MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State men's hockey team has named senior forward Jakob Stender and senior forward Sawyer Scholl its captains for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Assistant captains include senior forward Luigi Benincasa, senior forward Fin Williams, senior forward Ean Somoza, sophomore defender Liam Hupka and sophomore forward Reid Morich.

"The makeup of our leadership group reflects a blend of natural leadership qualities, experience, high internal program value, and character," head coach Luke Strand said. "The inclusion of younger players helps develop our future leaders. Sawyer, Jakob, Fin, Luigi and Ean bring maturity and consistency to their everyday approach, along with leadership experience within our program. Selection to our leadership core and captaincy is a great honor and a reflection of both the person and the player."

Jakob Stender (Alexandria, Minn.) played in all 40 games for the Mavericks last season as he recorded four goals and five assists for nine points. Stender recorded a pair of assists in MSU's win against Ferris State (1/30) and blocked a total of 25 shots during the season. Stender, who is entering his fourth season with the Mavericks, has played in 105 games during his three seasons with the Purple and Gold and has notched seven goals and 10 assists for 17 career points.

"It's a huge honor – looking at our past captains, it's big shoes to fill with our leadership history at Minnesota State," Stender said. "We have a great group leaders in our room that we get to work with and a great group of guys that we can help lead."
 
Sawyer Scholl (Medford, Wis.) played in 39 of Minnesota State's 40 games last season. He notched a pair of goals and four assists for six points, which included an assist during MSU's 7-2 win over Michigan Tech in the semifinals of the CCHA Playoffs.
 
"It's an absolute honor to be named a captain," Scholl said. "I'm so privileged and lucky to be a part of this program – surrounded by the best teammates, coaches, and community. I am proud of our leadership group and where this team is and can't wait to go to battle with these guys with our hearts on our sleeves and taking this program to a level it's never been to before."
 
Luigi Benincasa (Edmonton, Alta.) appeared in all 40 games for the Mavericks last season while serving as an assistant captain. Benincasa tallied 11 goals and 18 assists to rank third on the team in points last season with 29. He scored a goal in all five of MSU's CCHA Playoff games last season. In two seasons with the Mavericks, Benincasa has tallied 17 goals and 36 assists for 53 points in 79 games played.

Ean Somoza (Simi Valley, Calif.) played in 25 games during his first season with the Mavericks last year. He posted eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points. In postseason action, Somoza recorded a goal and four assists, including the first goal in MSU's 7-2 win over Michigan Tech in the semifinals of the CCHA Playoffs.

Fin Williams (North Vancouver, B.C.) competed in 34 games last season while serving as an assistant captain. He tallied three goals and 10 assists for 13 points, including a pair of assists in the CCHA Playoffs. In his two seasons with the Mavericks, Williams has played in 53 games and has tallied four goals and 11 assists for 15 points.

Liam Hupka (Minnetonka, Minn.) played in 30 games during his first season with the Mavericks last year. He notched one assist and blocked 11 shots.

Reid Morich (Fountain Hills, Ariz.) appeared in 38 games in his first season with the Mavericks last year. Morich notched seven goals and four assists for 11 points, as he garnered CCHA Rookie of the Week honors once. Against Michigan Tech in the semifinals of the CCHA Playoffs Morich recorded a pair of goals in the second period to help lock down MSU's 7-2 win.

Minnesota State hosts Manitoba in an exhibition game this Friday at 11:30 a.m. The Mavericks open their regular season schedule at home on Oct. 9-10 as they host #6 Wisconsin. Puck drops are scheduled for 7:07 p.m. and 6:07 p.m. at May Clinic Health System Event Center.