Top U.S. Prospect Joey Cullen Commits to Minnesota Hockey

The commitment pairs a season with USA Hockey’s NTDP, a 2028–29 arrival at Minnesota, his father taking a role on the Gophers’ staff.

Overview

Joey Cullen, 16, announced he will play for the University of Minnesota and is scheduled to spend the coming season with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Michigan.
Cullen scored in a Team USA pre-tournament win at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and produced 40 points in an 18-game, injury-shortened sophomore season for Moorhead that helped win a second straight state title.
His commitment links family and program moves because former NHL forward Matt Cullen has taken a player-development role with the Gophers and older brothers Wyatt and Brooks are set to be on the roster.
Wyatt Cullen was a top-10 NHL pick in June and scouts project Joey as an elite future draft prospect, a status reinforced by recent high-age-group rankings and international showings.
The NTDP route preserves NCAA eligibility while preparing top American prospects for college and pro play, and Minnesota’s coordinated hires and sibling arrivals signal a broader recruiting push for the program.