Mavericks ink three

Minnesota State announced the signing of three recruits on Thursday, bringing their recruiting class to five for next fall.

The group includes one player at each position, and coach Mike Hastings said all three can make an impact, whether it's by game performance or by pushing others

They are forward Brad McClure, defenseman Jaden Schmeisser and goaltender Aaron Nelson.

"When you can have competition at each position, you have the ability to push and build an environment of development from a competitive standpoint," Hastings said.

Read more about the three in Friday's Free Press.

They will join a class that includes forwards C.J. Franklin and Zeb Knutson, who signed in November.

There likely are high expectations for the forwards of this group, considering their track records in junior hockey. There are two big holes to fill up front with the departures of Johnny McInnis and Zach Lehrke. Competition should be fierce to make the top 12 each weekend.

Same goes for defense where just one regular, Josh Nelson, departs. Nelson played in just 21 games due to injury, and that included missing the Final Five and the NCAA tournament.

In goal, the Mavericks look pretty secure with Cole Huggins back and with what the team hopes will a rebounded Stephon Williams. I'm told Nelson isn't just supposed to be a No. 3, that he'll push the other two.