Ness Named Alternate Captain For US Olympic Squad – GopherSports.com

Men’s Hockey | 2/9/2022 9:59:00 PM

MINNEAPOLIS — Gopher men’s hockey alum Aaron Ness has been tabbed to serve as an alternate captain for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, USA Hockey announced on Wednesday night. 

The U.S. begins preliminary play against China on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:10 a.m. CT (TV: USA Network). 

A native of Roseau, Minn., Ness spent three seasons with the Gophers and served as an alternate captain in 2010-11. The defenseman played in 111 career games with Minnesota and notched 43 points (six goals, 37 assists) before embarking on a professional career that includes 72 NHL games with the New York Islanders, the Washington Capitals and the Arizona Coyotes. Ness, who currently competes with the Providence Bruins in the AHL, previously won a bronze medal with the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship. 

Ness is one of four Gophers suiting up for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team this month along with current Gophers Brock Faber, Ben Meyers and Matthew Knies. Additionally, strength & conditioning coach Cal Dietz is serving in the same role with the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team. 

The University of Minnesota has a long and storied presence at the highest level of international hockey with representation at each of the last 21 Winter Olympic Games dating back to 1936. The Maroon & Gold have helped USA Hockey to eight Olympic medals (gold in 1960 and 1980; silver in 1952, 1956, 1972, 2002 and 2010; bronze in 1936).