Blake Thompson to leave Gophers

Sophomore hockey defenseman Blake Thompson will leave the Gophers after this semester, Minnesota head coach Don Lucia announced Tuesday.

“While I’m disappointed in Blake’s decision to transfer, I respect his choice and appreciate his contributions to the program over the last two years,” Lucia said in a release. “Our team and our staff wish him the best as he moves forward.”

The Eden Prairie, Minn., native has not appeared in a game this season. There was conversation Thompson would redshirt this season, but Lucia didn’t follow through with the plan. He played in five games last season as a freshman and had two assists, five minor penalties and one major penalty.  

Thompson was buried on this year’s roster, which featured many returning starters on defense and incoming freshmen Brady Skjei and Mike Reilly.

It is unknown where Thompson will transfer.