Former University of Minnesota men's hockey player Mike Reilly celebrated a Stanley Cup victory with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2025-26 NHL season. This marks the fifth consecutive season a former Gopher has won the championship, with Reilly being the 15th in program history to do so. Throughout the season, 22 former players contributed to NHL teams, with notable performances including Matthew Knies's 66 points for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Jimmy Snuggerud earning a place on the NHL All-Rookie Team. The Gophers' robust pipeline remains evident as 12 alumni played in 70 or more games this season. Historically, Minnesota has sent a record-breaking 131 players to the NHL.

By the Numbers
  • Mike Reilly played 42 regular season games, scoring 1 goal and 8 assists.
  • Matthew Knies achieved a career-best with 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists), ranking third in scoring for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
State of Play
  • Reilly's win contributes to a record number of former Gophers winning the Stanley Cup for five straight years.
  • Four former Minnesota players finished the season with 50 or more points, showcasing the strength of the program's alumni.
What's Next

As the Gophers pipeline continues to thrive, potential future seasons could see even more alumni achieving significant milestones in the NHL. The sustained success raises expectations for upcoming players, while alumni influence in the league remains strong.

Bottom Line

The University of Minnesota men's hockey program not only produces skilled NHL players but has established a legacy of championship success, reinforcing its status as a leading institution in developing hockey talent.