~ Article courtesy gophersports.com, Image courtesy Kindersley Klippers
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.
