Already without freshman Nick Leddy, the Gophers defense has suffered another setback, as sophomore Sam Lofquist abruptly quit the men’s hockey team effective immediately.

Head coach Don Lucia said Lofquist walked into his office yesterday and told Lucia he was quitting. Lucia did not ask Lofquist why he made the decision, although Lucia said Lofquist considered quitting in the summer but eventually returned for the fall semester.

Also dropping out of school, Lofquist quits the team after playing in Friday’s game at Wisconsin. The sophomore had played in three of the teams eight games so far this year, missing time with a foot injury and getting replaced in the lineup Saturday by senior Brian Schack.

With the losses of Lofquist and Leddy, Minnesota has just six healthy defensemen heading into this weekend’s series against Bemidji State.

Lucia announced Schack, who replaced Lofquist in the starting lineup last Saturday against Wisconsin, would fill in permanently for Lofquist in the starting lineup at least until freshman Nick Leddy returns from his injury. According to multiple sources Lofquist will be entering the Ontario Hockey League.

Check mndaily.com for further updates as more information is announced.