Michael Shibrowski, a goalie for Des Moines of the U.S. Hockey League, has committed to the Gophers, according to the league's web site.

Shibrowski, from Edina, had a 21-16-5 record and a 2.59 goals-against average during the USHL regular season. He is 6-3, 180.

"His ability speaks for itself," Des Moines coadh Regg Simon said, "but it is his character that sets him above nearly every other player I've ever coached. Michael was a key part of changing the culture in Des Moines this past season. The way he conducted himself and prepared each day is why he was such a good leader for our team."

He played high school hockey at Benilde-St. Margaret's, but spent his senior season playing midget hockey in Kansas City.

Shibrowski, 20, played two games for Colorado College in the middle of the 2009-2010 season, coming in from the North American Junior Hockey League, where he played for the Owatonna Express. The Tigers needed a goalie at midseason to back up then-freshman Joe Howe after Hudson Stremmel, another freshmen, unexpectedly left the team.

Stremmel bolted for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL when Howe beat him out for the starting job in the nets.

Shibrowski was 1-0-0 for CC. He stopped 34 of 38 shots in one start and one relief appearance.

Howe was a sophomore last season and was backed up by freshman Josh Thorimbert, so Shibrowski played in the USHL. He was Des Moines' MVP but, last month, by mutual decision was released from his commitment to CC by Tigers coach Scott Owens.

Goalie Kent Patterson, the Gophers' MVP last season, will be a senior in 2011-2012.

The USHL's press release is here.

Shibrowski's bio is here.