Gophers Hockey Adds Another Michigan State Transfer Goalie

Minnesota is bringing in a second Spartans goaltender in the transfer portal for the 2026-27 season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:41pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the rapid movements and split-second reactions of a college hockey goaltender, conveying the sport's intensity and the critical role of the netminder.A cubist interpretation of a college hockey goaltender's split-second movements captures the sport's dynamic energy and the strategic importance of strong goaltending.Minneapolis Today

The University of Minnesota men's hockey team is adding goaltender Melvin Strahl as a transfer from Michigan State University. Strahl, a 2023 fifth-round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, will provide depth behind projected starting goalie Luca Di Pasquo for the Gophers next season.

Why it matters

Minnesota is bringing in a second Michigan State goaltender in as many offseasons, indicating the Gophers coaching staff sees value in the Spartans' goaltending development program. Strahl's addition will give the Gophers more options in net and allow them to bring along their top prospect, Carter Casey, at a measured pace.

The details

Strahl played three games for Michigan State last season, posting a .922 save percentage. He spent the 2024-25 season in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms before making the jump to the NCAA. The 21-year-old Swede was a fifth-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Draft and will have at least three years of college eligibility remaining at Minnesota.

  • Strahl played three games for Michigan State in the 2025-26 season.
  • Strahl was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The players

Melvin Strahl

A 21-year-old goaltender from Solleftea, Sweden who is transferring from Michigan State University to the University of Minnesota. Strahl was a fifth-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Luca Di Pasquo

The projected starting goaltender for the University of Minnesota in the 2026-27 season. Di Pasquo played 26 games for the Gophers last season after spending the 2024-25 campaign as a backup at Michigan State.

Carter Casey

An 18-year-old goaltending prospect who is committed to play for the University of Minnesota and is currently with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL.

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What they’re saying

“Strahl was one of four transfer portal commitments for new Gophers head coach Brett Larson on Monday, joining Minnesota State's Evan Murr and St. Cloud State duo Austin Burnevik and Tanner Henricks. The new coaching staff acted fast with four additions, who can all contribute in a big way next season.”

— Tony Liebert, Reporter

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Strahl will be the Gophers' primary backup goaltender next season or if he will need additional time to adjust to the NCAA level. The coaching staff will monitor his progress during the offseason and preseason to determine his role.

The takeaway

Minnesota's addition of a second Michigan State goaltender in as many years demonstrates the value the Gophers see in the Spartans' goaltending development program. Strahl's arrival provides depth and competition in net, allowing the team to bring along top prospect Carter Casey at a measured pace.