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Shortly after it was announced that Jordan Schmaltz and Michael Parks would be returning to North Dakota, the school also announced that sophomore goalie and Boston Bruins prospect Zane Gothberg would be returning for his junior season as well.
Can also now confirm that goalie Zane Gothberg will be back for his junior season. @UNDMHockey
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) April 16, 2014
Gothberg had a breakout season for North Dakota, earning the starting job as North Dakota's full-time starter and posting stellar numbers. Gothberg finished his sophomore season with a 20-10-3 record, 1.99 GAA and .926 save percentage. Gothberg helped carry North Dakota to the Frozen Four, with a career-high 44 saves in a 2-1 double overtime victory over Ferris State in this year's regional final.
Gothberg is in a somewhat unique position with regards to the NHL. Even though he is only a sophomore, because he played two years of junior hockey after being drafted, he could have become an unrestricted free agent 30 days after formally withdrawing from school at North Dakota had he chosen to pursue that route. But Gothberg is a native of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, with strong family ties to North Dakota, so it is certainly no surprise to see him staying in Grand Forks.