Report: Veteran Gophers forward expected to miss NCAA Tournament

Minnesota's disastrous weekend against Notre Dame just got worse.

Apr 6, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Minnesota forward Aaron Huglen (7) passes the puck between his legs for an assist on a goal against Boston University in the first period in the semifinals of the 2023 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Veteran forward Aaron Huglen has likely played his last college hockey game in a Gophers uniform. After suffering a scary injury last weekend against Notre Dame, College Hockey News reported on Wednesday that he's expected to miss this year's NCAA Tournament.

Huglen checked into the goal during Game 3 on Sunday of Minnesota's shocking first-round exit in the Big Ten Tournament against Notre Dame. He was subsequently helped off the ice after reportedly breaking a bone.

Aaron Huglen being helped off after an awkward collision in front of (and into) the Gophers net pic.twitter.com/4io3xh3r63

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) March 10, 2025

He was essentially the Gophers' third-line center this season. He recorded 5 goals and 14 assists throughout the year. One of the deepest teams in the country will now have to prove it without one of their most veteran players. Huglen was one of two Gophers recognized on Senior Night, and now his college career is likely over.

Minnesota will likely begin its NCAA Tournament run in two weeks in the first round on either Thursday the 27th or Friday the 28th.

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