Mystery Candidate? No Contact With Ferschweiler? Latest Gophers Hockey Coach Buzz

Key Points:

• Minnesota Golden Gophers have not contacted Western Michigan's head coach Pat Ferschweiler for their vacant head coach position, despite his strong credentials and local ties, according to insider John Buccigross.
• Ferschweiler, a Minnesota native, has led Western Michigan to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a national championship in 2024-25, making him a top candidate for the Gophers' job.
• Minnesota's coaching search appears focused on St. Cloud State's Brett Larson, Hartford Wolf Pack's Grant Potulny, and initially Augustana's Garrett Raboin, who has since withdrawn from consideration.
• University of Minnesota athletics director Mark Coyle interviewed Larson and Potulny recently, with reports suggesting a possible additional, unidentified college coach candidate has also been interviewed.
• The Gophers' coaching decision is expected soon as the program prepares for the NCAA portal opening and roster evaluations following the Frozen Four.