UND Defenseman Tyler Kleven Excels Offensively
During his three seasons at the University of North Dakota, defenseman Tyler Kleven has been known for his physical game, and occasionally his name would pop up on the score sheet. He’s a solid stay at home defenseman.
Kleven’s Season in Numbers
Recently, his point production has picked up. In the last eight games, Kleven has scored (4g-5a—9pts), including three goals on the power play. In 20 games this season, Kleven is fourth in the team in points, and has scored (5g-6a—11pts), he’s also a minus-four. As the season has progressed, Kleven has stepped up at the right time to help his team win games. Two of his goals have been game-winning goals. This past weekend, on Saturday night, Kleven achieved a career-best season points total of 11. This season, when Kleven records a point, UND has a 6-0-2 (.875).
In the game on Friday night, Kleven scored two goals to lead UND pays Lindenwood. In the post-game press conference, he was asked when was the last time he had a multi-goal game.
“Maybe in high school, but never in juniors,” Kleven said.
Kleven has been doing extra work after practice to improve on his on-timer, and it’s paid off.
I've been working all year with KG (assistant coach Karl Goehring), and he's been helping me out with I'm just getting comfortable in that position,” Kleven said. “I think I got a lot of opportunities and that's fine.”
Kleven’s hard work has not gone unnoticed by his fellow teammates.
“His one-timer is probably one of the hardest in the league,” Senden said. It's something when he gets that thing off. It's great to see some goals coming for him this weekend. He's a great playmaker. Obviously, he does lead with big hits and turns games around that way, but he's a very skilled defenseman.”
Here’s a brief review of Kleven’s highlights from the weekend. Some in the Senators’ fanbase are already envisioning Kleven in their lineup. Stick Tap to @SensCentral and @SensProspects
