Minnesota, having spent most of its offseason welcoming players back to the program, has granted the request of one to depart.

Gabe Guertler, freshman forward out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has decided to leave the Golden Gophers men's hockey program after one season. By all accounts, Guertler's decision to leave the program revolved around his desire to join the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Once Minnesota granted his release, the Greyhounds confirmed they had signed Guertler to their club.

Guertler began his first season with the Gophers serving a one-month suspension for being arrested for DWI.

He made his debut on Nov. 8, and skated in 24 games in total on the season. He finished the year with five points, two goals and three assists.

Minnesota has the depth necessary for sustaining the departure, but Guertler vacating his spot presents possibilities for future Gophers forward to join the program earlier than expected.