One of the nation’s most highly-touted hockey recruits is staying within the close comforts of home.

Senior Gino Guyer, the heart and soul of Greenway’s hockey program, said he will choose Minnesota over the other national powers who wanted his services beginning in the 2002-03 season.

Guyer verbally committed to Minnesota on Tuesday night.

“(Minnesota) is where I felt my heart was at,” Guyer said. “When I was a little boy, I always wanted to be a Gopher. After the whole process, Minnesota was where I wanted to be.”

Heavily recruited by Boston University, Minnesota-Duluth, North Dakota and Minnesota, Guyer had narrowed his choices down to the Gophers and the Sioux.

Guyer said that coaching, being able to play right away, fan support and academics all led to his final decision.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward led the Raiders to the Class AA State Tournament semifinals by scoring 35 goals and 46 assists for 81 points in 28 total games last season. He was selected to the all-tournament team.

Following the state tournament, Guyer went to the Lincoln Stars (USHL) where he scored 12 points on five goals and seven assists in 15 regular season and playoff games.

Guyer said on Thursday he was “pretty positive” he would return to Lincoln following his final season at Greenway.

The Gophers hockey program is ready for Guyer, having already saved his No. 7 for next season. Two-time captain Erik Westrum wore the number the past three seasons.

Gino’s father and coach, Pat Guyer – a former player at Minnesota-Duluth – approved of his son’s decision.

“We’re happy to be staying in the state,” the elder Guyer said. “We’re really excited.”

Brian Stensaas covers men’s hockey and welcomes comments at [email protected]