Gophers’ Brodie Ziemer ranks as a veteran at World Junior Summer Showcase at Ridder Arena

Serving as the chair of the welcome committee for the World Junior Summer Showcase isn’t Brodie Ziemer’s official role, but he’s sure acting like it is.

The Gophers forward who grew up in Chaska gave a tour of the University of Minnesota campus, which is home to the evaluation camp for the upcoming World Junior Championship, with Ziemer pointing out his dorm and where he went to class.

“It’s good to have some familiarity,” Ziemer said Friday, “see everyone you know around the rink.”

As one of nine returnees from last tournament’s lineup that won gold, Ziemer has also tried to be first in line for drills at practice at Ridder Arena and answer questions the newcomers might have.

“Just do what I can to help them around,” Ziemer said. “It’s kind of a stressful week for everybody, especially your first year here. I know last year I was pretty stressed, so it’s good to have guys like that.

“I know there were guys here like that for me last year. Yeah, just trying to be there for them.”

On the heels of a solid freshman debut in which he skated in all but two games, Ziemer could also find himself emerging as a leader during his sophomore season with the Gophers after a handful of players from the previous team left early to turn pro.

Balancing college hockey with representing the United States at the World Junior Championship suited Ziemer, 19, last go-round.

“It’s easy for him,” Gophers and Team USA coach Bob Motzko said. “He only has one gear. He’s a competitive, competitive dude, and he’s got the right temperament to play the sport and to be a leader. He’s special.”

Ziemer finished the seven-game tournament with seven points, including three goals.

His last assist was on Teddy Stiga’s golden goal in overtime of the 4-3 championship victory over Finland, Jan. 5 in Ottawa, that clinched the United States’ second consecutive title and eighth medal in the past 10 tournaments.

“You can’t really take any days for granted,” said Ziemer, who was Team USA’s captain when it claimed silver at the 2024 under-18 World Championship in Finland. “It’s super special. The momentum lately, it’s been awesome to be a part of. Last year winning it, I’ve never really felt anything like that before.

When Ziemer rejoined the Gophers, the former Shattuck-St. Mary’s standout went on to post 23 points — a team high among rookies — after netting 12 goals before the Gophers’ season ended with an overtime loss to Massachusetts in the NCAA tournament.

He opened the scoring four times, which was tops on the Gophers, and he was responsible for their only overtime goal of the season, Nov. 9 at Wisconsin. The Gophers were 7-2-1 when Ziemer scored a goal and 4-1-1 during the six games he picked up multiple points.

“It was awesome,” said Ziemer, who was at Buffalo’s development camp earlier this summer after the Sabres drafted him in the third round (71st overall) a year ago. “Honestly, I could have been a little bit better but super happy with it, with how everything went freshman year. Plus winning World Juniors with that group last year was super awesome. Would have liked to go further, go to the Frozen Four, but what are you going to do? Just get ready for this year.”

After this camp adjourns, Ziemer will start preparing for Year 2 with the Gophers.

But beyond that is an opportunity to return to the World Juniors in his home state, with Minneapolis and St. Paul playing host to the 50th anniversary of the event when the tournament kicks off Dec. 26.