Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Justen Close Given Big Ten Award Ahead of Border Battle Against Wisconsin

After a strong series over the weekend continued his strong season, Kindersley native Justen Close was named the Big Ten Conference First Star of the Week. He was named first star, alongside teammate and Arizona Coyotes #3 overall draft pick in 2022 Logan Cooley being named the week’s second star.

The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are coming off a series sweep against Michigan State, and Close was tremendous in each game picking up a 25 save shutout for his third in total on the year, and then he set a career high in saves with 40 to help his team complete the sweep.

So far this season, Close has a 2.12 GAA, .919 SV%, and a record of 10-5-0 as the team moves into a rivalry weekend with the Wisconsin Badgers before taking a Christmas break.

  • Written by Cooper Douglas https://www.westcentralonline.com/articles/justen-close-given-big-ten-award-ahead-of-border-battle-against-wisconsin