Gopher Hockey Recruiting Update: 2012 Class gets Boost from A.J. Michaelson Commitment

I have just learned that Apple Valley's A.J. Michaelson has verbally committed to the University of Minnesota.

This is a huge pickup for the Gophers. Michaelson is the most sought after 1994 DOB in the state, notching 19 goals and 16 assists in 24 games as a high school freshman last season for Apple Valley. He joins highly touted defenseman Brady Skjei in the incoming class of 2012, along with Travis Boyd of the US National Development Program out in Ann Arbor (formerly of Hopkins High School), Mike Reilly of Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep, and Adam Wilcox, who is the cousin of former UMD goalie Alex Stalock.

The 2012 class looks to be shaping up as a great one, with Michaelson and Boyd providing the scoring punch, Skjei as the big defensive defenseman and Reilly as the small Crowley-type guy, and Wilcox as a very well regarded goalkeeping prospect.

Up next is a look at the Gophers 2011 Class.