hopefully I can come back next year and prove even more.”


All player photos on this web site
provided by ESP1000.