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Edina Today
By the People, for the People
Gophers Goalie Nathan Airey Enters Transfer Portal After Motzko Firing
Airey's departure leaves new head coach Brett Larson with limited depth in net.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:39pm
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The first Gophers men's hockey player to enter the transfer portal following the firing of head coach Bob Motzko is goaltender Nathan Airey. Airey appeared in 14 games last season, allowing 38 goals with a .893 save percentage. With Airey's departure, new coach Brett Larson is left with just one returning goalie, Luca Di Pasquo, and a verbal commitment from Carter Casey, who spent last season in the WHL.
Why it matters
Airey's decision to enter the portal is the first sign of roster turnover for the Gophers following Motzko's dismissal. Larson will now have to rebuild depth in net, which was already a concern with the graduation of Zach Weise. Retaining current players and incoming recruits will be crucial for Larson as he looks to stabilize the program.
The details
In 36 career games with the Gophers, Airey allowed 87 total goals. Last season, he went 3-7-1 as the team's primary backup to Di Pasquo. With Airey's exit, Di Pasquo is now the only returning goalie, leaving Larson to rely on the incoming Casey, who spent the 2025-26 season in the WHL.
- Airey entered the transfer portal on March 31, 2026, shortly after Motzko's firing.
The players
Nathan Airey
A Canadian goaltender who appeared in 14 games for the Gophers last season, allowing 38 goals with a .893 save percentage.
Luca Di Pasquo
The Gophers' primary starting goalie last season, appearing in 26 games and allowing 79 goals on a .910 save percentage.
Carter Casey
A verbal commit to the Gophers who spent the 2025-26 season playing in the WHL, where he had a 19-3-4 record with a .882 save percentage.
Bob Motzko
The former head coach of the Gophers men's hockey team, who was fired earlier this year.
Brett Larson
The new head coach of the Gophers men's hockey team, tasked with rebuilding the roster after Motzko's dismissal.
What they’re saying
“#Gophers goalie Nathan Airey is the first men's hockey player from Minnesota in the portal.”
— Eric Vegoe, Reporter, Gophers Puck Live
What’s next
With Airey's departure, new Gophers coach Brett Larson will need to quickly shore up the team's goaltending depth by retaining Luca Di Pasquo and ensuring the commitment of incoming recruit Carter Casey.
The takeaway
Airey's decision to enter the transfer portal is the first sign of roster upheaval for the Gophers following the firing of head coach Bob Motzko. Rebuilding depth in net will be a top priority for new coach Brett Larson as he looks to stabilize the program and keep current players and recruits committed to Minnesota.
