University of Minnesota Athletics
Lettieri Set for NHL Debut on Friday
12/29/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - Gopher Hockey alum Vinni Lettieri will become the 115th University of Minnesota alum to play in the NHL and the 20th to do so this season when he makes his NHL debut on Friday night with the New York Rangers.
Lettieri is the third Gopher Hockey alum to make his NHL debut this season, joining Justin Kloos (Minnesota Wild) and Travis Boyd (Washington Capitals).
A native of Excelsior, Minn., Lettieri was a four-year letter winner for the Maroon & Gold (2014-17) and skated in 149 career games with 83 points (37 goals, 46 assists). The forward helped the Gophers capture four-straight Big Ten regular-season championships as well as the 2015 Big Ten Tournament title. Minnesota made three NCAA tournament appearances in his four seasons including a national championship berth in 2014.
A three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Lettieri was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention as a senior in 2016-17 when he posted career highs with 37 points and 19 goals in 38 games.
He is the 15th Gopher to skate for the Rangers and will join former Gophers teammate Brady Skjei on the New York roster.
Lettieri has skated in 31 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack this season, registering 12 goals and nine assists for 21 points. He leads Hartford in goals and power play goals (six), and he ranks second on the team in points and shots on goal (76) this season.
Lettieri will wear No. 95 with the Rangers.
