Darian Romanko Earns Top Forward of the Month
Published on April 5, 2014 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Minnesota Wilderness News Release
Forward of the Month: DARIAN ROMANKO-Minnesota Wilderness
An 8-1-1 record in the month of March had the Minnesota Wilderness rolling into the NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs as the #2 seed in the Midwest Division. Wilderness forward Darian Romanko, stood out among his peers as the 19-year-old from Shoreview, Minnesota, put together his best month of the season. Of the 41 points that Romanko (6'1/195) recorded during the regular season, 13 of them came during the month of March, which included eight goals and five assists. Three of his eight goals during the month where game-winning goals. Romanko recorded at least a point in all but one of the 10 games he played during the month and he finished the regular season on a season-high six-game point streak. Romanko finished the season with 41 points, which ranked tied for 3rdon the Wilderness roster and his 20 goals ranked 2nd. "Darian has played for us all year long, but you could see it come together during the month of March. He is a gifted goal scorer, so when he shoots the puck he is very effective," said Wilderness head coach Corey Millen. "I think once he got used to the first year rigors of playing junior hockey, he really showed that he was a guy who developed into a very good junior player very quickly and hopefully if he keeps developing at the pace he his, that will lead to an opportunity to play in the NCAA."
As for Romanko, he echoed Millen's thoughts about developing as a hockey player. "I think growing up playing high school hockey in Minnesota, you are used to playing a certain way and only in a limited number of games. Moving to the NAHL was a big jump and transition and learning experience the first couple of months, but learning from Coach Millen has been great and once I finally got used to the pace of the game and the physicality, I think I started to settle in," said Romanko. "I have really enjoyed my time with the Wilderness. We have a team that is capable of doing well in the playoffs, but our division is very tough. It really has taught me that every game is valuable. I have enjoyed staying close to home and hope that I can continue to contribute and help the team and then from there hopefully I can play college hockey in the future."
North American Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2014
- Wings Fall 5-1, Down 2 Games in Series - Aberdeen Wings
- Wild Beat Wilderness In Game Two - Wenatchee Wild
- Bruins Even Series with Close Win - Austin Bruins
- 'Cats Comeback Bid Comes up Short in Game 2 - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Warriors down Jets 5-1 to take 2-game lead in First Round NAHL playoff action - Michigan Warriors
- Wilderness Drop Game 1 - Minnesota Wilderness
- Wilderness Finish Regular Season with a Win - Minnesota Wilderness
- Darian Romanko Earns Top Forward of the Month - Minnesota Wilderness
- Wings Drop Game One 4-2 - Aberdeen Wings
- Seesaw Start - Minot Minotauros
- Andrle Makes College Commitment - Brookings Blizzard
- 2013-2014 Season Awards Announced - Brookings Blizzard
- Epic Finale - Brookings Blizzard
- On the Road Again - Minot Minotauros
- Jacks Alum Connor Hellebuyck Signs Three-Year, Two-Way Contract with NHL's Winnipeg Jets - Odessa Jackalopes
- Michigan Warriors defeat Janesville in playoff opener 4-2 - Michigan Warriors
- Bulls out to Series Lead After 4-2 Triumph - Amarillo Bulls
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