MSU Players Shine at College Selects Invite and USA Hockey Events

Minnesota State University players Hansen and Zawoyski have been named to the 25-person US College Selects team, according to an announcement from Mankato Athletics on August 10, 2026. The selection places the two athletes among a curated group of collegiate players chosen to represent the United States in the College Selects Invite.

MSU Representation on US College Selects Roster

The US College Selects team consists of 25 players selected from the collegiate ranks to compete in the invite event. Mankato Athletics confirmed that both Hansen and Zawoyski earned spots on this roster, marking a significant addition of MSU talent to the national selection.

The roster serves as a primary vehicle for identifying top-tier collegiate talent capable of competing at an international or elite invitational level. By securing positions on the 25-person squad, Hansen and Zawoyski join a limited pool of athletes recognized for their performance within the college hockey system.

Context of the College Selects Invite

The College Selects Invite is designed to showcase the highest echelon of collegiate hockey players. Participation in the event provides athletes with exposure to national team scouts and the opportunity to compete against other top-ranked college players under the USA hockey banner.

While the full 25-person roster includes players from various institutions, the inclusion of multiple players from Minnesota State highlights the program’s current standing in the national landscape. The event emphasizes individual skill and team cohesion among players who typically compete against one another during the regular collegiate season.

Pathway to USA Hockey

Selection to the US College Selects team often acts as a stepping stone for athletes aiming for permanent spots on USA Hockey national rosters. The invite allows coaching staffs to evaluate how collegiate stars transition into the systems used by the national team.

The presence of MSU athletes in this pipeline suggests a continuing trend of the university producing players who meet the criteria for national-level selection. This development follows a pattern of collegiate players utilizing these invitational events to bridge the gap between university athletics and international competition.