Close Named to 2024 Mike Richter Award Watch List

Justen Close, a goaltender for the Golden Gophers men’s hockey team, was recently named to the 2024 Mike Richter Award “Watch List.” This prestigious award is presented annually to the top goalie in men’s NCAA Division I hockey, a tradition since 2014. The announcement was made by the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA).

Close, a consistent performer, has been a semifinalist for this honor in the last two seasons. He currently boasts a 10-6-4 record with the Maroon and Gold, supported by a 2.66 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. Since becoming the starting goaltender in January 2022, the graduate student has achieved impressive career statistics, including a 2.21 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage, contributing to a 50-21-5 record.

Originating from Kindersley, Close has accumulated 11 shutouts in his career, with two in the current season. He is just two shutouts short of the program record of 13, held jointly by Kellen Briggs and Adam Wilcox. Notably, Close reached the 50 career victories milestone in a home game against Colorado College on January 8, becoming the first to do so since Eric Schierhorn in 2017.

Close is also academically accomplished, having graduated from the Carlson School of Management in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Business, majoring in Entrepreneurial Management. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Management.

The “Watch List” for the Mike Richter Award features 32 goalies from various countries: 19 from the United States, 7 from Canada, 5 from Sweden, and 1 from Slovakia. Minnesota is notable for contributing the most U.S. goalies, with four. The candidates include a diverse mix of three freshmen, five sophomores, five juniors, 14 seniors, and five graduate students.

A committee consisting of coaches, administrators, scouts, and media members will narrow down this list to about 15 names in the coming weeks. The winner will be announced in April during the NCAA Frozen Four in St. Paul, Minnesota. Additionally, the HCA presents a similar award for the top female goalie in the NCAA.