Mankato, Minn. --- Men's hockey coach Mike Hastings has announced that two student-athletes have signed NCAA Letters of Intent to attend Minnesota State University.

Committing to MSU during the early signing period are forwards C.J. Franklin (Forest Lake, Minn./Sioux Falls (USHL)) and forward Zeb Knutson (Sioux Falls, S.D./Sioux Falls (USHL)). Biographies on the two signees are listed below.

"These are two strong recruits for our program," said Hastings, who is in his second season as head coach of the Mavericks. "Both of them are proven offensive talents and have been elite players at every level they've played. As we move forward with Maverick Hockey, these are the types of student-athletes, ones with this type of ability and character, that we hope to continue to identify and bring into the program."

C.J. Franklin, 5-11, 190, Forest Lake, Minn./Sioux Falls (USHL)
Served as alternate captain of Team USA that just won a gold medal in the World Junior A Challenge...In second year with Sioux Falls of United States Hockey League where he's an alternate captain...Tallied 32-28--60 in first season with Sioux Falls in 2012-13...Played high school hockey for Forest Lake which coached by former Minnesota State defenseman Aaron Forsythe.

Zeb Knutson, 5-11, 180, Sioux Falls, S.D./Sioux Falls (USHL)
Played on Team USA that just won gold at the World Junior A Challenge...Two-year veteran of the United States Hockey League where he has spent his career with Sioux Falls...Currently has 10-2--12 in 11 games and stands tied for second in the USHL in goals (10) and shots (55)...Tallied 26-25--51 in 61 games with the Stampede in 2012-13...Played midget AAA hockey for Russell Stover In Kansas City prior to joining Sioux Falls.

2014-15 Minnesota State Men's Hockey Recruiting Class
Player Pos Ht Wt S/C Birthdate Hometown/Current Team (League)
C.J. Franklin F 5-11 190 L 03.17.1994 Forest Lake, Minn./Sioux Falls (USHL)
Zeb Knutson F 5-11 180 R 01.01.1994 Sioux Falls, S.D./Sioux Falls (USHL)

All signings are contingent upon admission to MSU and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Clearinghouse.


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