yardbarker
In a significant boost for the University of Minnesota's future roster, standout young forward Joey Cullen has officially declared his commitment to the Golden Gophers. The announcement was made public through his personal Instagram account, solidifying the program's ongoing recruitment efforts for the 2027-28 campaign.
Cullen, who hails from Moorhead, Minnesota, is widely recognized as the premier 2010-born recruit in the United States. His decision brings a wave of excitement to the Gophers' fanbase, especially given his familial ties to the program. His older brother, Wyatt Cullen, has already represented Team USA at the World Junior Summer Showcase and is expected to be with the Golden Gophers when Joey arrives, potentially playing together for at least one season.
This past season, the 16-year-old showcased his offensive prowess at the Minnesota High School Hockey level, notching 40 points in just 18 games for Moorhead High School. His contributions were instrumental in leading the Spuds to the AA State Championship title, where he ranked sixth on the team in scoring. Additionally, Cullen spent time with Honeybaked's 15U Triple-A squad, where he tallied an impressive 52 points in 21 games.
Key Analysis
Cullen's commitment is a testament to his rapid development and the bright future ahead. He is set to join the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP) at the U17 level for the upcoming season, a crucial stepping stone before his collegiate career begins. Notably, he made history as the first U17 player ever selected for a Team USA Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster, underscoring his elite status among his peers.
Beyond his national team accolades, Cullen is also a property of the Victoria Royals, who selected him 20th overall in the 2025 WHL U.S. Prospect Draft. His dual-path development keeps his options open, but his commitment to Minnesota signals a strong preference for the NCAA route.
The Golden Gophers are building an impressive pipeline of talent, with Cullen joining a list of seven other commits for the 2027-28 season. As the Big Ten Conference remains fiercely competitive, Minnesota's proactive recruitment strategy aims to restore the program to prominence. With Cullen's addition, the future looks increasingly bright for the Gophers.
Originally reported by yardbarker.