Fargo Defenseman Axel Lofgren Commits to Minnesota

The 20-year-old Swedish blueliner will join the Golden Gophers next season after a standout USHL campaign.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the angular, overlapping forms of a hockey player in motion, rendered in a bold color palette of blues, greens, and reds, conceptually representing the multifaceted talent Axel Lofgren will bring to the University of Minnesota hockey team.A cubist interpretation of a young hockey defenseman's dynamic movement on the ice, reflecting the analytical and artistic approach Axel Lofgren will bring to the University of Minnesota's program.Fargo Today

Axel Lofgren, a 20-year-old defenseman for the Fargo Force in the USHL, has committed to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota next season. Lofgren, who hails from Lulea, Sweden, had a breakout year in the USHL, recording 10 goals and 23 assists. His 10 goals are tied for fourth among USHL defensemen.

Why it matters

Lofgren's commitment to Minnesota is a major coup for the Golden Gophers, who are adding a talented two-way defenseman to their roster. The Fargo Force are also losing a key piece as they make a playoff push, but Lofgren's development and advancement to the NCAA level is a positive sign for the USHL program.

The details

In his first and only USHL season so far, Lofgren has been a standout performer for the Fargo Force. His 10 goals, including 5 on the power play, are tied for the fourth-most among USHL defensemen. Lofgren will join his Fargo teammate Brooks Cullen, who has also committed to play for the University of Minnesota next season.

  • Lofgren will play his final season with the Fargo Force this year before joining the Golden Gophers in the 2026-27 season.

The players

Axel Lofgren

A 20-year-old defenseman from Lulea, Sweden, who has played one standout season with the Fargo Force in the USHL, recording 10 goals and 23 assists.

Brooks Cullen

A Fargo Force teammate of Lofgren's who has also committed to play for the University of Minnesota next season.

University of Minnesota

The NCAA Division I hockey program that Lofgren and Cullen will be joining next season.

Fargo Force

The USHL team that Lofgren has played for this season, where he has emerged as a top defenseman.

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What they’re saying

“Axel has been a key part of our team this season and we're excited to see him take the next step in his hockey career at the University of Minnesota.”

— Fargo Force Head Coach

What’s next

Lofgren will finish out the 2025-26 USHL season with the Fargo Force before joining the University of Minnesota hockey program in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

Lofgren's commitment to the University of Minnesota is a testament to his development and performance in the USHL this season. The Fargo Force will miss his contributions, but his advancement to the NCAA level is a positive sign for the program and the USHL as a whole.