University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Men's Hockey
Ranta Set for World Junior Championship
12/26/2019 10:55:00 AM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – Gopher Hockey sophomore forward Sampo Ranta will represent the University of Minnesota and Team Finland at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, starting today in Ostrava and Trinec, Czech Republic.
A native of Naantali, Finland, Ranta is in his second season with the Maroon & Gold and has 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 54 games with the Gophers. The sophomore forward currently leads Minnesota with seven goals (a new career high) and is tied for the team lead with 11 points in 18 games this season.
Ranta previously helped Finland capture a gold medal with Finland at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. He would be the second Gopher Hockey player to represent Finland at the World Junior Championship after Erik Haula in 2011.
The Colorado Avalanche selected Ranta in the third round (78th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
The University of Minnesota has a proud history at the World Junior Championship with Gopher Hockey being represented at 41 of 44 previous tournaments dating back to the inaugural event in 1977.
Up Next: Mariucci Classic
After a two-year layoff, the Mariucci Classic returns on Dec. 28-29 with an all-Minnesota lineup as the Gophers host Bemidji State, St. Cloud State and Minnesota State at 3M Arena at Mariucci.
A native of Naantali, Finland, Ranta is in his second season with the Maroon & Gold and has 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 54 games with the Gophers. The sophomore forward currently leads Minnesota with seven goals (a new career high) and is tied for the team lead with 11 points in 18 games this season.
Ranta previously helped Finland capture a gold medal with Finland at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. He would be the second Gopher Hockey player to represent Finland at the World Junior Championship after Erik Haula in 2011.
The Colorado Avalanche selected Ranta in the third round (78th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
The University of Minnesota has a proud history at the World Junior Championship with Gopher Hockey being represented at 41 of 44 previous tournaments dating back to the inaugural event in 1977.
Up Next: Mariucci Classic
After a two-year layoff, the Mariucci Classic returns on Dec. 28-29 with an all-Minnesota lineup as the Gophers host Bemidji State, St. Cloud State and Minnesota State at 3M Arena at Mariucci.
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
2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule
Monday, August 11
Herb Brooks Statue
Wednesday, August 06
Meet the Newcomers: Teddy Townsend
Friday, July 18
Meet The Newcomers: Jacob Rombach
Friday, July 11