University of Minnesota Athletics
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Goaltender
/ Men's Hockey
Photo by: Bjorn Franke
Close Added to Mike Richter Watch List
2/18/2022 10:55:00 AM | Men's Hockey
Close has built a 7-3-0 record since taking over the starting job for the Gophers.
MINNEAPOLIS – Justen Close of the No. 5/6 Gopher men's hockey program has been added to the watch list for this year's Mike Richter Award, the Hockey Commissioners Association has announced.
A native of Kindersley, Sask., Close has built a 7-3-0 record since assuming starting goaltender duties for the Maroon & Gold last month. Four of his wins have come against top-12 nationally ranked teams while six of his 10 starts have come against teams ranked in the top seven nationally in scoring offense.
The junior ranks first in the Big Ten and seventh nationally with a 1.91 GAA while his .924 save percentage ranks 11th in college hockey this season.
Prior to joining the Gophers, Close was a two-time SJHL Goaltender of the Year with the Kindersley Klippers.
Next Up: Road Finale at Penn State
The Gophers close out a four-game road stretch next weekend with a two-game series at Penn State. The opener is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. CT (TV: Big Ten Network; Stream; FOX Sports App; Radio: 1130 KTLK/103.5 FM) with the weekend finale set for Saturday, Feb. 19 at 5:00 p.m. CT (TV: Big Ten Network; Stream; FOX Sports App; Radio: 1130 KTLK/103.5 FM).
A native of Kindersley, Sask., Close has built a 7-3-0 record since assuming starting goaltender duties for the Maroon & Gold last month. Four of his wins have come against top-12 nationally ranked teams while six of his 10 starts have come against teams ranked in the top seven nationally in scoring offense.
The junior ranks first in the Big Ten and seventh nationally with a 1.91 GAA while his .924 save percentage ranks 11th in college hockey this season.
Prior to joining the Gophers, Close was a two-time SJHL Goaltender of the Year with the Kindersley Klippers.
Next Up: Road Finale at Penn State
The Gophers close out a four-game road stretch next weekend with a two-game series at Penn State. The opener is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. CT (TV: Big Ten Network; Stream; FOX Sports App; Radio: 1130 KTLK/103.5 FM) with the weekend finale set for Saturday, Feb. 19 at 5:00 p.m. CT (TV: Big Ten Network; Stream; FOX Sports App; Radio: 1130 KTLK/103.5 FM).
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