Freshman forward Jordan Schroeder said he anticipated being one of the Minnesota men’s hockey team’s top six scorers this season.

But the highest scoring freshman in the nation?

That brings out the most common response in hockey.

“I don’t really keep track of that stuff,” Schroeder said.

“That stuff” is the fact that he currently leads all Division I freshmen in points (14) and assists (10).

“I know what I have, but I don’t compare really,” the 5-foot-9-inch, 190-pound forward said. “I just focus on the team and how the team’s doing.”

The team is doing just fine with Minnesota’s increased production.

The No. 1 Gophers (6-0-4 overall, 5-0-3 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) are off to their best start since the 2001-2002 season when the program went 11-0-2 to start the season and eventually won their first of two straight NCAA titles.

Schroeder’s ability to find the net is complimented well by his ability to get Minnesota the puck.

The freshman forward’s 113 faceoff wins and .568 winning percentage are tops among Minnesota’s regular centers.

“There really is no secret really. Being kind of a small guy, I’m lower to the ice and have a better center of gravity down there,” Schroeder said, adding that he adjusts his faceoff move to counter the opposition’s center.

His talent has earned him two WCHA Rookie of the Week awards already this year, but his linemates don’t think he’s done yet.

“He’s got plenty more to come,” junior forward Jay Barriball said. “He brings it every weekend and that not only helps the team a lot, but it helps our line a lot.”

Barriball would know; he and junior Ryan Stoa were matched up with Schroeder to comprise Minnesota’s top line this season.

So far, the trio has combined for 41 points and rank first through third in team statistics.

“They’re good hockey players,” coach Don Lucia said. “When you’re playing on the power play and playing as many minutes as they are, you’re going to be put in a position to score. They have the hands to make those plays.”

A year ago, Schroeder was leading the U.S. Under-18 team with 53 points (22 goals, 31 assists). Meanwhile, Barriball’s numbers slumped and Stoa missed almost all season with an injury.

But combine the three Minnesotans and the Gophers have one of the most potent lines in the league this year.

“Things are clicking, we’re working hard and getting bounces,” Stoa said. “We’ve got three playmakers on our line, three guys that look to move the puck. In a way we’re almost too unselfish.”

Schroeder notes

The forward is one of the top prospects who are eligible in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

This weekend, Schroeder and the top-ranked Gophers will matchup with No. 10 Denver.

Pioneers freshman forward Luke Salazar leads all Division I rookies with seven goals this season.