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Gophers Hockey: Robin Hoglund leaves Minnesota program

The sophomore forward had yet to appear in a game this season.

By Nathan Wells
Robin Hoglund playing for Janesville (NAHL) prior to coming to Minnesota
Robin Hoglund playing for Janesville (NAHL) prior to coming to Minnesota
Minnesota Athletics

Sophomore forward Robin Hoglund has left the Minnesota men's hockey team.

Hoglund, who had yet to appear in a game this season, intends to transfer to another school, the University confirmed Wednesday. He was quietly removed from the roster last week.

Gopher Puck Live was the first to report Hoglund leaving the program.

The Molndal, Sweden native came to the Gophers after three seasons of juniors split across three different NAHL teams. He appeared in 5 games as a freshman. With Minnesota having several players contending for playing time on the fourth line, Hoglund was unable to crack the lineup on a regular basis. He will be eligible to play for his new school beginning the second semester of 2016-17.

Hoglund's departure means that Mitch Rogge, who transferred to Minnesota from Sacred Heart and appeared on last year's team, was added back to the roster.

Gophers have 5 players sign Letters of Intent

In addition to Hoglund leaving, Minnesota had five players sign National Letters of Intent during the early signing period this month.

The five are forwards Rem Pitlick (Plymouth, MN/Muskegon - USHL) and Garrett Wait (Edina, MN/Waterloo - USHL), and defenseman Ryan Lindgren (Minneapolis MN/US U-18 Program), Sam Rossini (Inver Grove Heights, MN/Waterloo -USHL) and Ryan Zuhlsdorf (Edina, MN/Sioux City - USHL).

The early signing period for college hockey ran from November 11-18. Players who have signed a letter of intent differ from those who haven't in that they cannot be subjected to further recruiting and calls by other programs. They must be entering their senior year of high school (or beyond) to sign a LOI.

Most of the players will come in for the 2016-17 season although signing a LOI does not guarantee a roster spot. In recent years at least one player that has signed during the early signing period has been had their start date deferred.

The Gophers will also have junior forward Mike Szmatula available in 2016-17. The Commerce Michigan native is sitting out the season after transferring from Northeastern in August.

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Nathan Wells is a college hockey columnist for SB Nation mostly covering both the University of Minnesota and Big Ten. You can also follow him on Twitter --