University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Defense
/ Men's Hockey
Defense
/ Men's Hockey
Three Gophers Named to U.S. WJSS Roster
6/16/2020 5:34:00 PM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – A trio of Gopher Hockey defensemen have earned invitations to the 2020 World Junior Summer Showcase from USA Hockey, the organization announced on Tuesday.Â
Current Gophers Jackson LaCombe and Ryan Johnson, along with incoming freshman Brock Faber, will represent the Maroon & Gold at the event, which is scheduled for July 24-Aug. 1 in Plymouth, Mich., at USA Hockey Arena.Â
The World Junior Summer Showcase serves as an evaluation camp to assist in selecting the U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2021 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship – slated to run Dec. 26, 2020 through Jan. 5, 2012 in Edmonton and Red Deer Alberta.Â
Gopher Hockey has a proud history at the IIHF World Junior Championship with the University of Minnesota being represented at 41 of the previous 44 events dating back to the inaugural tournament in 1977.Â
A native of Eden Prairie, Minn., LaCombe was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team with 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in his first season with the University of Minnesota. He led all Big Ten freshmen defensemen with 61 blocks and finished second among the group in scoring for the season. The Anaheim Ducks selected LaCombe in the second round (39th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.Â
A native of Irvine, Calif., Johnson picked up eight assists in his first campaign with the Maroon & Gold, tying for third among Big Ten rookie defensemen while his 57 blocked shots were second only to LaCombe among conference rookies. The Buffalo Sabres selected Johnson in the first round (31st overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Â
A native of Maple Grove, Minn., Faber is a top defensive prospect eligible for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft after developing with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Mich. The 2019-20 campaign marked Faber's second with USA Hockey and his first full season as a member of the U.S. National Under-18 Team.Â
Â
Current Gophers Jackson LaCombe and Ryan Johnson, along with incoming freshman Brock Faber, will represent the Maroon & Gold at the event, which is scheduled for July 24-Aug. 1 in Plymouth, Mich., at USA Hockey Arena.Â
The World Junior Summer Showcase serves as an evaluation camp to assist in selecting the U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2021 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship – slated to run Dec. 26, 2020 through Jan. 5, 2012 in Edmonton and Red Deer Alberta.Â
Gopher Hockey has a proud history at the IIHF World Junior Championship with the University of Minnesota being represented at 41 of the previous 44 events dating back to the inaugural tournament in 1977.Â
A native of Eden Prairie, Minn., LaCombe was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team with 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in his first season with the University of Minnesota. He led all Big Ten freshmen defensemen with 61 blocks and finished second among the group in scoring for the season. The Anaheim Ducks selected LaCombe in the second round (39th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.Â
A native of Irvine, Calif., Johnson picked up eight assists in his first campaign with the Maroon & Gold, tying for third among Big Ten rookie defensemen while his 57 blocked shots were second only to LaCombe among conference rookies. The Buffalo Sabres selected Johnson in the first round (31st overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Â
A native of Maple Grove, Minn., Faber is a top defensive prospect eligible for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft after developing with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Mich. The 2019-20 campaign marked Faber's second with USA Hockey and his first full season as a member of the U.S. National Under-18 Team.Â
Â
Follow Men's Hockey
Men's Hockey Tickets
Experience the excitement and tradition connecting generations of Gopher fans! Create memories for a lifetime with your friends and family while you root for your Golden Gophers. Get Tickets
Support Men's Hockey
Support the University of Minnesota Men's Hockey program. Your support helps our student-athletes succeed athletically, academically, and socially. It takes just seconds to make a monthly or one-time donation. Thank you for your support! Give Now
Highlights: Gophers 2, Michigan 4
Friday, February 27
Highlights: Gophers 4, Michigan 2
Thursday, February 26
Highlights: Gophers 2, Notre Dame 3
Saturday, February 14
Highlights: Gophers 2, Notre Dame 2
Friday, February 13