If you tune into a Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey game this season, you might expect to see Oprah Winfrey standing on the team's bench.
You might say to yourself "No, that looks like seventh-year head coach and seven-time conference coach of the year Bob Motzko," but don't be fooled, only one person could hand out this many captaincies.
The Minnesota men are entering the 2024-25 NCAA season with four different players donning the "C" on their chest, drawing questions as to whether the legendary talk show host known for her giveaways took over as the bench boss.
In all, the Golden Gophers have built a six-player leadership group, with four captains and two alternates.
Leading the pack are Ryan Chesley (Washington Capitals draftee), Mike Koster (Toronto Maple Leafs draftee), Mason Nevers (undrafted) and Jimmy Snuggerud (St. Louis Blues draftee). Donning the "A" are Aaron Huglen (Buffalo Sabres) and Cal Thomas (Utah HC).
Minnesota is heading into the campaign ranked second in the Big Ten pre-season poll, behind Michigan State. Snuggerud was voted to the pre-season All-Big Ten first team along with sophomore Sam Rinzel, while Mike Koster made the second team.
The Golden Gophers finished with a 23-11-5 record last season and qualified for their fourth-consecutive NCAA Tournament. They were knocked out by Boston University in the regional final.
