HEAD COACH: Bob Motzko (sixth season)
LAST SEASON: 29-10-1, 19-4-1 B1G (1st)
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: F Bryce Brodzinski (Gr., 19-12—31), F Jaxon Nelson (Gr., 10-17—27), Rhett Pitlick (Jr., 11-14—25), Mason Nevers (Sr., 10-13—23), Jimmy Snuggerud (So., 21-29—50); D Mike Koster (Sr., 6-23—29) and Luke Mittelstadt (So., 5-16—21); G Justen Close (Gr., 26-10-1, 2.02 GAA, .927)
KEY LOSSES: F Logan Cooley (22-38—60); D Brock Faber (4-23—27), Jackson LaCombe (9-26—35)
KEY ADDITIONS: F Jimmy Clark (USHL), Nick Michel (St. John’s University), Oliver Moore (USHL); D Sam Rinzel (USHL)
2023-24 PREDICTION: The Golden Gophers return too many players from their excellent team a year ago to think that they won’t repeat their first-place Big Ten finish. In fact, they have an excellent chance of returning to the Frozen Four for their third consecutive year, especially hungry because they’re hosting in St. Paul. They return the core of the most productive and consistent offense in the NCAA last season and while the Gophers’ defense is young, it’s talented. If Minnesota doesn’t run away with the Big Ten again this season, it’ll be because other teams will have elevated their own games.
2023-24 PREDICTED FINISH: 1st
Article from www. uscho.com
