MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State men's hockey named senior defenseman Mason Wheeler its team captain for the 2025-26 season. Assistant captains include senior defenseman Campbell Cichosz, junior defenseman Evan Murr, junior forward Luigi Benincasa, and junior forward Fin Williams.
 
"Today we name the leaders who will guide us this season," said head coach Luke Strand. "Being part of the leadership group isn't about a letter — it's about trust, consistency, and the standard you set every day. Our captain has earned the right to wear the 'C' through his actions on and off the ice. He represents what it means to be a Maverick. Your captain for the 2025–26 season is Mason Wheeler. But leadership isn't carried by one person alone. Alongside him, we'll have a group of assistant captains who bring their own voices, energy, and example. Together, this leadership group will drive our culture and make sure we stay united, no matter the challenge. Every player in this room is part of our success, but these men will help set the tone."
 
Wheeler (Rosemount, Minn.) was voted team captain following the graduation of Josh Groll. He has served the past two seasons as an assistant captain. Now entering his fourth season with the Mavericks, Wheeler was named to the CCHA Scholar-Athlete Team in 2024-25. He skated in 39 games with six assists and six points. He also led the team with 69 blocked shots (fourth in the CCHA), including a season-high seven blocks against North Dakota on Oct. 19. Wheeler has played 113 games in Purple and Gold.
 
Cichosz (Albert Lea, Minn.) flanked Wheeler on defense again last season and held a plus-22 player rating. His 55 blocked shots were second best on the squad. In 107 career games over three seasons at MSU, Cichosz has a pair of goals and 12 assists with 131 shots on goal.
 
Murr (Stillwater, Minn.) impressed in his first season, earning CCHA Rookie of the Year honors in 2023-24. He continued to improve last winter and was named CCHA Defenseman of the Year after stacking up seven goals and 20 assists (first among CCHA defensemen). Murr was also a Krampade All-American Scholar and posted one assist in the NCAA Fargo Region semifinal game against Western Michigan. He enters his junior campaign with 76 games played and 53 points on the blue line.
 
Benincasa (Edmonton, Alberta) made an immediate impact after transferring the Minnesota from Ferris State last season. Benincasa played in 39 games and totaled six goals, 18 assists and 34 points (fifth on team). He centered the second line and recorded five multi-point games.
 
Williams (North Vancouver, British Columbia) skated in 19 games in his first season and tallied one goal and one assist. He scored his first career goal vs. Augustana on Feb. 8 and had previous stints in the USHL (Waterloo Black Hawks, Chicago Steel) and at Notre Dame (22 games).
 
Minnesota State men's hockey enters the 2025-26 season in possession of the MacNaughton Cup (CCHA regular season champions) and Mason Cup (CCHA tournament champions). Head coach Luke Strand is in his third season. The Mavericks start the regular season at Omaha Oct. 10-11 at Baxter Arena.
 
Fans can interact with MSU players and coaches at upcoming community events. Men's hockey will be at The Pond on Madison on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. for a 3-on-3 team scrimmage. This year's Puck Drop in City Center event is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 7 at City Center Plaza. For more details visit msumavericks.com.