Ryan Chesley Scores First Career NCAA Goal

Screen cap: @Capitals

It was all Golden Gophers on Friday night as the No. 2/3 Minnesota men’s hockey team notched seven tallies in the opening game of a B1G series against boarder rival Wisconsin. Included in the 7-1 onslaught was Capitals’ prospect Ryan Chesley’s first goal in the NCAA.

Chesley notched his first career collegiate tally near the midway point of the second period. He jump into the zone and blasted a one-timer for his inaugural goal. He would be mobbed by his teammates following the score.

His first #Gophers goal 🥲

And in the #BorderBattle no less 😎 @ryanchesley_ pic.twitter.com/6gh3iTWwAt

— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) December 10, 2022

“I saw a good play in front where Cooley had a good chance to score,” Ryan Chesley, the freshman defender said on his first career goal. “I thought I could sneak down a bit and he made a good pass. Maybe a little roommate connection for sure.”

Chesley, who has been a physical defenseman for the Gophers so far this season, brought the crowd to their feet for his first goal as a Golden Gopher.

Ryan Chesley’s first goal for the Gophers. #ALLCAPS https://t.co/NRfDLgX4Iq pic.twitter.com/aN2dqUzrZj

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) December 10, 2022

Earlier this week it was announced that Chesley was selected for Team USA’s preliminary roster for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, which begins in late December. The 18-year-old has been chosen for the selection camp and is not officially on the final roster, but it’s an encouraging sign for the Capitals’ second-round pick (#37 overall) from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Team USA will cut the roster to 23 players before the start of the tournament.

Introducing the preliminary roster for the 2023 U.S. National Junior Team! 🇺🇸 #WorldJuniors

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 5, 2022

Chesley is a 6’-0″ right-shot defenseman in his debut season with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Men’s team. A native of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, he had stints with Shattuck-St. Mary’s Development program and the United States National Team Development Program, with whom he recorded 44 points in 85 games played with the U.S. Development team and National Under-18 Team.

In August, Chesley spoke about his experience during the Capitals’ prospect development camp, calling it a “fun week.” “It’s been awesome getting here, getting to know the guys, getting to know the staff, and getting on the ice with them…I knew it was going to be a hard time here, just a lot of work, it’s been a grind so far, but it’s been fun. A lot of the on-ice stuff has been challenging, which is good. I think it’s really helpful.”

By Jon Sorensen