Breaking Down the Gophers’ 2025–26 Hockey Recruits

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The Gophers are bringing in a new group of players for the 2025–26 season. This class isn’t full of big-name stars, but it does include a solid mix of size, smart play, and players who understand how to fit into a team system. Most of these guys won’t be game-changers on day one—but that’s okay. What Minnesota has here are dependable, coachable players who can take on specific roles and grow into bigger ones over time. Some are strong defensively, some have offensive upside, and a few bring both.

Lets take a look at the newcomers for next year.

Matthew Grimes 

Sioux Falls Stampede

6'1", 185 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: 2007

Grimes might not be the flashiest guy on the ice, but he’s the kind of defenseman coaches love. He makes the smart plays, moves the puck well, and doesn’t get rattled under pressure. At 6'1", he’s got the size to hold his own, and playing in the USHL is only sharpening his game. If you're into defensemen who just get it done shift after shift, Grimes is your guy.

Jacob Kvasnicka 

USNTDP

5'11", 159 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: 2007

Kvasnicka comes from the U.S. National Team Development Program. He’s got quick hands, great instincts, and that creative spark you can’t teach. He's the kind of player who can make some pretty passes or snipe one from the circle. Kvasnicka is a very versatile player.

Jacob Rombach 

Lincoln Stars

6'6", 201 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: 2007

At 6'6", Rombach is hard to miss. He’s a big-body blueliner who’s not afraid to use that size to his advantage. You won’t find many opponents winning battles in the corners or setting up shop in front of the net when Rombach is out there. He’s still developing his offensive side, but defensively is a wall.

LJ Mooney 

USNTDP

5'6", 146 lbs | Shoots: Right | Born: 2007

Mooney was once the most talked about 07 prospect but injuries have quieted that talk a little bit. Mooney might be the smallest guy in this group, but he plays with more fire than most. At 5'7, he’s got that underdog edge, and it shows every time he steps on the ice. Lightning-quick, relentless, and creative with the puck—he’s the kind of player who can make a superstar impact. Don't sleep on him. Mind you he is also the cousin of former Gopher Logan Cooley, you will see a lot of similarities in their game. Mooney won’t put up as many goals as Logan but he will no doubt rack up assists, he is very very skilled.

Javon Moore 

Sioux Falls Stampede 

6'4", 203 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: 2005

Moore is a big, strong forward with soft hands—a combo that can be tough to find. He’s been tearing it up in the USHL and looks like the kind of guy who’ll thrive in front of the net or down low in the offensive zone. With his 6'4", 200+ pound frame, he’s built for the college game, and he knows how to use it.

Mace’o Phillips 

USNTDP

6'5", 214 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: 2007

Phillips brings both size and presence. He’s another big defenseman (6'5", 214 lbs) coming out of the USNTDP, and he plays with an edge. His game’s been evolving too—his skating has improved, and he’s starting to chip in more offense. But at his core, he’s a physical, shut-down D-man who can throw the body and clear the crease.

Teddy Townsend

Waterloo Blackhawks 

5'10", 163 lbs | Shoots: Left | Born: 2005

Townsend doesn’t rely on flash or high-end skill to impact a game—he relies on consistency. Townsend brings a composed, structured style of play that fits cleanly into a system. He’s a forward who knows his role and plays within it, prioritizing possession, positioning, and responsible shifts over unnecessary risk. Expect Townsend to be a great depth addition.

Theres a lot of questions as to who will be surrounding them as portal news awaits, lots of news will come in the coming months as the offseason nears. While there is a lot of negative outside energy surrounding the program with all of the departures and uncertainty of next year, I believe next years newcomers will make a positive impact upon arrival.