September 7th, 2022: Gophers head coach Bob Motzko has just added another five-star recruit. Cole Eiserman adds speed and skill to the already massive recruiting class.
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With the announcement coming from Cole’s Instagram, the Gophers land one of the best 06′ forwards in the class. Eiserman will play for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program beginning in the fall.
Via his Instagram pic.twitter.com/sZFSMZbf38
— Dylan Loucks (@DylanLoucks4) September 7, 2022
August 1st was the date prospects who were heading into their junior year of high school could receive scholarship offers and make verbal commitments. Macklin Celebrini led the way as likely the top prospect from the pool. But teammates John Whipple and Cole Eiserman were also at the top of the chain.
John Whipple, another five-star recruit, announced his commitment to the Gophers on August 1st. Beckett Hendrickson, son of Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darby Hendrickson, announced his commitment to the Gophers on August 5th. Brodie Ziemer, another five-star recruit, announced his commitment to the Gophers on August 10th. Teddy Townsend, a 4.5 star recruit, committed to the Gophers on August 30th.
“John Whipple is battling for the title of best American defenders in his age group,” said Gabe Foley, Head of North American Scouting for Recruit Scouting. “Whipple plays a hard-nosed, fast, offensive game, while also having the wide chest and strength to overpower any opponents. It turns Whipple into a unicorn: a player capable of bulldozing opponents on the way to the net. At the least, he’s a fun player. At most, he’s a potential star defenseman.”
37 days after top recruits could announce their commitment, the Gophers added Cole Eiserman to an already stacked prospect pool.
“Cole Eiserman is one of, if not thee, top 2006 Americans. He’s proven to be an incredibly dominant goal-scorer, putting up mind-boggling point totals in AAA play,” said Foley. “He will look to establish himself as the start of the USNTDP U17 team this season, a feat many are very confident he can do.
Foley added: For a Gophers squad that is filled with 5-star commits, this may be the biggest one yet.
Eiserman is coming off a fantastic 53-game season with Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U where he put up 56 goals for 86 points. Doing so playing alongside star playmaker Macklin Celebrini. Earlier in February, the Gophers landed one of the top 05’s in Oliver Moore. Like Celebrini, Moore is a star playmaker who will now get the chance to play with Eiserman in the future.
This is one of the strongest recruiting classes we have seen for quite some time. The 2024 Minnesota Gophers will be a real force with the names of Moore, Hendrickson, Ziemer, Whipple, Townsend, and now Eiserman. Another great add by Motzko.