Recruits coming in

Tonight (Saturday) will be the first time people get to see Minnesota State's freshmen in action as the Mavericks will play their exhibition game against Regina. But we're already looking ahead to the distant future, too, as the Mavericks are getting commitments from recruits.

On Friday, some big news was made in northern Minnesota as Hermantown senior forward Ryan Sandelin committed to the Mavericks. If that name sounds familiar, well, it should. Sandelin is the son of Minnesota Duluth coach Scott Sandelin.

Excited to say that I've committed to play college hockey at Minnesota State Mankato! Thanks to everyone who's helped me along the way #Mavs

— Ryan Sandelin (@RSandelin11) October 1, 2016

Sandelin helped Hermantown win a Class A state championship last season. He had 60 points in 30 games (27 goals), including 11 (4 goals) in the state tournament.

According to the Duluth News-Tribune, Sandelin is the third player from that state title team to commit to a Division I program. Cole Koepke and Dylan Samberg are planning to play for Sandelin's dad at UMD. Sandelin attend Sioux City's USHL camp this fall but is back home for his senior high school season.

Last month, the Mavericks also got a commitment from Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) defensemen Connor Mackey. A Tower Lakes, Ill., native, he is in his second season with Green Bay and played in 29 games last season.

Look for more on MSU's recruits in the future.