Top American 2010-born recruit Joey Cullen commits to Minnesota

Joey Cullen committed to the University of Minnesota on Aug. 2, giving the Gophers the No. 1 recruit in the American 2010-born class and setting up a rare three-brother run in Minneapolis. The 5-foot-11 forward from Moorhead, Minnesota, announced the decision on social media and became the latest elite young name to join Minnesota’s pipeline.

Cullen built his case at Moorhead High by producing 40 points in 18 games and helping the Spuds win a state championship last season. That production pushed him to the front of the 2028 recruiting conversation, where he has been viewed as one of the top American forwards and a potential No. 1 NHL Draft pick.

His next stop is the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he is set to play this season. USA Hockey announced its 2026-27 U.S. National Under-17 Team roster on April 3 and said the group included 23 players, with Cullen among the names chosen for the national development pathway that has become a fast track to college hockey and the NHL draft.

Minnesota’s staff has also added a family connection that reaches beyond the roster. Matt Cullen joined Brett Larson’s staff as director of player development on April 8, bringing a three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Moorhead High, St. Cloud State and NHL player into the Gophers’ operation. For Joey Cullen, that means the school he chose now includes one of the most decorated players to come out of his own hockey family.

The commitment also locks in a notable sibling storyline. Joey is the youngest of three brothers from Moorhead, and Wyatt Cullen and Brooks Cullen are incoming freshmen at Minnesota this fall. With Joey now committed, all three Cullen brothers are expected to be in the Gophers program together beginning in the fall of 2028, a rare family reunion for a blue-chip prospect who is still years away from college ice.