MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — One of many keys to the Gopher hockey team’s run to the Frozen Four has been the production of Erik Haula.

Haula has been one of many Gopher players who have elevated their game this season. He’s getting offensive, creating opportunities and has some incentive to being a part of a championship team.

“I’ve had some success on the score sheet yeah, but it’s not all scoring,” Haula said. “My linemates are doing a great job and our power play has been pretty good lately.”

Haula has that knack that you can’t teach. Not just to score goals, but to score the big goals. Maybe that’s because he’s motivated to do something he has not done before.

While he has had some individual success, this is different. To be part of a team that’s on the verge of something special.

“There’s a lot of energy to his game right now, there’s a lot of excitement and there’s a lot of motivation,” said Gophers coach Don Lucia. “I know we’re getting down to the end of the season here and he’s never been on a championship team. So here’s your opportunity.”

They are winning, and he’s scoring the big goals. Call it moritvation, call it skill set or call it a lot of fun.

“It’s been going pretty well and you’ve just got to be happy,” Haula said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be on the score sheet and obviously that will help my team out, so I’m happy.”