In the heart of Minnesota Duluth's hockey scene, defenseman Adam Kleber is crafting his own legacy, inspired by the echoes of past playoff glory. Living with the sons of former Buffalo Sabres playoff hero Derek Plante, Kleber often relives the magic of Plante's iconic 1997 Game 7 overtime goal. It's a moment that fuels his dreams as he gears up for the NCAA Tournament with the Bulldogs.
Kleber, a towering presence at 6-foot-6, is a key player in the Bulldogs' resurgence, helping them return to the national stage after a four-year absence. This season, the Bulldogs have transformed from last year's 13-20-3 record to an impressive 23-13-1, largely thanks to Kleber and his fellow sophomores, including the Plante brothers and Ty Hanson.
Reflecting on last year's disappointments, Kleber emphasized the team's collective drive to reclaim their spot in the NCAA Tournament. "Watching other teams play in April was tough," he shared. "Clinching a spot this year is a testament to our hard work."
Kleber's standout defensive skills have earned him the NCHC's Defensive Defenseman of the Year award. His impact is especially felt on the Bulldogs' penalty kill, which has soared to second-best in the NCAA, boasting an 89.2% success rate. This is a remarkable turnaround from last year's struggles, thanks to an aggressive new strategy implemented by head coach Scott Sandelin and assistant coach Adam Krause.
Kleber's ability to disrupt plays and block shots-48 to be exact-has been crucial. "Our team takes immense pride in our penalty kill," Kleber noted. "We've become more aggressive, and it's paid off."
Sandelin, who has guided Minnesota Duluth since 2000, praises Kleber's evolution into a premier defenseman. With an average ice time of 21:47, Kleber is a versatile asset, often facing opponents' top lines and stepping up on special teams when needed.
Kleber's growth is evident in his improved positional play and transition defense, turning last season's minus-9 rating into a plus-12. His physicality and calm demeanor on the ice draw comparisons to NHL talents like Dylan Samberg, another UMD alum.
Sandelin sees Kleber as a formidable force. "He's not afraid to use his size to his advantage," Sandelin remarked. "Kleber plays with a calmness that keeps opponents on edge."
As the Bulldogs prepare for their NCAA Tournament run, Kleber's journey from promising freshman to defensive stalwart embodies the spirit of a team on the rise, ready to make their mark on college hockey's biggest stage.