UM recruit Larson to take year off

About a month ago, it was reported that Minnesota recruit Nick Larson was planning on redshirting this year, as opposed to playing in the USHL after graduating from Hill-Murray High School last year. However, rumors started circulating last week that Larson would take the year off from hockey entirely and not be a part of the Gopher program in any way (i.e. practicing with the team). The Pioneer Press' Bruce Brothers confirmed this in a report in Saturday's paper. From the story:

"As of right now, at least at this time, he's not going to play hockey this year," Gophers coach Don Lucia said Friday, adding that Larson has enrolled at Minnesota but has not been participating in early team workouts.