The Gophers men’s hockey program has already enjoyed a big summer on the recruiting trail, securing commitments from eight prep prospects — and another in-state talent could be next.
Edina High School standout Freddie Schneider posted 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) last season while guiding the Hornets to the state semifinals. He recently told the Star Tribune’s Marcus Fuller that Minnesota, Michigan, and St. Thomas are his current top three schools after taking visits to each program.
Listed at 5-foot-9, Freddie Schneider is considered one of Minnesota’s top prep talents. The 2009-born forward is skating with the U.S. National U17 Team, where he’s tallied one point in seven games early this season.
The Gophers have already secured commitments from three other 2009-born standouts — Ben Geiger, Gunnar Conboy, and Broden McArthur — all of whom committed over the summer. If Schneider joins the fold, he’d become the third in-state product alongside Geiger (Northfield) and Conboy (Lakeville), marking another statement addition for Minnesota in this recruiting cycle.
Schneider told the Star Tribune’s Marcus Fuller that he plans to take his recruitment slow, meaning a decision may not come anytime soon. As he continues to develop with the national program, more offers are likely to follow. Still, the fact that a school like St. Thomas, newly eligible for Division I postseason play — is already in the mix for a player of his caliber shows how competitive the recruiting landscape has become.
After facing criticism about their recruiting efforts around this time last year, Bob Motzko and the Gophers staff have responded with an impressive rebound. Being seriously considered by a prospect like Schneider is yet another sign that Minnesota’s recruiting momentum is trending up.
Source: SI.COM
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