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Photo by: Ceci De Young
Gophers Announce Men's Hockey Leadership Group
4/21/2026 1:00:00 PM | Men's Hockey
Ziemer, Mooney, Whipple named captains for 2026-27
MINNEAPOLIS - University of Minnesota head men's hockey coach Brett Larson announced Tuesday that Brodie Ziemer has been named team captain heading into the 2026-27 season, while LJ Mooney and John Whipple were chosen as alternate captains by their peers.
"I've been really impressed getting to know this group this spring," Coach Larson said. "It's clear that these guys have a passion for the program and care about this place. They're ready to take ownership and lead Gopher hockey back to where it belongs. I'm excited to watch them set the standard every day and bring the rest of the group with them."
Heading into the 106th season of Golden Gophers hockey, the three captains add their names to an impressive list of team leaders and are the first leadership group to not feature a senior since 2015-16. After missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time following five-straight appearances, Coach Larson took over the helm with a clear mandate; restore the program's championship identity and reestablish the Maroon and Gold as a perennial national contender.
Ziemer skated in all 36 games and served as a driving force for Minnesota's offense, earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors, while leading the team with 36 points and 23 goals as a sophomore. His 11 power-play goals ranked second in the nation, and he thrived when facing the nation's best, totaling 18 points in 18 outings versus top-10 foes. The Chaska, Minn., native recorded a career-long scoring streak of eight games, had nine multi-point performances, and five multi-goal efforts as the Gophers found success when he was at his best. Ziemer combined elite production with dependable leadership throughout the season and even served as team captain for Team USA at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and of the U.S. National Team Development Program's U18 squad.
Mooney made an immediate impact as a freshman, skating in 34 games and leading Gopher newcomers with 30 points behind a team-high 23 assists. He consistently produced offensively against the NCAA's best teams, highlighted by putting up 18 points in 18 games against opponents ranked in the top 10. A product of West Mifflin, Pa., he also paced Minnesota on special teams thanks to 18 points on the man advantage. His first college hockey campaign featured a seven-game point streak, nine multi-point outings, and a five-point weekend against Wisconsin, where his playmaking abilities were on full display. Mooney also brought fans out of their seats in clutch shootout moments, scoring in home wins over Boston College and Michigan State.
Whipple appeared in all 36 games during his sophomore season in 2025-26 and provided a steady defensive presence throughout the season, showcased by his Big Ten Conference-leading 81 blocked shots that ranked sixth nationally. Hailing from Minnetonka, Minn., he recorded the first goal of his collegiate career with a nearly 200-foot empty-net tally to seal a home shutout of Notre Dame and added an assist later in the year at Ohio State. Whipple's consistent reliability and commitment in the defensive zone helped anchor the lineup as he took his game to another level last year.
Fans will get a chance to watch the new-look Gophers during Coach Larson's first year behind the bench from 3M Arena at Mariucci. The renewal deadline for current season ticket holders is May 7 (www.gophersports.com/renew), while new season tickets are available for purchase HERE.
"I've been really impressed getting to know this group this spring," Coach Larson said. "It's clear that these guys have a passion for the program and care about this place. They're ready to take ownership and lead Gopher hockey back to where it belongs. I'm excited to watch them set the standard every day and bring the rest of the group with them."
Heading into the 106th season of Golden Gophers hockey, the three captains add their names to an impressive list of team leaders and are the first leadership group to not feature a senior since 2015-16. After missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time following five-straight appearances, Coach Larson took over the helm with a clear mandate; restore the program's championship identity and reestablish the Maroon and Gold as a perennial national contender.
Ziemer skated in all 36 games and served as a driving force for Minnesota's offense, earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors, while leading the team with 36 points and 23 goals as a sophomore. His 11 power-play goals ranked second in the nation, and he thrived when facing the nation's best, totaling 18 points in 18 outings versus top-10 foes. The Chaska, Minn., native recorded a career-long scoring streak of eight games, had nine multi-point performances, and five multi-goal efforts as the Gophers found success when he was at his best. Ziemer combined elite production with dependable leadership throughout the season and even served as team captain for Team USA at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and of the U.S. National Team Development Program's U18 squad.
Mooney made an immediate impact as a freshman, skating in 34 games and leading Gopher newcomers with 30 points behind a team-high 23 assists. He consistently produced offensively against the NCAA's best teams, highlighted by putting up 18 points in 18 games against opponents ranked in the top 10. A product of West Mifflin, Pa., he also paced Minnesota on special teams thanks to 18 points on the man advantage. His first college hockey campaign featured a seven-game point streak, nine multi-point outings, and a five-point weekend against Wisconsin, where his playmaking abilities were on full display. Mooney also brought fans out of their seats in clutch shootout moments, scoring in home wins over Boston College and Michigan State.
Whipple appeared in all 36 games during his sophomore season in 2025-26 and provided a steady defensive presence throughout the season, showcased by his Big Ten Conference-leading 81 blocked shots that ranked sixth nationally. Hailing from Minnetonka, Minn., he recorded the first goal of his collegiate career with a nearly 200-foot empty-net tally to seal a home shutout of Notre Dame and added an assist later in the year at Ohio State. Whipple's consistent reliability and commitment in the defensive zone helped anchor the lineup as he took his game to another level last year.
Fans will get a chance to watch the new-look Gophers during Coach Larson's first year behind the bench from 3M Arena at Mariucci. The renewal deadline for current season ticket holders is May 7 (www.gophersports.com/renew), while new season tickets are available for purchase HERE.
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