The Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s hockey squad launches its 2025-26 campaign on Friday evening, welcoming Michigan Tech to 3M Arena at Mariucci. The lineup they’ll field will be a far cry from last year’s group, with 11 holdovers departing the roster—including the squad’s top five point producers, all now pursuing pro careers. With under 40% of prior-season scoring punch coming back, expect plenty of openings for up-and-comers to make their mark. Here’s a rundown of the key exits, returning standouts, and fresh faces donning the maroon and gold this year.
Who is Gone?
The Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s hockey team opens the 2025-26 season Friday against Michigan Tech at 3M Arena at Mariucci, with a much-changed roster. The top five scorers from last season—Jimmy Snuggerud (51 points, St. Louis Blues), Connor Kurth (39 points, Tampa Bay Lightning, AHL), Matthew Wood (39 points, Nashville Predators), Oliver Moore (33 points, Chicago Blackhawks), and Sam Rinzel (32 points, Chicago Blackhawks)—have left for professional hockey, taking 194 of the team’s 415 points (47%). All had eligibility remaining. Defenseman Ryan Chesley also signed with the Washington Capitals (NHL or AHL).
Five seniors departed: defenseman Mike Koster (Minnesota Wild, ECHL/AHL), forwards Mason Nevers (Dallas Stars, ECHL) and Aaron Hugelin (Pittsburgh Penguins, AHL), Nick Michel (retired), and goalie Liam Souliere (Toledo Walleye, ECHL). Losing key defensemen, forwards, and a goaltender is tough, but a solid core of returners looks to step up.
Who is Back?
Minnesota returns 15 players, with three forwards and three defensemen tasked with filling key roles. Senior captain Brody Lamb (26 points, 16 goals) leads as top scorer, expected to anchor the top line. Junior Jimmy Clark (22 points, 17 assists) could break out, likely centering Lamb. Sophomore Brodie Ziemer must shift from setup to scoring role.
Defensively, senior captain Cal Thomas, a top Big Ten defender when healthy, must lead. Senior Luke Mittelstadt, a Preseason All-Big Ten pick, brings experience. Sophomore Leo Gruba needs to play like a veteran after late improvement.
Other returners include seniors Luke Brother, John Mittelstadt, and goalie Zach Wiese. Junior goalie Nathan Airey will split net time. Sophomores John Whipple, Max Rud, and forwards Beckett Hendrickson, Erik Pahlson, and August Falloon aim to step up.
Who is New?
Minnesota welcomes ten newcomers to the 2025-26 roster: seven freshmen and three transfers, with two transfers expected to make immediate impacts.
Junior forward Tanner Ludtke, from Omaha, scored 28 points as a freshman but battled injuries last season. He’s poised to be a top scorer for the Gophers if healthy. Junior goalie Luca Di Pasquo, previously a backup at Michigan State, posted a 9-1-1 record, 1.70 GAA, and .933 save percentage in limited action, including a 29-save win over No. 4 Western Michigan. He’ll compete with Nathan Airey for the starting goalie role. Sophomore Graham Harris, a transfer from Augsburg (MIAC), led his team with 22 points and may see time if injuries hit.
The freshman class brings size and talent. Defenseman Jacob Rombach (6’6), a 2007-born Nashville second-round pick, had 18 points and a +29 rating in the USHL. Forward Javon Moore (6’4), an Ottawa fourth-rounder, tallied 39 points in the USHL.
Forward LJ Mooney, a Montreal fourth-round pick, brings playmaking flair with 51 points for the US U18 team. Eden Prairie’s Mason Moe, a New Jersey third-rounder, had 43 USHL points, while teammate Teddy Townsend posted 40 points and shone in the playoffs. Tate Prichard, a Lakeville native, flipped from Minnesota State, scoring 53 USHL points. Defenseman Finn McLaughlin, a Denver decommit, won back-to-back USHL titles and captained Team USA at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge.
Without a first-round NHL draft pick for the first time since 2018-19, Minnesota’s 13 NHL-drafted players (fourth-most in NCAA) must rely on team play to compete in the CHL-influenced era of college hockey.
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