Gophers Hockey: Zach Budish Named 2012-2013 Captain, Nick Bjugstad & Seth Helgeson Wearing "A's"

The University of Minnesota announced today that redshirt junior Zach Budish will be the hockey team's captain in 2012-2013.

Budish, who scored 35 points (12G-23A) after returning from a season-ending knee injury, is the lone returning alternate from last year's team as both Jake Hansen and Joey Miller graduated. The 2009 second round Nashville Predators pick succeeds Taylor Matson in wearing the C. Matson, who has since graduated and signed a pro contract with the Vancouver Canucks, help lead the Gophers to a Frozen Four appearance last year; their first since 2005.

Zach has already represented Minnesota earlier this summer at the unveiling of the Hockey City Classic in Chicago, where the Gophers will play Wisconsin outdoors at Soldier Field.

In addition, Nick Bjugstad and Seth Helgeson were named alternate captains for this year. Bjugstad led Minnesota in goals last season with 25 and is returning for his junior season after flirting with signing a contract with the Florida Panthers.

Helgeson, meanwhile, is the first defenseman to wear a letter since Aaron Ness did in 2010-2011. The New Jersey Devils draft pick is the Gophers' lone senior this year although he is surrounded by a dozen juniors and a fellow fourth year player (Budish).

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