Gustavus Adolphus College

Justen Close joins the Gustavus Men’s Hockey staff as an Assistant Coach for the 2025-2026 season alongside Head Coach Tyler Walsh and Assistant Coach Ethan Schwartz. 

Close joins the staff after finishing a playing career that included 5 years at the University of Minnesota as a goaltender for the Golden Gophers, where he helped the Gophers win a Big Ten Championship, two Big Ten Regular Season Championships, and advance to two Frozen Fours. He also has a year of professional hockey experience for the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL, where he was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.

Close looks forward to assisting in recruiting, player development, practice planning, and film responsibilities. 

A native of Kindersley, SK, Close obtained his undergraduate degree in Management and his masters degree in Sports Management while at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 2024.