5-star hockey recruit Jacob Kvasnicka commits to Gophers
Bob Motzko and the Golden Gophers have received a commitment from 2025 recruit Jacob Kvasnicka, who is considered one of the best young hockey players in the world.
Kvasnicka, a 16-year-old from Plymouth who starred at Wayzata High School in 2022-23, announced his commitment to the University of Minnesota on Thursday. The 5'11'' winger high school junior is currently playing for the United States National Team Developmental Program in Michigan.
"I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play division 1 hockey at The University of Minnesota," Kvasnicka wrote in an Instagram post. "I would like to thank family, friends, coaches, teammates and everyone who has helped me along the way."
Kvasnicka has five goals and three assists in 14 games this season. As a sophomore last year, Kvasnicka had 11 goals and 34 assists and helped Wayzata come within one game of reaching the coveted Minnesota high school hockey tournament.
According to PuckPreps, Kvasnicka's recent performances have elevated him to a 5-star recruit.
Kvasnicka is teammates on the Under-17 squad with future Gophers L.J. Mooney (2026) and Maceo Phillips (2025). Also part of the 2025 Gophers class are Edina native Jackson Nevers, Blaine native Jacob Rombach and Ontario, Canada native Hayden Reid.
Gophers hockey players celebrate a win during the 2023-24 season.
Credit: Matt Krohn, Minnesota Athletics
