Nine state players, including four future Gophers, invited to NHL combine

The four Gophers recruits invited to the NHL combine from May 24-29 in Toronto are:

D Mark Alt, Cretin-Derham Hall, 6-3, 200 (weights and heights all rounded off)

C Nick Bjugstad, Blaine, 6-4, 190

C Max Gardiner, Minnetonka, 6-2-1/2, 175

D Justin Holl, Minnetonka, 6-2, 170

At the combine, all the NHL teams have representatives who interview players and watch them as they take off-ice physical tests.

Other Minnesotans invited:

D Derek Forbort (Duluth), USNDP, 6-4-1/2, 200 ... committed to North Dakota

C Brock Nelson, Warroad, 6-2-1/2, 205 ... committed to North Dakota

C Lance Pitlick, MSU, Mankato freshman, 6-1-1/2, 195

G Zane Gothberg, Thief River Falls, 6-1/2, 175 ... committed to North Dakota