Three former players from the Minnesota football team inked free agent contracts with NFL teams recently.  Linebacker Mike Sherels signed with the Minnesota Vikings, fullback Justin Valentine signed with the New York Jets and wideout Ernie Wheelwright signed on with the Baltimore Ravens. 

The trio join defensive back Dom Barber, who was drafted in the sixth round by the Houston Texans in this year's draft, as Minnesota's newest pro players.  In total, the Gophers have 19 players on NFL rosters.

Men's hockey freshman goalie Alex Kangas became just the third ever freshman to win the team's MVP Award - named after John Mariucci. Kangas also earned the Frank Pond Rookie of the Year Award, Tom Mohr Playoff MVP Award, was the MVP of the WCHA Final Five and was one of only two Gophers to earn conference honors this year.

Senior goalie Brent Solei earned the Mike Crupi Most Determined Player Award, senior Tom Pohl won the Donald Clark Community Service Award, senior Mike Howe took home the Dr. V George Nagobads Unsung Hero Award, senior Derek Peltier earned the Elwin Romnes Leadership and Sportsmanship Award and finally senior forward Evan Kaufmann received the John Mayasich Outstanding Student-Athlete Award.