University of Minnesota head coach Brett Larson announced Buffalo Sabres prospect Brodie Ziemer will serve as the Golden Gophers captain for the 2026-27 college hockey season.
Ziemer, who's set to enter his junior campaign with the Gophers, is coming off a strong sophomore year that saw him tally 36 points (23 goals and 13 assists) across 36 appearances.
He'll be joined by alternate captains LJ Mooney and John Whipple to form Minnesota's leadership group next season.
"I've been really impressed getting to know this group this spring," Larson said. "It's clear that these guys have a passion for the program and care about this place. They're ready to take ownership and lead Gopher hockey back to where it belongs. I'm excited to watch them set the standard every day and bring the rest of the group with them."
Larson took over the Minnesota program in March after spending the past eight years in the same role at St. Cloud State. He replaced Bob Motzko, who'd held the position since 2018.
Ziemer is a Minnesota native who joined the Sabres organization as a third-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Brodie Ziemer faces critical year ahead of potential jump to pro hockey in the Buffalo Sabres organization
There were conversations within the Sabres fanbase about whether Ziemer would sign his entry-level contract after Minnesota's season ended. That would've allowed him to join the AHL's Rochester Americans to finish the current campaign, setting the stage for a full year with the Amerks in 2026-27.
Instead, the 20-year-old winger opted for another season with the Gophers, and that's probably the best decision for everyone involved. There's no imminent time pressure for Buffalo to get him signed since that deadline isn't until Aug. 15, 2028.
Ziemer has made significant strides during his two years in Minnesota, as illustrated by his jump from 12 goals as a freshman to 23 as a sophomore.
The U.S. National Development Team product also played well for Team USA at the 2026 World Juniors, tallying six points (one goal and five assists) in five tournament games. He served as the captain for the American squad, too.
So, he's a budding offensive contributor who's a natural leader. Another year with the Gophers in a high-minute, top-line role will help him make the necessary defensive improvements to prove he's ready for the transition to the AHL.
Ziemer, who's also made a consistent impact on the Minnesota power play (an area of particular need for the Sabres right now), finished with a minus-10 rating this season despite the strong offensive results. Playing against opposing first lines for another year will help accelerate his growth defensively.
Otherwise, the 5-foot-11 forward is well one his way to becoming a future middle-six fixture for Buffalo. He may never become a point-per-game scoring sensation in the NHL, but he's a tireless worker who finds a way to make things happen in front of the net.
Staying on his current trajectory should see him join the Amerks at this time next year, and he could be an option for the Sabres as early as the 2028-29 campaign.
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