KYLE
KLUBERTANZ
Wisconsin
Jr. | D | Sun Prairie, Wis.
Klubertanz was second among Badger defensemen
in scoring last season, trailing only All-American
Tom Gilbert.
Key Statistics: Klubertanz
was a member of the WCHA’s All-Rookie team as
a freshman with 18 points and 32 penalties. As a sophomore
his points rose (to 21), his penalties dropped (to 22),
and the season ended with the Badgers hoisting the game’s
top trophy.
What He Does: Even while
manning the Badger blue line, Klubertanz says his game
is more suited to offense than defense. With several
offensive elements gone from the NCAA title team (including
renowned offensive defenseman Tom Gilbert), offensive
contributions from a veteran rearguard like Klubertanz
may be key if the Badgers hope to repeat.
The Bigger Picture: Growing
up just outside of Madison, the Badgers were always
Klubertanz’s heroes as a child and he dreamed
of being just like Mickey Elick one day. Maybe that
was because Elick’s was the first autograph the
young Klubertanz ever collected, or maybe it was because
Elick was an average-sized defenseman with a booming
shot. While acknowledging the importance of taking care
of defensive business, Klubertanz talks about working
on elements like vision, outlet passes, handling the
puck and burying scoring chances as his personal keys
this season. Those, and of course dealing with the attention
that comes with being the defending champs. “The
guys know we have to step up our game and everyone’s
going to be gunning for us with that target on our backs,”
he said. “It’s going to be fun.”
Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves
on Klubertanz: “Tom Gilbert really started
to step to the forefront as a premiere offensive defenseman
in the second semester of his junior year. Kyle’s
going to be a junior this season and we’re hoping
that he can make that same step. He’s got good
instincts about the right time to step into the offense
and Kyle knows he’s always got the green light
to join the rush when it’s there.”
Klubertanz was second among Badger defensemen
in scoring last season, trailing only All-American
Tom Gilbert.
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