Jeff Kuzara Tim Hanus Mike Notermann Chris Scheid
These Husky Hockey "trailbreakers" did not accept the term "underdog" when SCSU entered the ranks of NCAA Division 1 hockey in 1987. Kuzara '87 and Hanus '88 were true freshman entering NCAA Division 1 play straight out of Minnetonka high school . Scheid '87 and Notermann '87 who just happened to be cousins were two southern Minnesota boys from Austin who were seasoned in the USHL and gladly accepted the challenge to compete with the "big boys". Their first test was an exhibition game against the University of Minnesota in October of 1987 (SCSU's first D-1 matchup) which resulted in a 6-0 loss. Although the loss may have dampened their thoughts of immediate success somewhat, the physical battle the Gophers encountered did cause the Gopher coach to vow never to play the Huskies again until they "had to".
After chalking up an 11-25-1 record as a learning experience, "the boys" did happen to surprise the eventual National Champion Lake Superior State Lakers 4-3 in the final game of the season. With Hanus joining the team in 1988 they followed this with a 19-16-2 overall record in 1988 -89, 17-19-2 in 1989-90 and 11-25-1 in 1990-91. This included their first NCAA tournament berth as an independent D-1 team in 1989. Kuzara, Scheid and Notermann were to finish their eligibility with the Huskies that season with Hanus getting the honor of leading the Huskies into their inaugural season in the WCHA in 1991-92.
Jeff Kuzara (Minnetonka, MN ) 1987-91
An explosive and dangerous offensive player in high school he suffered a knee injury his senior season that may have hampered some recruiting interest by the WCHA schools. A skilled player and good skater he was one of the key early Minnesota high school recruits for the program. Kuzara posted 51 points on 22 goals and 29 assists in a career interrupted by several injuries.
Chris Scheid (Austin, MN) 1987-91
Following the footsteps of his brother Tony who played at Wisconsin, Chris came to SCSU via the USHL along with cousin Mike Notermann. This prolific sniper was teamed with Tim Hanus and Jeff Saterdalen on one of the most dangerous and certainly the hardest working line in college hockey. This line set the tone for what
became and still is "Husky Hockey" - hard work, strong defensive play and a ferocious forecheck. Chris still ranks in the top of the scoring charts as he posted 119 points on 73 goals and 43 assists. Always exciting and fun to watch, his most memorable moment may have been his OT goal against Bowling Green at the NHC on February 3, 1990. The opponent was loaded with future NHL talent in the likes of Nelson Emerson and Rob Blake but a blast from Scheid just inside the blueline blew by the BG goalie leaving the stunned Falcons shaking their heads at the sudden outcome.
Tim Hanus (Minnetonka, MN) 1988-92
Another high school star at Minnetonka , Hanus was somewhat of a recruiting coup for the upstart Huskies along with linemate Jeff Saterdalen of Bloomington Jefferson. Although considered by some college recruiters as not quick enough for the WCHA, Hanus made up for it with hard work, strong physical play and a knack for scoring key goals. Teamed with Saterdalen and Scheid for three years this line was simply a threat to score at any time they were on the ice. Hanus ended his career with 73 goals and 99 assists for 172 points placing him second on the all- time scoring list.
Mike Notermann (Austin, MN) 1987-91
Notermann brought character and toughness with him to the young Huskies - a much needed ingredient when playing much more seasoned teams that first year in D-1 hockey. Never one to back down from a scrap, he also had success in the scoring department putting up identical offensive numbers of teamate Kuzara - 22 goals, 29 assists for 51 career points. This hard working, blue collar player proved himself as a valuable addition to the Huskies and will go down as one of the all time favorites for those that got to watch him play.
These Husky Hockey "trailbreakers" will always be remembered for setting the foundation for D-1 hockey at St. Cloud State University.
This photo was taken at the recent SCSU alumni golf tournament on June 20,2003.
