A year from now, Gophers men's hockey radio play-by-play announcer Wally Shaver might be making this call: "Mike Reilly passes to Ryan Reilly in the corner, who feeds Connor Reilly in the slot."

The Reillys -- three highly skilled brothers from Chanhassen -- all will be freshmen next season at the University of Minnesota.

Twins Connor and Ryan, both 20-year-old forwards, signed last November with the Gophers. Defenseman Mike, their younger brother, will sign during the week-long early signing period starting Wednesday. This season all three are playing for Penticton of the British Columbia Hockey League.

"The Gophers think they are ready," said their father, Mike. "And they still have the spring and summer to get bigger and stronger."

Connor (6-foot, 170) and Ryan (5-8 1/2, 165) played for Sioux Falls of the USHL last season after graduating from Holy Angels. Mike (6-foot, 165) is 18 and played for Shattuck-St. Mary's last season.

Also expected to sign with the Gophers and play next season are forward A.J. Michaelson (6-foot, 185) of Waterloo of the USHL and defenseman Brady Skjei (6-2, 200) of the under-18 U.S. national team. They played high school hockey at Apple Valley and Lakeville North, respectively.

USHL goalie Adam Wilcox, who signed last November and is playing for Green Bay, will be a sixth new Gopher next season. There are seven seniors -- five forwards and two goalies -- on the present roster. Coach Don Lucia and his staff will bring in a walk-on practice goalie, too.

The wild card in the recruiting picture is Lakeville South center Justin Kloos, who will sign Wednesday at school. But Tom Kloos, his father, said it's uncertain if the Gophers will have a roster spot for his son next season. If not, Kloos will play for Waterloo.

Kloos' status, obviously, will depend on whether any Gophers turn pro early. Last season Kloos (5-9, 177) had 41 goals and 90 points as a junior for the Cougars.

ROMAN AUGUSTOVIZ