Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Four Gopher Commits Named To Next Month's All-American Prospects Game

For a third consecutive year, the All-American Prospects Game features at least four players committed to the University of Minnesota.

Jack Jensen (Eden Prairie, MN), Blake McLaughlin (Grand Rapids MN), Jaxon Nelson (Magnolia, MN/Sioux Falls - USHL) and Colin Schmidt (Maple Griove, MN/Wayzata HS) are among the 42 named last week to next month's game in Buffalo. All four are forwards.

Jensen and McLaughlin earlier this month were members of Team USA's Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup team, finishing fifth.

The All-American Prospects Game serves as a showcase for the top Americans eligible to be drafted by NHL teams the following June. It is an opportunity for scouts to watch players normally spread across several leagues all in one place. This year's sixth annual event features players born late in 1999 and 2000.

Incoming freshmen Casey Mittelstadt, Brannon McManus, Nate Knoepke and Scott Reedy, along with 2018 freshman Clayton Phillips, all participated in last year's AAPG out in Philadelphia. Mittelstadt, named MVP, was drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres. Phillips and Reedy also heard their name called this past June.

Two years ago Ryan Lindgren skated in the game along with incoming freshman Sam Rossini, commit Garrett Wait and then-Minnesota goalie commit Ryan Edquist (now at BC). Tommy Novak played in the 2014 AAPG.

In addition to the four Gophers, three other Minnesotans - defenseman K'Andre Miller (Hopkins/Wisconsin commit) and forwards Gavin Hain (Grand Rapids/North Dakota commit) and Jack Perbix (Elk River/Notre Dame commit) will play.

A full roster for the September 21st game can be found here. Hall of Famers Chris Chelios and Brian Leetch will serve as coaches.

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