Sam Rinzel, a first-round NHL draft pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022, quickly made a name for himself at the University of Minnesota. In his first collegiate season, the standout defenseman from Chanhassen, Minnesota earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors and was a finalist for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, contributing 28 points across 39 games. Before joining the Gophers, Rinzel played for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL and captained Chaska High School’s team. Internationally, he was a key blueliner on Team USA securing a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
