Blake McLaughlin has yet to play a high school hockey game for the Grand Rapids boys team.
He has, however, finished the college recruiting process.
McLaughlin, a 15-year-old sophomore-to-be, announced Tuesday he has committed to the University of Minnesota.
His stepbrother, Jake Bischoff, will be a junior for the Gophers - part of a family connection to the program that includes McLaughlin’s uncle and his stepfather.
“It’s a huge family thing, so it’s just a dream come true,” he said Tuesday night.
ADVERTISEMENT
McLaughlin, a scoring forward, has had an excellent summer, with strong showings at a USA Hockey development camp in New York, as well as at the Model Camp at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis.
He met with Minnesota coaches Tuesday during a campus visit and wasted little time accepting their scholarship offer. For myriad reasons, playing for the Gophers was his hope all along.
“Definitely the family ties, great coaching staff and just their tradition of excellence,” McLaughlin said.
His signing gives the Thunderhawks at least two Division I recruits for the upcoming season. Mitchell Mattson, a senior, has committed to North Dakota. Mattson’s linemates - Jonah Bischoff (Jake’s brother) and Alex Adams - also are highly coveted seniors.
McLaughlin’s sister, Jordan, begins her college career this fall at Division I Minnesota State-Mankato.
