Former Kindersley Jr. Klippers goaltender Justen Close made headlines right from the second he committed to the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The two time SJHL Goaltender of the Year was knowingly going into a bench role his first few years of college hockey at a powerhouse program, but kept his worth ethic high and allowed his time spent waiting in the wings to pay off when he was thrust into the starters net now well over a year ago.
In chatting with Close before he and the Gophers took off for the NCAA Regional Round in Fargo, North Dakota beginning tonight, the calm, cool, and collected Kindersley native was eager to catch up with his hometown radio station.
He talked about some recent visits from family.
"My brother and his wife came down for the semi-finals of the Big Ten Tournament. Then my parents, and my aunt and uncle from Calgary were also out for Senior Night when we played Ohio State a few weeks back."
It's always awesome to have family visit. Senior Night is often a time for reflection, but Close would prefer to wait on that for now.
"Not really something I have thought about yet. Some day for sure."
This year couldn't have gone much better for the team as they earned the #1 overall seed in this year's NCAA Tournament, and Close was just one of a few players wearing the maroon and gold that was up for an award after a fantastic regular season.
Congratulations to Logan Cooley and Justen Close for making the B1G All-Tournament Team! pic.twitter.com/l5m7nVDaSp
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) March 19, 2023
The Gophers unfortunately lost in the Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan last weekend in a back and forth matchup. That didn't stop them from earning the top seed in this years Tournament that fires up tonight against fourth seeded Canisius.
With Selection Sunday looming, the Gophers picked themselves up after the loss to learn their fate.
"We figured we were going to go to Fargo for a while now," shared Close, "We are definitely all excited to get to the real deal now. Exciting time of year. You have to be playing your best hockey. Single game elimination, so you have to bring your best each night."
The Gophers made it to the Frozen Four last season. They feature what is probably the best line in college hockey, a veteran d-core, and the graduating goalie Close holding things down in the crease.
Should the Gophers get it done this weekend in North Dakota, they will be one of four teams headed down to sunny Tampa, Florida for a chance to compete for the title of NCAA Tournament Champion in 2023.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
