Coaches pick Gophers to win Big Ten men's hockey championship

Forward Matthew Knies and defenseman Brock Faber earned preseason first-team all-conference honors from the coaches.

September 21, 2022 at 4:43PM
Minnesota's Matthew Knies, center rear, celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period of an NCAA men's Frozen Four college hockey semifinal against Minnesota State, Thursday, April 7, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Gophers forward Matthew Knies (center) celebrated his goal against Minnesota State Mankato in the Frozen Four semifinals. (Michael Dwyer, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Led by two first-team All-Big Ten selections and two second-team honorees, the Gophers men's hockey team is picked to win the conference championship in the preseason coaches poll.

Sophomore forward Matthew Knies and junior defenseman Brock Faber earned first-team preseason honors, while senior defenseman Jackson LaCombe and freshman forward Logan Cooley were named to the second team.

Michigan had three players voted to the first team in defenseman Luke Hughes, forward Mackie Samoskevich and goalie Erik Portillo. Notre Dame forward Landon Slaggert completed the first-team selections. Knies and Hughes were unanimous selections to the first team.

Also on the second team are Michigan forward Adam Fantilli, Penn State forward Kevin Wall, Ohio State defenseman Mason Lohrei and Ohio State goalie Jakub Dobes.

Coaches picked Notre Dame to finish second behind the Gophers, followed by Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State.

The Gophers open their season Oct. 1 vs. Lindenwood (Mo.) at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

about the writer

about the writer

Randy Johnson

College football reporter

Randy Johnson covers University of Minnesota football and college football for the Star Tribune, along with Gophers hockey and the Wild.

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